Instagram is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms. But an increasing number of users also means an increasing amount of content. As a lot of brands are using Instagram as a marketing channel, you should be constantly making sure that your brand’s profile is standing out from competitors.
An effective way to manage this is by creating an Instagram content calendar, which helps in planning and scheduling posts to maintain an engaging profile.
So, when it comes to publishing content, how do you deal with the amount of content that is being published content and a dip in your inspiration?
We’ve gathered over 30 Instagram content ideas, both for posts and Stories, to cure any marketers’ creative block! Each idea is supported with proper example(s) to boost your imagination even further. 😉
Ready? Grab your notebook and start planning!
A list of 30+ Instagram post content ideas
When marketers think of Instagram content they usually think of regular posts or Stories. But there are now more formats, including Live or Reels. Each one offers various opportunities, especially when it comes to the maximum length of videos.
It is usually advised to post various types of content, including creative Instagram posts, to maintain interest and prevent monotony. However, you also shouldn’t force yourself to create content that you don’t feel confident in. Anyway, the truth is, that generally the newest content formats, as it’s now with Reels, are somehow promoted by Instagram itself. So it’s usually beneficial to create them as they can have a great impact on your reach and engagement.
Let’s now jump into talking more about Instagram content ideas specifically.
#1
Exclusive offers, sales or dedicated promo codes
Exclusive offers for your Instagram community are great at making followers feel special. Engaging content on your Instagram page, such as exclusive offers and promo codes, can significantly boost audience interaction. You can also let people know when a sale starts (or let them know in advance before everyone else knows). Another idea is creating a special promo code for your Instagram followers. This will let you know how many clients you’re getting from this platform.
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#2
Quotes
Funny, inspiring, motivating… Since they can be quite rare on Instagram, they still stand out from other types of Instagram content. Add a relevant caption and CTA, and you’ll generate engagement.
You can also quote some of your user reviews, which are great social proof. Sharing user stories will help you build trust among your next potential customers and can attract new followers to your account that will be more willing to consider your products.
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#3
How-to content
Whether it’s a how-to video, multi-image post, video tutorial or recipe, it’s definitely popular on Instagram. Why? Because it demonstrates how to do something in an easy and accessible manner. And it’s useful. So don’t be afraid of preparing your own. You don’t even have to be a filmmaker to create one.
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#4
Behind the scenes
Brands differ from influencers, bloggers, and the average Instagram user. That’s because what they usually show is rigidly planned and scheduled according to a strategy. Sometimes, it’s planned even 2 months before being published. And there is nothing wrong with it. But wouldn’t it be nice to be a bit more spontaneous sometimes? Like “We’re here now, we’re working on this, and it’ll be ready for you soon.” Not only does it give your upcoming content context but it also brings you closer to your audience. You can use an online photo editor to spice the images up and make it look good before posting.
#5
Interviews [or their sneak peeks]
It may not seem so obvious, but yes, on Instagram you can promote this type of content. And in 4 ways, no less:
- Regular post: publish a sneak peek or the most interesting pieces from your interview [this may be up to 60 seconds long].
- Instagram Stories: here again you can publish selected pieces from your interview. Just remember that each Story can be up to 15 seconds long. However, if you add a longer video (e.g. 45 seconds long) Instagram will automatically cut it into Stories. On Stories remember (and advised) to add subtitles to your videos, since so many users watch them with the sound off. How to prepare such a Stories-friendly video? There are lots of free video editing software online which are helpful, even for a beginner. Among them, Filmora is one of the best video editors for newbies that you can easily tailor your video and upload to Instagram.
- Reels: With the Reels format, you can publish the whole interview and then promote it on your profile or Stories.
- Live: are you confident, well prepared, or even spontaneous? Make your interview a live broadcast. Then you can save it and reuse it later.
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#6
Content related to trending topics
Heard of the Ice Bucket or 10 Years Challenge? We all did. Following trending topics like these is an easy way to create new content and try something new. Your audience will appreciate the fresh content.
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#7
Take advantage of real-time marketing
While the trends mentioned above are more long-term, producing real-time marketing content can make you stand out right now. But to get noticed, you have to react quickly and be creative at the same time.
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#8
Your inspiration or recommendation
Just tested something amazing? Read a book, watched a movie, or seen an interview? Something got you truly inspired? Share it with your audience! You can also think of this in the sense of B2B, in which you can e.g. recommend an app, a company, shoutout another business you admire, or even collaborate (cross-promotion). Maybe there’s something interesting going on in your local area to tell your followers about?
#9
Contest or a giveaway
It’s simple: contests engage. Not only are they an idea for content but also a great way to increase your overall engagement and follower base. Encouraging users to tag friends during contests and giveaways can significantly boost engagement and expand your reach.
We’ve already prepared a guide on how to create an excellent and legal contest.
