Instagram* Collab Post: How to Create, Accept or Remove
An Instagram* collab post is one piece of content shared across two or more profiles, with the same likes and comments. Each collaborator’s audience can see it, and everyone who accepts the invite is credited as an author.
Wondering how to collab on Instagram*? On your phone or tablet, create a feed post, carousel, or Reel, then choose “Tag people” → “Invite collaborator”, select the partner, and tap “Done”. They’ll receive an invitation in their DMs and can choose whether to join.
What is an Instagram* Collab, and how is it different from tagging?
Collabs let the original creator invite another account to share authorship of a post. Once the invitation is accepted, the content appears on the collaborator’s profile grid and can reach their followers.
| What happens? | Collab post | Tagged post | Mention |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shown to your followers as your post? | Yes, after you accept | No | No |
| Are you listed as an author? | Yes | No | No |
| Must you accept an invitation? | Yes | No; tags may require manual approval if enabled | No |
| Where does it appear? | On your profile grid | In your tagged-posts area, subject to approval settings | Not as your own post |
If the goal is to reach two communities with one shared post, use Collabs. To give the shared post a visible start with a new audience, you can add Instagram* reach — it doesn’t replace good content or a relevant partner.
How to collab on Instagram*: step by step
Make a joint feed post or carousel
You can add a collaborator on Instagram* through the iPhone, Android, or iPad app. Not on computers.
Prepare your image or carousel and write a caption that makes sense for both audiences.
Before publishing, tap “Tag people”.
Select “Invite collaborator”.
Search for your partner’s account and tap it.
Tap “Done”, then publish. The invitation will arrive in your partner’s DMs.
Before posting, confirm which account will publish the original, check the partner’s username, and agree on the caption.
How to make an Instagram* Collab Reel
The steps are the same for Reels. Prepare your video and, on the Reel publishing screen, go to “Tag people” → “Invite collaborator”, choose the other account, and tap “Done”. After they accept, the Reel appears on both profiles, with shared reactions and comments.
Can you add a collaborator after posting?
The reliable method is to invite your partner before publishing. The help instructions do not guarantee adding someone later.
Open the published post and check “Edit” → “Tag people”. If you see “Invite collaborator”, you can use it there. If that option isn’t available, the practical fallback is to republish the content with the collaboration invitation included from the start.
Can you collaborate on Instagram* Stories?
No. You can mention another account in a Story, but Stories don’t support Collabs. Use a feed post, carousel, or Reel when you need a true collaboration.
How to accept or decline an Instagram* collab invite
If someone has invited you to co-author a post, the invitation arrives in your DMs.
Tap “Messages” at the bottom of the screen.
Open the conversation containing the invitation.
Tap the invitation, then “Review”.
Choose “Accept” to join the post or “Decline” to turn down the invitation.
Once you accept the collab invite, your name appears as a co-author, the publication is available to your followers, and it appears in your profile grid. You can also see its likes and comments.
How to remove a collaborator or leave an Instagram* Collab
The original author can remove someone, while a collaborator can leave. Neither action deletes the original post from the author’s profile.
If you created the post: remove a collaborator
Open the post and tap “Options” (⋯) in the top right.
Choose “Edit”, then “Tag people”.
Tap “Remove” next to the collaborator’s name.
Tap “Done” and follow any remaining on-screen instructions.
Still preparing the post? You can remove an invited account before publishing: go to “Tag people”, tap “Remove” beside the name, then “Done”.
If you were invited: leave the collab
Open the shared publication.
Tap “Options” (⋯) in the top right, then “Stop sharing”.
Follow the instructions and confirm “Stop sharing”.
The post remains on the original author’s profile.
Why can't I invite a collaborator on Instagram*?
If “Invite collaborator” is missing or the partnership won’t work, check these common constraints before reposting.
You’re using a computer. Collab invitations are supported in the Instagram* app on iPhone, Android, and iPad, not on desktop. Switch to the mobile or tablet app.
