The Instagram Collab feature is a true boon for influencers, brands, and creators. The function allows for the same post to be shared by multiple accounts and thus visibility, engagement, and attribution are shared among the users. But what if you forget to add a collaborator before posting? Can you add a collaborator after publishing the post? Wrap your head around this all!
Can You Add an Instagram Collaborator After Posting?
Short answer, no—Instagram does not allow for adding a collaborator post-publication any longer. To utilize the Collab feature, you must add collaborators before hitting the Publish button. But do not fret! Workarounds are available to ensure coordination on the post even after it goes live.
Workarounds to Add a Collaborator After Posting
Tag the Collaborator Manually
The most straightforward way to give someone credit after posting is to tag their account in the post. Although it will not show up on the profile like an official Collab post, it guarantees visibility for the tagged account.
How to tag someone after posting:
- Go to the post in your profile.
- Hit three dots in the upper corner.
- Select Edit.
- Hit Tag Persons and select the account of your collaborator.
- Hit Done and save the changes.
This is an immediate fix for followers to see who worked on the post, if not an official collaboration.
Repost the Entry as a New Collab Entry
This option will be effective, more so if it is necessary to delete the original post. A new post will then be created using the Collab feature. The downside to this is that the likes and comments will not transfer over. The excellent upside to this choice is that it guarantees that the collaboration will be done right.
Steps for posting these with collaboration:
- Delete the existing post (which is optional but necessary for official Collabs).
- Re-upload the image or video.
- Before posting, tap Tag People > Invite Collaborator.
- Search and select the collaborator’s Instagram handle.
- Now post and wait for their acceptance!
This gives equal credit and visibility to both accounts.
Share on Your Instagram Stories to Give a Nod to the Collaborator
Another alternative, if you’d like to avoid deleting and reposting, would be to share your post on your Instagram Story as a way of tagging the collaborator.
To see the steps of how to share on Stories:
- View the post.
- Click on the paper airplane icon below the post.
- Select Add to Your Story.
- Use the @mention sticker to tag the collaborator.
- Boom! Now share it to your Story.
It is not as effective as an official Collab post, but it does offer a shoutout to your collaborator.
Edit the Caption to Tag the Collaborator
An easier solution is to edit your caption to include the handle of the collaborator.
To edit your caption:
- Find your post.
- Tap the three-dots menu > Edit.
- Add a line in the caption like: “Created in cooperation with @username”.
- Save.
This way, your followers will know who collaborated in creating this content.
If You Add a Collaborator Before Posting, What Happens?
Knowing why the Collab feature on Instagram is so powerful is the next thing to understand. If you add a collaborator before posting:
- The post gets shown in both users’ feeds.
- Engagements (likes, comments) are shared among the two accounts.
- Both accounts get equal credit for the content.
Since you cannot add collaborators after the post is made, it pays to plan.
Tips for Great Instagram Collaboration
It is best to enter into collaboration with the proper preparation. Here are some recommendations:
- Talk about the collab: Agree on all pertinent details before creating any content.
- Confirm usernames: Be certain you are tagging the right account.
- Friendly for collaborations: Reels and feed posts are best for Collab features.
- Check before posting: Make sure the collaborating partner would accept the request.
Upon Posting on Instagram, No Add-Ed Collaborator
- Plan collaborations early for issues prevention.
- Post on ca ollab with Instagram.
FAQs
Can I add a collaborator after posting on Instagram?
No. It makes no sense to say you must add a collaborator before publishing on Instagram.
What if I forgot to add a collaborator to the post?
You can tag them in the post, edit the caption to mention them, share the post in Stories, or delete and repost using the Collab feature.
Can I remove a collaborator from a post?
Yes, you can remove a collaborator by editing the post and removing them from the Invited Collaborators list.
Does Collab work on all types of posts?
No. It works only with feed posts and Reels and not with Stories or IGTV videos.
Conclusion
Frustration in collaborating on edits of work posts but, with these workarounds, all your work will find its recognition. The next time, just remember to put the collaborators in before posting!