Contest example:
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Giveaway example:
#10
Show the human face of your brand
Share a day from your office, your daily routine, show an event you’re a part of, team integration, taking part in a business run… Show your followers that the people working in your company are real, fun, and cooperative people, and have interests similar to yours. Share all the things you do together, show yourselves getting along and the atmosphere of your team; the good vibes will spread.
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#11
Give your employees some screen time
People always want to know who they’re talking to. By showing off your employees you’ll build trust between users and your brand.
#12
Treat your Instagram profile like a collage
This one requires quite a lot of work, preparation, and proper planning, but it’s worth the effort once you have a great idea. Treating your profile as a single piece will turn it into your own unique showcase. If you don’t want to spend time planning your feed, you can use a collage maker to add variety to your posts.
Here are some other, even more creative Instagram profiles: @rickandmortyrickstaverse, @the_oa
#13
Present your product in an interesting [non-obvious] way
Presenting your product might seem straightforward. But doing it right and making it successful isn’t always so simple. It has to be eye-catching, creative, and it has to make people stop and pay attention.
Even the most basic products that we’re all using on a daily basis can be presented in an appealing way, and doing so is the best you can do to encourage people to buy them.
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#14
… or in a real life, daily situation
You can always create the impression that your products are luxurious. But sometimes, it’s more important to show how they were created for real people and can be used on a daily basis. It’s also important to show them in everyday situations, not just in perfect, stylized photos. People need to know they can use your product on their way to work or right before bed.
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#15
Take advantage of user-generated content
Oh, user-generated content… This is what brands really love. It’s an easy way to get new content. At the same time, users are always eager to make this content for you! And once you share it, they’ll feel appreciated and important. It’s also a clear sign that your brand can be trusted and offer valuable goods.
Just like Daniel Wellington (see below), make it a routine. By creating a hashtag specifically dedicated to this type of content (here: #DWPickoftheDay) and getting your audience accustomed to it, you will always have something to post to fill any content gap.
It’s especially easy to use UGC on Stories. When users add a Story and tag your brand in it, you can directly share it to your Story. Voila! New content published.
#16
Employer branding
You can treat your brand’s Instagram exclusively as an employer branding channel. This is especially useful in technological companies and the IT industry. They don’t often have that much to show on Instagram. So instead, hand over the Instagram profile to your HR department (or consult with them about your strategy) and post job offers, present any programs your company offers, share fun facts about your company, it’s historical moments, advantages of working there, and so on…
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#17
Throwback
It’s always fun to travel back in time for a bit, isn’t it? 😉
#18
Share sneak peeks of what is to come
Let your audience know what’s coming. Whether it’s a new website, new event, new product, new collection, event registration, or anything else, make some buzz! Get people anticipating and wanting it.
Wyświetl ten post na Instagramie.NEW IN | Check check check out our latest arrivals! Find out more at #zarahome stores and online.
#19
… or make a countdown!
This will also make people wait for what is coming and want it even more. Don’t overdo it, however. Making a 30-day countdown may bore or even irritate people. Go for something shorter or send reminders only every 5 days or so.
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#20
Post something funny
You could grab anything funny from the web and post it (and share the original creator’s credentials, obviously!). Or you could make your own content related to your brand or industry. Users will appreciate the latter much more.
Cute cats or puppies are not a ready solution for everyone. At some point, users will get fed up with this kind of content. So, cats and puppies are an option… but only to a certain extent. Using them in the right context can work when done well. Take a look:
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#21
Series
Have a great idea you’re very into? Turn it into a series! Just make sure your audience actually likes that type of content. Using tools like Sotrender will help you find out if they do.
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Pro tip
Use your own hashtag for it too. Something like #PickOfTheDay, #PickOfTheWeek, #MondayMotiation, #ThrowbackThursday, or whatever is relevant.
#22
Share content you’ve posted somewhere else [or already existing content]
Did you publish a new blog post on your blog, video on YouTube, an infographic on Pinterest? Let your Instagram community know about it! Add a direct link in your bio and mark it with #linkinbio in your post. Share a piece of it and a sneak peek on why it’s worth checking out. Then finish your caption with a call to action [CTA].
#23
Share knowledge or tips
This option can be pretty broad. What we’re referring to is sharing valuable and useful content – not only funny or inspiring posts, but useful information relevant to your audience. However, in order to do so, you will need to know your audience pretty well, including their needs and daily problems.
Not sure if you know them well enough? Just ask! And just like that, you have another content idea 😉 Asking a question is a great way to show your audience that you care about their opinion and feedback.
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#24
Show that your brand cares
… about the environment, society, local community, or animals. Nowadays people are more conscious about the world’s problems. They expect more than just good prices and nice products. They want them to have a positive impact on the world. Showing that your brand cares will improve people’s attitudes towards your offering.
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#25
Show how your product is manufactured
This idea may seem more relevant in some industries than others, especially FMCG. You can take this idea as it is or take it in broad strokes, as the sky’s the limit. It will be unique and might be interesting to your audience. The only thing to remember is that you should use easy-to-understand language. No jargon here!
