Mar 3, 2025
11 MIN READ
Instagram
Instagram

Sponsored Post on Instagram: Everything You Need to Know

Sponsored Post on Instagram: Everything You Need to Know

Sponsored Post on Instagram: Everything You Need to Know

Aishwarya Taskar
Aishwarya Taskar
Aishwarya Taskar
Aishwarya Taskar

Content Marketer @impulze.ai

Blog in Short ⏱️

Blog in Short ⏱️

A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.

A quick glance at the highlights—perfect for when you're short on time.

  • A sponsored post on Instagram is a paid ad that blends in with regular posts, helping brands reach a broader or more specific audience. There are two types: boosted brand posts, and paid sponsorships with influencers.

  • Instagram advertising offers brands the tools to refine targeting, ensuring their posts are seen by the right people at the right time.

  • Brands can choose from various types of Instagram paid ads, such as image, video, carousel, collection, and shopping ads, each with advantages for different marketing goals.

  • The cost of running Instagram ad campaigns varies, with businesses spending anywhere from $0.50 to $1 per link click, depending on targeting and bidding models. Influencers charge businesses based on the number of their followers. 

  • Businesses should use Instagram’s tools to define audience parameters to create targeted sponsored content and work with influencers to amplify the content. 

  • impulze.ai  can help you find influencers that match your target audience and simplify influencer outreach for you, making running sponsored ads on Instagram easy. 

If you spend time on Instagram, you must have noticed posts tagged as ‘sponsored’ popping up in your feed. So, what exactly are these sponsored posts? That’s exactly what this blog is about. 

Keep reading to learn about sponsored Instagram posts and how brands can easily create them. 

What is a Sponsored Post on Instagram?

A sponsored post on Instagram is a paid ad designed to blend into a user’s feed, looking just like a regular post. The difference is that it is strategically placed to reach a broader or more specific audience.

There are two main types of sponsored content on Instagram. 

1. Promoted Posts

Also known as boosted posts, these are ads that brands pay Instagram to run. Using Instagram’s ad tools, businesses can fine-tune their targeting based on age, gender, interests, and more. This ensures their message reaches the right audience.  

Such posts usually show the word ‘sponsored’ under the brand’s Instagram handle. 


Examples of Promoted Posts on Instagram


2. Paid Sponsorships

This is when brands partner with users, usually influencers, to promote their products or services. Partnering with the right influencers helps brands put their content in front of potential customers who might not have discovered it otherwise. 


Examples of Paid Sponsorships on Instagram


How to Identify Sponsored Content on Instagram?

Spotting sponsored content on Instagram is pretty simple. The platform has clear guidelines that require users to disclose paid promotions. This ensures transparency, making distinguishing between organic and sponsored posts easy. 

Here are a few key indicators to look for:


A skincare brand’s sponsored post with an influencer


1. Check for the ‘Sponsored’ Label

Instagram marks paid posts with a "Sponsored" tag, usually placed near the account name at the top. Searching for hashtags like #ads or #sponsored can also help you find these posts.

2. Look for the Paid Partnership Disclosure

To improve ad transparency, Instagram includes a "Paid Partnership With [Sponsor Name]" tag on many sponsored posts. This feature helps ensure that promotional content is clearly labeled and adheres to Instagram’s advertising policies.

3. Spot Brand And Influencer Collaborations

When an influencer collaborates with a brand, both the influencer and the brand’s handles appear at the top of the post. This is another sign that the content is part of a paid promotion.

Types of Sponsored Posts on Instagram

Choose an ad/sponsored post that would be appropriate based on your marketing goals. Here are the five different types of sponsored posts on Instagram: 

  1. Image Ads: These are straightforward and great for highlighting a product or service with a clean, visual approach.

  2. Video Ads: With more engagement potential, these ads allow you to capture attention through motion and sound, though they take more effort to produce.

  3. Carousel Ads: Perfect for telling a story or displaying multiple products in one ad, allowing users to swipe through different images or videos.

  4. Collection Ads: These are ideal for e-commerce brands, providing an immersive shopping experience by showcasing several products within a single ad.

  5. Shopping Ads: Directly link users to product pages, making it easier for them to purchase without leaving the app.  

Benefits of Sponsored Instagram Posts

Sponsored posts on Instagram give brands the power to reach the right audience. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using these posts: 

1. Reach the Right Audience

Instead of hoping your content gets noticed, sponsored posts put your brand in front of the exact people you want to target. Use Instagram’s ad tools to refine by age, interests, location, and more.

2. Boost Brand Awareness

Whether you are launching something new or reinforcing your presence, sponsored posts help introduce your brand to a broader audience that might not have found you otherwise.

