Introduction
As one of the biggest social media platforms in the world, over 1 billion users are active on Instagram every month. Therefore, it’s an essential place for businesses and creators to connect with new audiences and grow their brands. However, with so many posts shared every day, it can be hard to get noticed.
That’s where Instagram’s “Boost Post” feature comes in. It’s a simple way to make sure your content gets seen by more people. But the big question is: does boosting posts on Instagram work?
In this guide, we’ll answer this question and explain it step-by-step, including the benefits, downsides, and tips for making the most of it. Let’s find out if boosting is the right move for you!
What is Boosting a Post on Instagram?
Boosting a post on Instagram is a paid feature launched by the Instagram official that helps your content reach more people beyond your current followers. It’s a quick and easy way to turn a regular post into a sponsored ad that appears in the feeds of a larger audience.
Depending on Instagram’s placement settings, such as location, interests, age, and gender, boosted posts can show up in users’ main feeds, Stories, or even the Explore page. This gives your content multiple opportunities to stand out and helps you attract new followers, increase engagement (likes, comments, shares, etc.), and drive traffic to your profile or website.
Does Boosting Posts on Instagram Work?
To be honest, there is no definite answer to this question. Boosting posts on Instagram can be a great way to get your content in front of more people and increase engagement. However, it does not always work because going viral is the result of many factors. Let’s look at the benefits and limitations of boosting posts to help you decide.
Benefits of Boosting Instagram Posts
Increased Visibility
Boosting is one of the easiest ways to make sure your post is seen by more people, including those who don’t follow you. It helps your content reach new audiences, which can be valuable for growing your presence.
More Engagement
Boosted posts often get more likes, comments, and shares than regular posts if they are high-quality. This can make your account appear more active and interesting, encouraging others to engage with your content, too.
Drive Traffic
If you’re promoting a product, website, or event, boosting can help drive clicks to your profile or website. It’s a simple way to get more eyes on your offering.
Easy to Use
The Boost Post feature is very beginner-friendly. You can set it up directly in the Instagram app in just a few taps, even if you’re not experienced with ads.
Customizable Targeting
Boosting allows you to target your audience by location, interests, age, and gender. This means you can show your content to the people most likely to be interested in it.
Flexible Budgets
You have complete control over how much you want to spend. Whether your budget is small or large, you can set the amount that works for you and adjust it as needed.
Limitations of Boosting Instagram Posts
Limited Targeting Options
While boosting offers some targeting options, they’re not as advanced as what you’d get with Instagram ads through Meta Ads Manager. If you need detailed audience targeting, boosting might not be enough.
Short-Term Results
Boosting works while it’s running, but once it ends, your post’s reach and engagement usually return to normal. Therefore, it’s not a long-term strategy for growing your account.
Can Be Costly
Although boosting starts at a low cost, frequent boosts can add up quickly. The expenses may outweigh the benefits if you don’t see clear results.
Is Boosting Worth It?
Boosting posts on Instagram works well if you’re looking for quick results, like promoting a product, event, or special offer. It’s also a good option if you’re new to advertising and want an easy way to get started. However, for long-term growth or more precise targeting, you might need a more advanced strategy, like running Instagram ads through Meta Ads Manager or focusing on organic growth by making quality content.
How to Boost a Post on Instagram
Boosting a post on Instagram is a simple way to expand your reach and attract more attention to your content. However, to make the most of it, you need to understand when to boost and follow the correct steps. Here’s everything you need to know.
When Should You Boost an Instagram Post?
Boosting works best when you have a specific goal in mind. Here are some ideal situations for boosting:
- High-Performing Posts: If a post is already doing well in terms of likes, comments, and shares, boosting it can amplify its reach.
- Time-Sensitive Content: For promotions, events, or announcements with a deadline, boosting can create quick visibility.
- New Product Launches: Boosting posts about new products or services can attract potential customers.
- Underperforming Posts with Potential: If a post hasn’t reached as many people as expected but has engaging content, boosting can help give it a second chance.
- Targeting a Specific Audience: Boosting is useful when you want your post to reach people in a particular location, age group, or with specific interests.
Step-by-Step Tutorial: How to Boost an Instagram Post
Step 1: Switch to a Professional Account:
You need a Business or Creator account to boost posts. To switch:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the menu (three lines) in the top right corner.
- Select Settings > Account > Switch to Professional Account.
- Choose a category and complete the setup.
