In social media marketing, Instagram stands out as a powerhouse, constantly evolving to meet the needs of brands and influencers. One such evolution is the rebranding of branded content ads to Instagram Partnership Ads, ushering in a new era of collaboration and amplification. In this article, we unveil six strategies to leverage Instagram Partnership Ads effectively and harness the potential of collaborative content.

Understanding Instagram Partnership Ads: The Evolution
Instagram Partnership Ads, introduced in May 2023, signal a shift in the way brands can showcase collaborative efforts with influencers and partners. This rebranding aims to encapsulate the essence of content amplification through partnerships, providing a broader scope beyond the previous limitations of paid partnership content.
In the past, branded content ads were confined to supporting paid partnership content. However, the revamped Partnership Ads now empower brands to promote a diverse range of User-Generated Content (UGC), including Instagram stories with the Paid Partnership label and posts with collaboration tags. Let’s explore the newfound opportunities this transformation brings.
Why Choose Partnership Ads?
According to Instagram, the inclusion of Partnership Ads in your sponsored content library yields impressive results. Recent studies indicate a significant boost in click-through rates (53%) and a decrease in cost per action (19%) when campaigns incorporate both traditional ads and partnership ads. This data underscores the value of integrating collaborative content into your marketing strategy.

Six Ways to Leverage Instagram Partnership Ads:
- Paid Partnerships:
If your organization engages in influencer marketing, where partners are compensated for their content, paid partnerships become a cornerstone of your promotional strategy. By utilizing the Paid Partnership tag, influencers highlight content for which they receive payment or free products and services. This form of collaboration allows brands to actively shape the concept and messaging, aligning with business goals. - Instagram Collabs:
Instagram collaborations go beyond compensation, focusing on joint efforts to achieve shared goals. These collaborations often provide mutual value to both brands and creators. Whether it’s co-branded giveaways or cross-promotional initiatives, collaborations can significantly enhance brand awareness and reach. - Product Tags:
If your brand has an active Instagram shop, any user can tag your products in their content. Utilizing third-party content with product tags in your ad campaigns provides genuine opinions and adds an authentic feel to your marketing efforts. It also serves as social proof, showcasing that people like your audience are engaging with your brand. - People Tags:
Users can tag your brand in UGC, offering a valuable way to showcase lifestyle content. This type of content, which doesn’t require an eCommerce setup, adds authenticity to your campaigns and appeals to a broad audience. It’s an excellent option for various businesses on Instagram. - Mentions:
Content that mentions your brand can now be seamlessly integrated into ad campaigns. This type of user-generated content (UGC) provides social proof and relatable lifestyle content. Incorporating mentions in your paid campaigns has shown to increase click-through rates (CTRs) and decrease cost per actions (CPAs). - Expanded Partnership:
The beauty of Instagram Partnership Ads lies in the independence of creators to develop creatives. However, an expanded partnership allows brands to exert more control over the creative process while leveraging the influencer’s influence. This is ideal when a balance between creative control and influencer collaboration is sought.
Setting Up Instagram Partnership Ads:
To embark on the journey of Instagram Partnership Ads, securing account- or post-level permission is essential. For post-level permission, influencers can use the Paid Partnership label when posting content, which enables boosting by default. Account-level permission, facilitated through Meta’s Ad Partnerships tool, grants broader access to influencer content, offering more control over the creative process.
Conclusion: Embracing the Future of Collaboration
In conclusion, Instagram Partnership Ads open a myriad of opportunities for brands and influencers alike. By seamlessly integrating collaborative content into your ad campaigns, you not only amplify your reach but also create an authentic connection with your audience. As the social media landscape continues to evolve, embracing these partnership ad tools ensures your brand stays at the forefront of innovation, fostering meaningful collaborations and optimizing your marketing endeavors.