3. Drive Engagement and Conversions

Get more likes, comments, and shares while nudging potential customers toward action. Whether it is website visits, sign-ups, or direct purchases, a well-placed ad can move the needle.

4. Leverage Data for Better Performance

Instagram’s analytics let you see what works and what doesn’t. Adjust targeting, creatives, and messaging based on real insights to make sure every dollar spent is working for you.

How Much Does a Sponsored Post on Instagram Cost?

The cost of Instagram ads in 2024 can differ quite a bit depending on a few factors. These include the bidding model you select, whether cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-impression (CPM).

On average, businesses could spend anywhere from $0.50 to $1 per link click. However, several variables can impact the final cost of your Instagram ads. 

Influencers charge brands for ads based on the size of their following. Here are the estimated costs of how much influencers charge for sponsored Instagram posts: 


Estimated Cost of Influencer’s Sponsored Instagram Post


How to Create a Sponsored Post on Instagram?

Any person (or brand) with a public account and above 18 years of age can post content on your Instagram and pay to turn it into a sponsored post.

Use Instagram’s ad targeting tools to reach the right audience. Define your audience based on age, location, interests, and behaviors. You can also create custom audiences using past interactions or lookalike audiences to target users similar to your existing customers. 

After this, you have to pay Meta. To pay Meta, go to Meta Ads Manager, select your Instagram post, set your budget, and choose a bidding strategy that aligns with your goals. Depending on whether you prioritize engagement or visibility, you can opt for cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM). Once your post is approved, your sponsored post will start reaching your selected audience.  



If you want to work with Instagram influencers for sponsored posts, you’ll first have to find the ones whose followers match your target audience, reach out to them, and figure out the logistics of creating and paying for the content. Once you have the content ready, you can post it and follow what’s mentioned above to create a sponsored post. 

Here’s how impulze.ai can make this process easier and more efficient for you. The app can help you quickly find influencers whose followers match your target audience. Its search bar can help you see influencers based on location, follower size, engagement rates, and more. You can then use our influencer report to see information about the influencer’s audience demographics.



The app also allows you to send and track emails to influencers, simplifying the entire influencer outreach process. 

Once your content is ready, paying Meta and setting up the sponsored post is easy. But there are a few important rules to follow. The next section walks you through what to keep in mind.

Why and How to Disclose Paid Partnerships on Instagram?

Disclosing Paid Partnerships on Instagram

Here’s why brands must disclose paid partnerships on Instagram:

1. Legal Compliance

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires influencers to disclose any material connection with a brand clearly. This includes receiving payment, free products, or any other incentives in exchange for a post.If this disclosure is overlooked, both the influencer and the brand could face legal consequences.

2. Maintaining Trust With Your Audience

Being transparent with your audience is essential for maintaining their trust. Always be honest with your customers when you use sponsored posts on Instagram or any other social media platform.  

3. Upholding Instagram’s Community Guidelines

Instagram also expects users to follow its community guidelines, including clearly disclosing sponsored content or brand partnerships.

How to Disclose Paid Partnerships on Instagram?

1. Use Instagram’s Branded Content Tool

Instagram offers a branded content tool that allows you to tag your brand partner. This tag displays ‘Paid partnership with [brand name]’ above your post, making the partnership clear.

2. Include Clear Disclosures in Captions

Adding a direct disclosure in your caption is a good practice even when using the branded content tool. Use terms like “sponsored,” “ad,” or “paid partnership” to make it evident to your audience.

3. Be Transparent in Stories and Videos

For stories or videos, be sure to either mention the partnership verbally or use text on the screen to disclose the sponsorship.

4. Avoid Ambiguous Language

Terms like “thanks to [brand]” or “in collaboration with [brand]” can be too vague. Use words like ‘ad’, ‘sponsored’ and ‘paid partnership’ to clearly signal a paid relationship.

5. Consistency in Disclosure

Make sure every sponsored post, regardless of format, includes a disclosure. 

By sticking to these guidelines, both influencers and brands can ensure they’re legally compliant and maintain their audience’s trust. 

Takeaway

Sponsored ads can be incredibly valuable for brands because they allow you to reach a highly targeted audience, boosting visibility and driving meaningful engagement. 

If you're a brand looking to run sponsored posts with influencers, impulze.ai can help you save time. It can help you find influencers that match your target audience, and with influencer outreach

You can try impulze.ai with a 14-day free trial. Sign up here to get started.

If you spend time on Instagram, you must have noticed posts tagged as ‘sponsored’ popping up in your feed. So, what exactly are these sponsored posts? That’s exactly what this blog is about. 