Step 2: Choose a Post to Boost:
Select a post from your feed that aligns with your goals. Posts with clear visuals and a strong message work best.
Step 3: Tap “Boost Post”:
Below your selected post, you’ll find the Boost Post button. Tap it to start the boosting process.
Step 4: Set Your Goal:
Instagram will ask you to choose a goal:
- More Profile Visits: Ideal for growing followers.
- More Website Visits: Use this if you want to drive traffic to a link.
- More Messages: Great for businesses looking to generate inquiries or leads.
Step 5: Define Your Audience:
Instagram gives you two options:
- Automatic: Instagram targets people similar to your followers.
- Custom: You set the audience based on location, interests, age, and gender. Be specific to ensure your content reaches the right people.
Step 6: Set Your Budget and Duration:
Choose how much you want to spend and how long the boost will run:
- Budgets can start as low as $1 per day.
- Duration can range from 1 to 30 days.
- Instagram will estimate your potential reach based on these settings.
Step 7: Review and Submit:
Double-check your settings, including the post, audience, and budget. Once satisfied, tap Boost Post to launch your campaign.
Step 8: Monitor Performance:
Use Instagram Insights to track metrics like reach, engagement, and clicks. This will help you evaluate the success of your boost.
Instagram Boosting vs. Ads: What’s the Difference?
Boosting a post and running ads on Instagram might look similar at first, but they’re designed for different purposes and offer different levels of control. Let’s dive into the key differences so you can decide which one suits your needs.
Ease of Use
Boosting a post is the simpler option. All you have to do is pick a post you’ve already shared, tap the “Boost Post” button, set your budget and audience, and you’re good to go. It’s perfect for beginners, creators, or small businesses that want to quickly reach more people without spending too much time on setup.
Instagram ads, however, are managed through Meta Ads Manager. This tool offers much more flexibility but can feel overwhelming if you’re new to advertising. You’ll need to take the time to learn the platform, but it’s worth it if you’re looking for more control and advanced features.
Creative Flexibility
Boosted posts are limited to what’s already on your Instagram profile. You can’t edit the visuals, captions, or format when boosting a post—it’s simply a way to promote the content you’ve already created. This can work well for posts that are already performing well organically but doesn’t leave room for customization.
Instagram ads, on the other hand, give you complete creative control. You can design new content tailored specifically to your campaign. Whether it’s an eye-catching Story, a multi-image carousel, or a short video, ads let you craft your message to target different audiences more effectively.
Targeting Options
Boosting offers basic targeting tools, such as choosing your audience’s location, age, gender, and interests. If you’re short on time, you can let Instagram automatically target users similar to your current followers. While this is easy to set up, it doesn’t allow for fine-tuned precision.
Ads give you access to advanced targeting features in Meta Ads Manager. You can create custom audiences, retarget people who’ve interacted with your account or website, and even build lookalike audiences to find new users who are likely to engage with your brand. If detailed audience targeting is a priority for your campaign, ads are the way to go.
Goals and Objectives
Boosting focuses on three simple goals: getting more profile visits, driving traffic to a website, or encouraging people to send you messages. These objectives work well if you’re looking for visibility or engagement but may fall short of more complex goals.
With ads, the possibilities are broader. You can choose from a variety of objectives, such as increasing conversions, boosting brand awareness, driving app installs, or encouraging video views. If you’re aiming for measurable business outcomes like sales or lead generation, Instagram ads offer the tools to get you there.
Analytics and Insights
Boosted posts come with basic performance metrics like reach, clicks, and engagement. While these insights can help you understand how your post performed, they’re not detailed enough for deeper analysis or strategic adjustments.
Instagram ads provide more comprehensive analytics through Meta Ads Manager. You can track key metrics like cost-per-click (CPC), cost-per-impression (CPM), and return on ad spend (ROAS). This data allows you to optimize your campaigns and make informed decisions about future advertising strategies.
Budget and Cost
Boosting is budget-friendly, with options starting as low as $1 per day. It’s a great choice for testing the waters or promoting a single post without committing to a larger budget. However, because boosting lacks advanced features, it might not deliver the best ROI for bigger campaigns.
Ads typically require a higher budget to see significant results, but they offer better value for money. With precise targeting, advanced analytics, and customizable goals, ads make it easier to maximize your return on investment, especially for long-term campaigns.
Is Boosting an Instagram Post a Waste of Money?
