How to Collab Post on Instagram After Posting? The Definitive Guide
Let’s cut to the chase: you can’t directly add a collaborator to an Instagram post after it has already been published through the standard Instagram app. Once that ‘share’ button is pressed, the post is essentially set in stone. However, despair not! There are some effective workarounds to achieve a similar outcome that will keep your content strategies on track. This article will delve into those workarounds and answer your burning questions about Instagram collaborations.
Workaround 1: Archiving and Reposting as a Collab
The most common workaround involves a bit of a dance: archiving the original post and then reposting it as a new collaboration. While it means losing the original engagement metrics on the initial post, this is often the most effective way to officially establish the collaborative nature.
Step-by-Step Guide to Archiving and Reposting
- Archive the Original Post: Go to the post in your Instagram profile. Tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select “Archive.” This removes the post from your main feed without deleting it.
- Plan Your Repost: Consider whether you need new content, or if you’re able to use the archived content. Make sure you notify the collaborator.
- Create a New Post: This is where it gets interesting. You’ll essentially be recreating the post. If the collaborator needs to be featured, use your original content and then tag the collaborator in the media file.
- Invite Collaborator: Before publishing, tap the “Tag People” option. Select “Invite Collaborator.” Search for and select the account you want to collaborate with.
- Write a Compelling Caption: Craft a fresh caption highlighting the collaboration. This is your chance to re-engage your audience and clearly state the partnership.
- Post and Promote: Share the new collaborative post! Encourage both you and your collaborator to share the post to your stories for maximum reach.
Pros and Cons of This Method
- Pros: Officially establishes the collaboration through Instagram’s feature, potentially boosting reach to both audiences. It allows you to correct any mistakes that were in the original post that led you to want to add a collaborator in the first place.
- Cons: Requires archiving the original post, losing its existing likes and comments. May inconvenience your audience as they may have already seen the post.
Workaround 2: Edit the Caption and Tag Prominently
While not an official collaboration, editing the caption to clearly credit and tag the collaborator can be a useful stopgap. This won’t give the collaborator the co-authored post badge, but it will still highlight their involvement.
Implementation Strategy
- Edit the Caption: Go to the original post and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select “Edit.”
- Tag the Collaborator: In the caption, use the @ symbol to tag the collaborator’s username. Make the tag prominent, for example: “Huge thanks to @collaboratorname for their amazing contribution to this project!”
- Add Relevant Hashtags: Include relevant hashtags to further boost visibility.
- Encourage Engagement: Ask your collaborator to comment on the post, further signaling the partnership to your audience.
Advantages and Disadvantages
- Advantages: Simple and quick. Doesn’t require archiving the original post or losing engagement.
- Disadvantages: Doesn’t provide the official “Paid Partnership” or “Collaboration” badge. May not be as impactful in terms of reaching the collaborator’s audience.
Workaround 3: Sharing to Stories and Highlighting the Collaboration
Another practical approach is to share the original post to your Instagram Story and prominently tag the collaborator there. This can drive traffic back to the original post while acknowledging their contribution.
Steps to Leverage Stories
- Share the Post to Your Story: Go to the original post and tap the paper airplane icon (the share button). Select “Add post to your story.”
- Tag the Collaborator: Use the @ mention sticker to tag the collaborator directly on the story.
- Add Context: Briefly explain the collaboration and encourage viewers to check out the original post.
- Highlight the Story: Create a dedicated “Collaborations” or “Partnerships” highlight on your profile to keep these stories easily accessible.
Pros and Cons of the Stories Method
- Pros: Drives traffic to the original post. Doesn’t require archiving. Offers creative ways to highlight the collaboration visually.
- Cons: Stories are ephemeral (disappearing after 24 hours) unless added to a highlight. May not have the same impact as a collaborative post badge.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Instagram Collaborations
1. Can I add multiple collaborators to a single post?
No, currently Instagram only allows one collaborator per post.
2. What happens when a collaborator accepts my invitation?
Once a collaborator accepts your invitation, the post will appear on both of your profiles and be visible to both sets of followers. Engagement metrics (likes, comments, shares, and saves) will be aggregated.
3. Can a collaborator decline an invitation to collaborate?
Yes, a collaborator can decline an invitation. If they decline, the post will only appear on your profile.
4. Why can’t I find the “Invite Collaborator” option?
Ensure that both you and the person you’re trying to collaborate with have:
- Updated Instagram App: Run the latest version of the Instagram app
- Public Account: Both you and the collaborator need to have a public account, or be following each other, to collaborate.
- Professional Account (Optional): While not strictly required, having a Professional (Business or Creator) account may provide more seamless collaboration features.
5. Does collaborating with someone guarantee increased reach?
While not guaranteed, collaborating often leads to increased reach as the post becomes visible to both your followers and the collaborator’s followers.
6. What are the benefits of using the “Paid Partnership” tag instead of just tagging a brand?
The “Paid Partnership” tag offers transparency to your audience, indicating a commercial relationship. It also provides brands with access to engagement data on the post. Furthermore, brands may require you to use the “Paid Partnership” tag as part of your agreement.
7. Can I add a collaborator to an Instagram Reel after posting?
No, the same limitation applies to Reels. You cannot add a collaborator to a Reel after it’s been posted. You’ll need to archive and repost as a new collaboration if you wish to add a collaborator.
8. Will archiving a post delete all the comments and likes?
No, archiving a post simply removes it from public view without deleting it. When you unarchive the post, the comments and likes will reappear.
9. What if the collaborator doesn’t have a public account?
You won’t be able to officially collaborate with an account that is private, unless you are mutually following each other. You can still tag them in the caption or story, but the collaborative post feature won’t work.
10. Can I remove a collaborator after they’ve accepted the invitation?
Yes, you can remove a collaborator after they’ve accepted. Go to the post, tap the three dots, select “Edit,” then tap the tagged person icon. You should see the collaborator listed, and you can tap the “x” to remove them.
11. Is there a limit to how many collaboration requests I can send?
Instagram doesn’t publicly state a hard limit, but excessively sending collaboration requests may be flagged as spam. It’s best to use the feature judiciously.
12. How do I ensure my collaboration request is accepted?
- Choose Relevant Collaborators: Collaborate with accounts that align with your niche and target audience.
- Communicate Beforehand: Discuss the collaboration with the other party before sending the invitation.
- Create High-Quality Content: Ensure the post is visually appealing and engaging.
- Personalize Your Invitation: Briefly explain why you think the collaboration would be mutually beneficial.
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