Keep reading to learn about sponsored Instagram posts and how brands can easily create them. 

What is a Sponsored Post on Instagram?

A sponsored post on Instagram is a paid ad designed to blend into a user’s feed, looking just like a regular post. The difference is that it is strategically placed to reach a broader or more specific audience.

There are two main types of sponsored content on Instagram. 

1. Promoted Posts

Also known as boosted posts, these are ads that brands pay Instagram to run. Using Instagram’s ad tools, businesses can fine-tune their targeting based on age, gender, interests, and more. This ensures their message reaches the right audience.  

Such posts usually show the word ‘sponsored’ under the brand’s Instagram handle. 


Examples of Promoted Posts on Instagram


2. Paid Sponsorships

This is when brands partner with users, usually influencers, to promote their products or services. Partnering with the right influencers helps brands put their content in front of potential customers who might not have discovered it otherwise. 


Examples of Paid Sponsorships on Instagram


How to Identify Sponsored Content on Instagram?

Spotting sponsored content on Instagram is pretty simple. The platform has clear guidelines that require users to disclose paid promotions. This ensures transparency, making distinguishing between organic and sponsored posts easy. 

Here are a few key indicators to look for:


A skincare brand’s sponsored post with an influencer


1. Check for the ‘Sponsored’ Label

Instagram marks paid posts with a "Sponsored" tag, usually placed near the account name at the top. Searching for hashtags like #ads or #sponsored can also help you find these posts.

2. Look for the Paid Partnership Disclosure

To improve ad transparency, Instagram includes a "Paid Partnership With [Sponsor Name]" tag on many sponsored posts. This feature helps ensure that promotional content is clearly labeled and adheres to Instagram’s advertising policies.

3. Spot Brand And Influencer Collaborations

When an influencer collaborates with a brand, both the influencer and the brand’s handles appear at the top of the post. This is another sign that the content is part of a paid promotion.

Types of Sponsored Posts on Instagram

Choose an ad/sponsored post that would be appropriate based on your marketing goals. Here are the five different types of sponsored posts on Instagram: 

  1. Image Ads: These are straightforward and great for highlighting a product or service with a clean, visual approach.

  2. Video Ads: With more engagement potential, these ads allow you to capture attention through motion and sound, though they take more effort to produce.

  3. Carousel Ads: Perfect for telling a story or displaying multiple products in one ad, allowing users to swipe through different images or videos.

  4. Collection Ads: These are ideal for e-commerce brands, providing an immersive shopping experience by showcasing several products within a single ad.

  5. Shopping Ads: Directly link users to product pages, making it easier for them to purchase without leaving the app.  

Benefits of Sponsored Instagram Posts

Sponsored posts on Instagram give brands the power to reach the right audience. Let’s look at some of the benefits of using these posts: 

1. Reach the Right Audience

Instead of hoping your content gets noticed, sponsored posts put your brand in front of the exact people you want to target. Use Instagram’s ad tools to refine by age, interests, location, and more.

2. Boost Brand Awareness

Whether you are launching something new or reinforcing your presence, sponsored posts help introduce your brand to a broader audience that might not have found you otherwise.

3. Drive Engagement and Conversions

Get more likes, comments, and shares while nudging potential customers toward action. Whether it is website visits, sign-ups, or direct purchases, a well-placed ad can move the needle.

4. Leverage Data for Better Performance

Instagram’s analytics let you see what works and what doesn’t. Adjust targeting, creatives, and messaging based on real insights to make sure every dollar spent is working for you.

How Much Does a Sponsored Post on Instagram Cost?

The cost of Instagram ads in 2024 can differ quite a bit depending on a few factors. These include the bidding model you select, whether cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-impression (CPM).

On average, businesses could spend anywhere from $0.50 to $1 per link click. However, several variables can impact the final cost of your Instagram ads. 

Influencers charge brands for ads based on the size of their following. Here are the estimated costs of how much influencers charge for sponsored Instagram posts: 


Estimated Cost of Influencer’s Sponsored Instagram Post


How to Create a Sponsored Post on Instagram?

Any person (or brand) with a public account and above 18 years of age can post content on your Instagram and pay to turn it into a sponsored post.

Use Instagram’s ad targeting tools to reach the right audience. Define your audience based on age, location, interests, and behaviors. You can also create custom audiences using past interactions or lookalike audiences to target users similar to your existing customers. 

After this, you have to pay Meta. To pay Meta, go to Meta Ads Manager, select your Instagram post, set your budget, and choose a bidding strategy that aligns with your goals. Depending on whether you prioritize engagement or visibility, you can opt for cost-per-click (CPC) or cost-per-thousand-impressions (CPM). Once your post is approved, your sponsored post will start reaching your selected audience.  