Boosting an Instagram post can be a smart investment, but whether it’s worth your money depends on your goals, content quality, and how effectively you use the feature. While boosting can deliver short-term visibility and engagement, it’s not always the best choice for everyone. Here’s a closer look at when boosting is worth it—and when it might be a waste.
When Boosting is Worth the Money
Boosting can be a valuable tool if you have a clear purpose and strategy in mind. For example:
- Promoting Time-Sensitive Content: If you’re running a sale, launching a product, or hosting an event, boosting can help you quickly reach a larger audience.
- Increasing Visibility: If your organic reach is low and you want to ensure more people see your post, boosting can give it the push it needs.
- Highlighting High-Performing Posts: Posts that are already doing well organically can benefit from a boost to reach even more people and amplify engagement.
- Targeting New Audiences: Boosting allows you to introduce your content to people who don’t follow you but share interests with your audience.
In these cases, boosting provides a straightforward and relatively affordable way to meet short-term marketing goals, especially if you’re just starting out with Instagram promotions.
When Boosting Might Be a Waste
On the flip side, boosting can be a waste of money if it’s not used strategically. Here are some common pitfalls:
- Boosting Low-Quality Content: If your post isn’t visually appealing or lacks a clear call to action, even boosting it will not make it effective. Users may see the content but will not engage with it.
- No Clear Goal: Boosting without a specific goal—like gaining profile visits or driving website clicks—can result in wasted spend. Always define what you want to achieve before boosting.
- Overusing Boosting: Relying too much on boosting can reduce the organic reach of your other posts over time. Instagram’s algorithm might prioritize your paid content, leaving your unpaid posts less visible.
- Targeting the Wrong Audience: If you don’t define your audience, your boosted post may be shown to people who aren’t interested in your content, leading to low engagement and poor results.
How to Maximize ROI by Boosting Instagram Posts
To ensure boosting isn’t a waste of money, follow these tips:
- Focus on Strong Content: Only boost posts with eye-catching visuals, engaging captions, and a clear message. A compelling call-to-action (CTA) like “Shop Now” or “Learn More” can also improve performance.
- Start Small: Begin with a small budget and test how the post performs. Use the insights to decide whether it’s worth increasing your investment.
- Target the Right Audience: Be specific when setting your audience to ensure your post reaches people who are likely to engage or take action.
- Track Results: Use Instagram Insights to monitor reach, engagement, and other metrics. This will help you understand whether the boost delivered the desired results.
FAQs About Instagram Boosting
Does Boosting a Post on Instagram Get You Likes or Followers?
Boosting can help increase likes and followers, but it’s not guaranteed. When you boost a post, it’s shown to a larger audience, including people who don’t already follow you. If the content resonates with them, they might like the post or even follow your account. However, the results depend on how engaging your content is and how well you’ve targeted your audience.
For example, a high-quality post with a clear call to action, such as “Follow us for more tips!” can attract followers, while a visually appealing image or video is more likely to get likes.
Is It Free to Boost a Post on Instagram?
No, it is not free, but a paid feature that allows you to promote your content to a wider audience. You need to set a budget for your boost, and Instagram will charge you based on the amount you’re willing to spend and the duration of the boost.
If you’re looking for free ways to grow your Instagram account, focus on creating engaging content, using hashtags strategically, and interacting with your audience.
How Much Does It Cost to Boost an Instagram Post?
The cost depends on your budget, the audience you’re targeting, and how long you want the boost to run. Instagram allows you to set your own budget, starting as low as 1 dollar per day.
For instance:
- A $5 budget might show your post to around 500–1,000 people.
- A larger budget, like $50, could reach tens of thousands, depending on your targeting and competition.
Instagram also gives you an estimate of your potential reach before you finalize your boost, so you’ll have an idea of what to expect for your money.
Will People Know If I Boost My Own Instagram Posts?
Yes, people will know if a post has been boosted because it will carry a “Sponsored” label at the top. This indicates that the post is part of a paid promotion. While this doesn’t negatively affect the content, it does make it clear to viewers that you’ve paid to increase its visibility.
Conclusion
So, does boosting a post on Instagram work? The answer is yes—but only when used strategically. Boosting can increase visibility and engagement and even attract new followers or drive website traffic, but it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Its effectiveness depends on your goals, the quality of your content, and how well you target your audience.
While boosting is a simple way to promote your posts, it’s best used as part of a broader Instagram marketing strategy that includes organic growth and more advanced ad campaigns when needed. By understanding its benefits and limitations, you can decide when and how to use boosting to maximize your results.