Your account is private and the partner doesn’t follow you. A private account can collaborate with accounts that follow it.
You already invited five collaborators. Five is the limit for one post.
One account has blocked the other. Blocking between author and collaborator ends an existing Collab.
You’re posting a Story. Stories allow mentions, not collaborator invitations. Create a feed post or Reel instead.
Collab access was restricted. Accounts that violate Community Guidelines can lose access to collaborative posts.
If none of these applies, update the Instagram* app and check the “Tag people” → “Invite collaborator” path again.
Instagram* Collab rules to know before you publish
Who is the main author? The account that creates the post remains its original author. Collaborators can leave, but only the author can delete the publication. If either the author or a collaborator blocks the other, their collaboration ends and the post stays on the author’s profile.
Deleting the post. If the original author deletes it, the publication disappears from collaborators’ profiles too.
Deactivating the author’s account. If the author deactivates their account, the post disappears from both profiles. If the account is reactivated, the shared publication returns to both profiles.
Making the original author’s account private. If the author switches to a private account, only that author’s followers can see the publication.
Working with private accounts. A public account can invite public or private collaborators. A private account can collaborate with accounts that follow it. If a public account accepts an invitation from a private author, the post becomes available to everyone through the public collaborator. A private collaborator’s name is visible, but following that account requires a request.
Community Guidelines. Violations may result in the post being removed, measures against both the author and collaborators, and loss of access to Collabs.
How to get more from your Instagram* collab post
A successful joint post starts with audience fit. Choose a partner whose followers have related interests but aren't simply the same people you already reach.
Agree on the purpose. Choose one useful takeaway, product demonstration, or question the post will answer.
Choose the publisher and timing. Decide who creates the original post, when it goes live, and when the partner will be ready to accept.
Introduce it from both accounts. Each partner can mention the new post in Stories using a consistent message about why followers should open it.
Answer comments together. Split questions between the creator and brand.
Review the response. Look at relevant comments and saves, not just likes.
For an initial visibility push, boost-like offers Instagram* reach services: post views from ₽5 per 1,000, profile visits for ₽9, photo reach for ₽13, impressions with reach for ₽14, and post saves from ₽20. This adds visible activity, not guaranteed organic reach.
You can also order Instagram* likes from ₽67 per 1,000, likes with a guarantee from ₽99, or likes from real Russian users for ₽624. Free trial likes are available. For video content, Reels views start at ₽9 per 1,000.
To order, supply the publication link and the quantity; you don’t need to share your account password. Because a Collab is one post, likes and views attached to that post are visible across the participating profiles. If a Reel barely gets views, check the content first — see why Instagram* Reels don't get views.
FAQ: Instagram* collaborations
Can I add a collaborator after publishing?
Open “Edit” → “Tag people”. If “Invite collaborator” is available, use it. Otherwise, the reliable option is to publish the post again and send the invitation during creation.
Can I create a Collab in an Instagram* Story?
No. You can mention another account in a Story, but that doesn’t create a shared post. Use a feed post, carousel, or Reel for co-authorship.
How many collaborators can I add?
You can add up to five collaborators to a single publication.
Can I invite a private account?
Yes. A public account can invite a private account. A private account can collaborate with accounts that follow it. A private collaborator’s name is visible on the shared post, but people must request to follow that account.
What if the original author deletes the post?
It disappears from the collaborators’ profiles as well. Deactivation hides it from both profiles until reactivation.
Can I make a collab post from a computer?
No. Instagram* Collabs are available through the Instagram* app for iPhone, Android, and iPad, not desktop.
Final takeaways
To create an Instagram* collab post, choose “Tag people” → “Invite collaborator” before publishing a post or Reel. Your partner can accept the invitation in DMs, while either side has a way to end the collaboration afterward. Agree on the concept and timing first. For an initial push, explore Instagram* promotion with a good partnership plan.