If you want to work with Instagram influencers for sponsored posts, you’ll first have to find the ones whose followers match your target audience, reach out to them, and figure out the logistics of creating and paying for the content. Once you have the content ready, you can post it and follow what’s mentioned above to create a sponsored post. 

Here’s how impulze.ai can make this process easier and more efficient for you. The app can help you quickly find influencers whose followers match your target audience. Its search bar can help you see influencers based on location, follower size, engagement rates, and more. You can then use our influencer report to see information about the influencer’s audience demographics.



The app also allows you to send and track emails to influencers, simplifying the entire influencer outreach process. 

Once your content is ready, paying Meta and setting up the sponsored post is easy. But there are a few important rules to follow. The next section walks you through what to keep in mind.

Why and How to Disclose Paid Partnerships on Instagram?

Disclosing Paid Partnerships on Instagram

Here’s why brands must disclose paid partnerships on Instagram:

1. Legal Compliance

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requires influencers to disclose any material connection with a brand clearly. This includes receiving payment, free products, or any other incentives in exchange for a post.If this disclosure is overlooked, both the influencer and the brand could face legal consequences.

2. Maintaining Trust With Your Audience

Being transparent with your audience is essential for maintaining their trust. Always be honest with your customers when you use sponsored posts on Instagram or any other social media platform.  

3. Upholding Instagram’s Community Guidelines

Instagram also expects users to follow its community guidelines, including clearly disclosing sponsored content or brand partnerships.

How to Disclose Paid Partnerships on Instagram?

1. Use Instagram’s Branded Content Tool

Instagram offers a branded content tool that allows you to tag your brand partner. This tag displays ‘Paid partnership with [brand name]’ above your post, making the partnership clear.

2. Include Clear Disclosures in Captions

Adding a direct disclosure in your caption is a good practice even when using the branded content tool. Use terms like “sponsored,” “ad,” or “paid partnership” to make it evident to your audience.

3. Be Transparent in Stories and Videos

For stories or videos, be sure to either mention the partnership verbally or use text on the screen to disclose the sponsorship.

4. Avoid Ambiguous Language

Terms like “thanks to [brand]” or “in collaboration with [brand]” can be too vague. Use words like ‘ad’, ‘sponsored’ and ‘paid partnership’ to clearly signal a paid relationship.

5. Consistency in Disclosure

Make sure every sponsored post, regardless of format, includes a disclosure. 

By sticking to these guidelines, both influencers and brands can ensure they’re legally compliant and maintain their audience’s trust. 

Takeaway

Sponsored ads can be incredibly valuable for brands because they allow you to reach a highly targeted audience, boosting visibility and driving meaningful engagement. 

If you're a brand looking to run sponsored posts with influencers, impulze.ai can help you save time. It can help you find influencers that match your target audience, and with influencer outreach

You can try impulze.ai with a 14-day free trial. Sign up here to get started.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a sponsored post on Instagram?

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What is a sponsored post on Instagram?

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What is a sponsored post on Instagram?

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How much is a sponsored post on Instagram?

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How much is a sponsored post on Instagram?

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How much is a sponsored post on Instagram?

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Is it worth it to sponsor a post on Instagram?

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Is it worth it to sponsor a post on Instagram?

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Is it worth it to sponsor a post on Instagram?

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How do I add a sponsored post?

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How do I add a sponsored post?

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How do I add a sponsored post?

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How can I find a sponsored post on Instagram?

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How can I find a sponsored post on Instagram?

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How can I find a sponsored post on Instagram?

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Is boosting a post on Instagram free?

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Is boosting a post on Instagram free?

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Is boosting a post on Instagram free?

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Is impulze.ai free?

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Is impulze.ai free?

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Is impulze.ai free?

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Author Bio

Author Bio

Aishwarya Taskar
Aishwarya Taskar

Aishwarya Taskar is a full-time writer. She has studied journalism and marketing. In her free time, she loves watching films and spending time with animals. You can learn more about her here.

Aishwarya Taskar is a full-time writer. She has studied journalism and marketing. In her free time, she loves watching films and spending time with animals. You can learn more about her here.

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Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.

Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.

Find, analyze, and contact influencers from a database of over 250 million profiles.

Find Influencers Directly on Social Media
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. 

20K+ Active Users

May be Later

Find Influencers Directly on Social Media
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. 

20K+ Active Users

May be Later

Find Influencers Directly on Social Media
Join over 15000+ SocialiQ users who have installed this free Chrome extension to search, analyze, save, and contact influencers directly on TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. 

20K+ Active Users

May be Later