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#26
News
Simple as that. Anything important happening to you is worth sharing. Depending on its importance and appeal, you can share such content either on your profile or Stories. Don’t be scared to be spontaneous and show your real thoughts and feelings.
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#27
Events
Share your hosted and organized events, or the ones you take part in. Just one event offers so many content opportunities! Sharing info about it, registration, behind-the-scenes preparations, summaries, short interviews with participants or keynotes, final thoughts, and invitations for next year. So many possibilities!
#28
Show appreciation for your audience
People like to be appreciated. Your audience, your customers, and your followers can be taken care of in many ways. Some of them we’ve already mentioned, like sharing user-generated content or user reviews.
But you can do so much more! Thank them for their feedback and opinions on specific issues, for their patience when you had technical issues. Ask for their thoughts on a topic you’ve been thinking about, give them something special, or prepare anything they’ve been asking for. Simply treat your audience right.
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#29
Post what your audience can identify with
It’s a great way to get closer to your audience. But to do this, you have to know your target audience really well. You need to address their needs, expectations, problems, and values to win their hearts. You want them to see your brand as the go-to brand. It’s especially easy with clothing or beauty brands, where women speak to women but will work also with automotive brands, for example.
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#30
Share interactive flipbooks
Use a flipbook software to create interactive flipbooks for social media. You can share digital books, guides, or marketing materials like flyers or brochures that you want to present to your audience. You can also show them your products and services in this way and even create digital catalogs with price tags to share their pages on Instagram.
Flipbooks are a great tool for social media promotion that you can easily use on Instagram to create interactive posts that catch the attention of your followers.
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#31
Numbers
There is also nothing wrong with sharing some of your numbers 😉 Numbers always look impressive and many are interested in them. And let’s be honest, you can put everything into numbers: how many employees you have, how many clients, Instagram followers, coffees had this year, and so on…
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#32
Get transparent
Clear and transparent communication with your followers should be your top priority. You should never be afraid about being honest with them, as this is what really matters now on social media. Is anything changing within your product? Are you increasing prices? Did something go not really as it was planned? You shouldn’t try hiding it from your fans! Just take a look at those two examples:
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#33
This or that?
Especially if you have quite many products in your offer, your customers may sometimes have problems with deciding which ones should they choose, which are the best for their needs. Make their life, and choices, easier! Listen to what they are saying and what questions are they asking, as these can be ready ideas for your next content.
Create landing pages using a landing page builder and add the link to your bio. Once people show interest in your products, you want to take them somewhere where they can learn more about it and buy the product.
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Instagram Stories content ideas
Stories is another Instagram format. And let’s be honest; it’s booming! Along with Reels, it’s now one of the hottest content formats, even for brands – Stories hit 500 million daily users and 2 million advertisers! What numbers!
While you can certainly use all the ideas mentioned above with Stories, there are several that work especially well in this 1080 x 1920 format.
What can be done exclusively on Stories is:
- More comprehensive graphics or even infographics – just make sure they are readable. While simple graphic design can be posted on your profile, anything with a bit more text won’t look good and bring much value. Leave that for Stories or other social media platforms.
- Boards, such as seasonal ones. They are a great way to engage people and reach new ones.
Instagram Stories boards
- Instagram takeovers with an influencer, celebrity or any other person who is relevant to your target audience. If you pick the right person, you’ll get an amazing amount of views.
- Q&A live sessions. It’s an easy way to answer any questions your audience may have. Make sessions on a specific topic or make it an open chat where users can ask questions. Recently, such Q&As are even more convenient to run thanks to the introduction of the Question Sticker.
- Live – tour your office, share an event or quick update, relevant news, or a spontaneous chat… Anything that comes to your mind 😉
Which of your content does your audience like the most?
There are so many things that can be posted on Instagram! But are all of them equally liked by your audience? Probably not. That’s why it’s worth checking how your content is performing and how engaging it is to Instagram users. Creating content that appeals to Instagram users is crucial for optimizing your Instagram strategy and driving even better results.
You can monitor that easily by using Sotrender, a social media analytics app.
Start by heading to your Top Posts published over a given period of time.
Top performing posts, Sotrender
The same can be done with Stories.
Top Stories, Sotrender
In both cases, you can sort posts by the metrics available, such as reach, impressions, and so on.
Top Stories sorted by impressions, Sotrender
Here, keep an eye on two more Instagram Stories metrics.
- Replies. Are users replying to your Stories? If they are, it means your content is engaging. Remember that the algorithm is aware of everything, so it’s also important for you to answer those DMs.
- Exits. While a high number of replies is a good thing, with exits it’s just the opposite. When users exit your Stories often, it means your content isn’t interesting enough. Analyze why.
When it comes to post-related metrics, there are also saves. Are you analyzing if users are saving your posts? If so, you’ll want to know 😉
If they are, it means they like what you’re posting. It’s a clear sign you should invest more time in producing similar content.
Check whether users are saving your posts
No more excuses for creative block
Maria Fintanidou
Klaudia Żyłka
