While Instagram was once a single-method platform for sharing photos, it has since expanded to allow for more creativity in the ways content creators share their content with their audiences. From interactive stories to engaging Reels and Instagram Live videos, Instagram provides plentiful opportunities for users to connect with their audiences through shared content.
6 Ways to Share Content on Instagram
Because Instagram has multiple ways to share content, brands and creators can engage with their audiences uniquely on the platform. Here are the different types of shareable content you can create on Instagram:
1. In-Feed Posts
In-feed posts are the bread and butter of Instagram as the original and only method of sharing content in Instagram’s earliest stages. In-feed posts show in your grid on your Instagram profile, and other users see them as they scroll through their feeds. Unlike original in-feed posts that only allowed one photo, you can now add multiple photos and video clips with a carousel post, allowing users to scroll through each slide in your post.
These are ideal for storytelling or sharing several photos from one event or trip. It’s also easy to grab attention with an in-feed post through quality, colorful photography.
How to share an in-feed post: Tap the + icon in the top right of the Instagram app, and choose ‘Post.’ Add your photo or video, or choose the ‘Multiple’ icon to select multiple photos or videos for a carousel post. Tap ‘Next’ to edit the post, add filters, and write a caption. Tap ‘Share’ when you’re ready to publish.
2. Reels
Screenshot from @bossbrowsau via Instagram
Reels are video posts on Instagram that are meant to be informative or entertaining in nature, similar to a TikTok video. Reels have a lot of power to increase engagement on your account because they offer such an appealing way of sharing information.
You can make Reels public or share them only with your Close Friends list by choosing that option when you prepare to post your Reel.
How to share a Reel: Tap the same + icon you tap to create a regular in-feed post, but select ‘Reel.’ Create and edit your Reel. When finished, tap Next, edit your post settings, and tap Share.
3. Stories
Screenshot from @thinkific via Instagram
Stories can be photos or video clips. Their interactive elements, like polls, text boxes, quizzes, and emoji sliders, allow your audience to connect with you and your content in fun, collaborative ways. You can take Stories a step further with Instagram Story Ads, which have extra features such as the ability to add a call-to-action (CTA).
How to share a Story: Tap your profile picture in the top left of the Instagram app to add a slide to your Story. Add multiple slides or just one at a time. Edit your slides as needed, and tap the → arrow when you’re ready to post. Choose between posting to all followers or just your Close Friends list.
4. Instagram Lives
An Instagram Live lets you interact with your audience in real time. Those who have subscribed to notifications when you go life will get an instant alert so they can join your Live quickly. Lives are helpful for sharing quick information or connecting on a deeper level with followers.
How to create an Instagram Live: Tap the + icon and select ‘Live.’ When you’re ready to start your Live video, tap the middle button.
5. Collab Posts
A collab post is a post that you share equally with another account on Instagram. Each person included in the collab post shares likes and comments, allowing both accounts to benefit from the post’s engagement. Brands commonly use this method to boost content from influencers they work with.
How to share a collab post: Create a post as you normally would. Before sharing, tap ‘Tag people’ followed by ‘Invite collaborator.’ Tap the account to invite to send a notification for approval. Then, share your post.
6. Advertisements
Screenshot from @joinpathrise via Instagram
Instagram ads can spread the word about a new product, service, or promotion. Instagram lets you set a budget and target a specific audience for each ad campaign.
How to create an Instagram ad: You can boost a current Instagram post or create a new campaign using the Facebook Ads Manager.
Can You Share Posts from Others on Instagram?
Yes, you can share posts on Instagram that resonate with your audience to help you round out your content strategy. However, the sharing process isn’t as simple on Instagram as it is with other social media platforms, like Facebook and Twitter, which allow quick shares with the click of a button.
To share a post on Instagram, you’ll need to use a resharing app, like Repost, to help you add a post from another creator to your feed while still giving the original creator credit. Alternatively, you can share someone else’s post to your Story for your audience to see. Find the post you’d like to share, and click on the share symbol underneath. Then, tap ‘Add to story’ to add the post as a new slide on your Story for your audience to interact with.
Diversifying Instagram Content Types for Best Results
Use a blend of Instagram post types to share content to your audience. Some of your audience might prefer browsing Stories, while others might enjoy Reels and in-feed posts the best. When you diversify content types, you can reach more of your audience with the content they like to consume.
While you’re experimenting with your Instagram content mix, you can build your audience with the Instagram Follow Button. It’s easy to install on your blog or website in minutes and allows your visitors to follow you on Instagram with a simple click.
