How to Do a Group Post on Instagram

Collaborating on Instagram can dramatically expand your reach, but the platform's features for creating a group post can seem a bit hidden. Whether you want to co-author a single post with another creator or find better ways to share content with a specific group of followers, this guide will walk you through it. We'll cover the step-by-step process for Instagram's official Collab feature and share strategies to get the most out of your joint content efforts.

What Does a "Group Post" on Instagram Really Mean?

When people talk about a "group post" on Instagram, they're usually referring to one specific feature: the Instagram Collab post. This powerful tool allows you to co-author a single Feed Post or Reel with another account. Instead of two separate accounts posting the same content, one post appears on both of your profiles simultaneously.

Here’s what makes a Collab post special:

• Shared Ownership: The post shows up on the profile grid of both you and your collaborator.
• Combined Engagement: It shares the same set of likes, comments, and view counts. When someone from your audience interacts, a follower from your collaborator’s audience sees that same engagement, and vice versa.
• Dual Visibility: The post is served to a portion of both of your followerships, instantly widening its potential audience.

It’s important to distinguish this from other "group" interactions on the platform, like sending a post to a Group DM or sharing updates in a Broadcast Channel. The Collab feature is the only true way to create a single, co-authored post that lives on more than one profile feed at the same time.

How to Create an Instagram Collab Post (Step-by-Step Guide)

Inviting someone to collaborate is straightforward and integrated directly into the regular posting process. Here’s exactly how to do it from start to finish.

Before You Start: The Ground Rules

Before you tap "New Post", there are a couple of small but important requirements:

• Public Accounts Only: Both you and your collaborator must have public Instagram accounts. Private accounts cannot use the Collab feature.
• One Collaborator: At the moment, you can only invite one other account to be a collaborator on a Feed Post or Reel. You can, however, still tag other relevant accounts in the photo or description.

Step 1: Start a New Post

Open the Instagram app and create a new Feed Post (single image, carousel, or video) or Reel as you normally would. Tap the '+' icon at the bottom center of your screen and select your media. Go through the initial editing steps - applying filters, trimming clips, and arranging your carousel slides until you’re happy with the content.

Tap "Next" to move to the final screen where you write your caption.

Step 2: Tag People

On the "New Post" screen (where you add your caption, location, etc.), tap on the “Tag People” option. This is the same screen you’d use to tag friends in a photo, but with an important added button.

Step 3: Invite a Collaborator

At the bottom of the "Tag People" screen, you’ll see two options: “Add Tag” and “Invite Collaborator.” Tap “Invite Collaborator.”

A search bar will appear. Search for the Instagram handle of the person you want to co-author with and select their account from the list. Once selected, their username will appear on the post, similar to a regular tag, but noted as a collaborator.

You can adjust the position of the tag on the image if you'd like, then tap "Done."

Step 4: Publish Your Post

With your collaborator invited, finish writing your caption, adding your location, and adjusting any other settings. When you're ready, tap "Share."

At this point, the post will go live on your profile only. Your collaborator will receive a notification and a direct message with your invitation to join the post.

Step 5: The Collaborator Accepts the Invitation

Your work is done, but your collaborator has one final, very important step. They need to accept your invitation. They can do this in two ways:

• By tapping the notification they received.
• By opening the direct message from you and clicking "Review" on the collaboration request.

From the review screen, they’ll see an option to "Accept" or "Decline."

The moment they tap "Accept," the magic happens. The post will instantly appear on their profile grid and will begin being shown to their followers. Their username will be added to the post's header next to yours, and all likes and comments will now be fully syndicated between both accounts.

If they don’t accept, the post will remain on your profile as a regular post, with them simply tagged in it.

Why You Should Use Instagram Collab Posts

Integrating collaborative posts into your content strategy isn't just a gimmick, it's a legitimate growth tactic with tangible benefits for creators, brands, and influencers.

Amplify Your Reach & Engagement

This is the most obvious benefit. When you collaborate, you are tapping directly into another account's audience. The Instagram algorithm will show your post to a percentage of their followers in addition to your own, effectively doubling your initial reach. Because the post shares engagement, every comment and like from their audience signals to the algorithm that the content is valuable, which can lead to even wider distribution on the Explore page and hashtag feeds.

Build Authentic Social Proof

A collaboration is a public endorsement. When another respected creator or brand co-signs your content, it adds a layer of credibility that you can't get on your own. For followers of your collaborator, you are being introduced by a trusted source. This makes them more likely to trust you, engage with your post, and even follow your account. It's an organic way of saying, "This person/brand is worth your attention."

Execute Effective & Organic Cross-Promotion

Collab Posts are perfect for brand partnerships or joint ventures. Instead of both parties posting similar-but-different content about the same campaign, you can create one definitive, high-quality post. For example, a fitness influencer and a supplement brand can create a single Reel showcasing a workout using the product. It feels far less like a clunky advertisement and more like a genuine partnership, providing value to both audiences simultaneously.

Strengthen Community and Partnerships

Regularly collaborating with others in your niche helps build strong industry relationships and fosters a sense of community over competition. When you feature other creators, you’re not just growing your own brand, you're lifting them up as well. This goodwill often leads to reciprocal collaborations, shares, and shout-outs down the line, creating a supportive network that benefits everyone involved.

Creative Ideas for Your Next Collab Post

Now that you know the 'how' and 'why', let's talk about the 'what'. A great Collab post feels natural and provides value to both audiences. Here are some ideas to get you started:

1. Co-host a Giveaway

Giveaways thrive on reach, and the Collab feature is tailor-made for it. Partner with a complementary brand or creator to offer a joint prize. The entry requirements can include following both accounts, which makes it a simple and effective growth strategy for both of you. The post appears on both feeds, ensuring maximum visibility.

2. Announce a Partnership or Product Launch

If you're launching a co-branded product or starting a new partnership, a Collab post is the ideal way to announce it. A fashion brand and a designer, for example, could create a carousel post detailing their new collection. It becomes the official announcement, funneling all the buzz and conversation into one place.

3. Share a Different Perspective

Create a Reel or carousel where you each offer a unique take on the same topic. For example, two financial experts could co-author a post titled "Two Ways to Save Your First $10,000," where one focuses on investing and the other on aggressive budgeting. This provides double the value and brings two expert communities together.

4. Showcase User-Generated Content

A brand can use the Collab feature to highlight a fantastic post from a customer or fan. By inviting the creator to be a collaborator, you give them massive exposure while showcasing your product in an authentic, real-world context. It's a powerful form of social proof and a great way to reward your community.

5. Launch a Series Together

Team up with another creator in your niche for a weekly or monthly content series. A food blogger and a nutritionist could create a weekly "Healthy & Delicious" Reel series. The Collab feature ensures that followers of both accounts can easily keep up with the latest episode since it appears on both profiles.

Final Thoughts

The Instagram Collab feature is one of the most effective organic growth tools available on the platform, allowing you to pool audiences and engagement for mutual benefit. By understanding how to invite collaborators and strategically planning your content, you can create powerful posts that build credibility, amplify your reach, and foster a strong sense of community.

Planning these multi-creator posts can take extra coordination. Having a clear view of your content calendar is incredibly helpful for seeing exactly when your big collaborative launches are happening alongside your everyday content. At Postbase, we designed our visual calendar to give you that bird's-eye view, making it easy to drag, drop, and plan your entire strategy - including those important partner posts - weeks or even months in advance.