From Instagram-dedicated photo pits at fashion week to cult favorite facial cleansers inspired by Instagram comments, the latest Instagram innovations highlight the ways in which brands are leveraging the platform to generate organic buzz, despite ever-increasing saturation within the lifestyle blogging medium.
Sonic Drive-In ran an experiential campaign at both Coachella 2016 weekends that let attendees order specially designed "square" milkshakes on Instagram. The user was able to have their milkshake delivered at the event and was aimed at promoting the brand's new premium milkshake menu.
Additionally, the omnipresence of the image-sharing platform can be seen influencing traditional mediums such as print advertising with campaigns, like the TV spot for Menlook that opted to create square-shaped visuals. The Instagram-inspired campaign featured popular users from the platform like Romain Costa, Quyen Mike and Tarek Q.
35 Instagram Innovations
From Instagram-Shoppable Milkshakes to Fashion Influencer Photo Pits:
Rebecca Byers — May 6, 2016 — Tech
35
Graphic Design Cookies
Holly Fox Transforms Her Digital Designs into Edible Artwork
34
Modeling Doll Campaigns
This Campaign Features a Doll of Derek Zoolander and Barbie on Instagram
33
Narrative Experiential Tv Campaigns
This Mr Robot Campaign Sent Fans Hunting for Hidden Cash Drops
32
Top Model Lipstick Collections
The Joan Smalls Lipstick Line for Estee Lauder Includes 12 Shades
31
Custom Dessert Campaigns
Talenti Uses Social Media to Match People to Favorite Ice Cream Flavors
30
Social Shopping Pop-Ups
Tanger Outlets Celebrates Its New Location with Fun Pop-Up Stations
29
Social Media Vending Machines
IHeartRadio's Kiosk Turns Instagram Posts into Free Merchandise
28
Robotic Dating App Stunts
This SXSW Tinder Marketing Stunt Used a Hot Robot to Promote Ex Machina
27
Fashion Influencer Photo Pits
Cadillac Fairview's CF Style Instapit Catered to Bloggers
26
Social Media Travel Guides
The Sherpa App Converts Instagram Accounts into Visual Travel Platforms
25
Athletic Instagrammer Editorials
Stylecaster Profiles Kayla Itsines and Her Athletic Style
24
Hater-Referencing Tour Tees
The Beyoncé Formation Tour Merchandise Calls Out Her Nay-Sayers
23
Interconnected Instagram Videos
Jägermeister's 'Insta-Hack' Plays with Videos on Instagram
22
Instagram-Shoppable Milkshakes
Sonic Will Serve Square Shakes Sold Through IG at Coachella
21
Custom Social Photo Algorithms
This New Instagram Update Could Change the Way Users Post Forever
20
Emoji Analysis Campaigns
Old Navy's Emoodji Reveals Insights Based on Popular Emoji Use
19
Social Media Magazines
Ballantine has Launched an Interactive Whiskey Magazine on Instagram
18
Digital-First Makeup Campaigns
The Makeup Brand NYX Infuses Crowd Sourcing into its Campaigns
17
Instagram-Inspired TV Ads
This TV Advertisement from Menlook is Constructed of Instagram Photos
16
Social Media Billboards
The First-Ever Instagram Advertising Campaign is Launching in France
15
Crowdsourced Beauty Cleansers
Glossier's New Gel Cleanser Was Developed with Help from Fans
14
Rooftop Instagram Stunts
This Nordstrom Instagram Campaign Takes Marketing to New Heights
13
Automated Social Marketing Tools
'Gram Growth' Streamlines Instagram Marketing for Fast Growth
12
Monochromatic Photo-Sharing Platforms
A Black and White Instagram Design is Currently Being Tested
11
Restructuring Social Media Platforms
Instagram Feeds are Changing to Focus More on Relevance
10
Recycled Photo-Sharing Features
The New Instagram Reshare Feature Lets Users Post Others' Content
9
In-App Escape Rooms
The TFSS Instagram Account Hosts an Interactive Escape Room Experience
8
Social Gen Z Platforms
Yoursphere is Customizable Social Media App for Tweens
7
Social Music Mixers
Miller Genuine Draft Created 'RemixGram' to Help Fans Make Music on Instagram
6
Animated Travel Campaigns
Eurostar is Using Creative Instagram Posts to Drive Engagement
5
Quirky Bee Campaigns
This 'Bring Back the Bees' Campaign Removes the Letter "B" on Social Media
4
Future-Focused Social Media Apps
The 'Willy' App Stores Posts and Shares Them in the Future
3
Heart-Sharing Campaigns
Dawca.pl's Health Social Media Campaign Encourages Users to Share Likes
2
Competitor-Tracking Apps
This Unmetric App Allows Brands to Set Up Social Media Tracking
1
Filmic Adventure Campaigns
TSFF's Instagram Lets Users Direct Their Own Story in Silent Film
Related Ideas
Newsstand-Style Pop-Up Series
Uber Eats x ALDI Celebrated Their Partnership with 'The Daily Feed'
Location-Based Social Media Features
Instagram Map Connects Friends Who are Nearby One Another
Connection Platform Experiences
Facebook Debuts at Stagecoach to Target Younger Audiences
Social Media-Inspired Retail Apps
Depop Outfits Lets Users Create Moodboards and Collages
AR-Powered Vending Machines
Snapchat and L’Oréal Made a Gamified Lens to Share Refillable Haircare
Show-Inspired Marketplace Campaigns
Facebook Marketplace x Netflix Launch a Bridgerton Experience
Shoppable TV Ads
Samsung and Amazon Enable Remote-Based Shopping Directly on TV
Luxury Eyewear Pop-Ups
Prada Opens an Immersive Eyewear Boutique at The Grove
Playful Creative Design Billboards
Canva Unveils 3D Billboards to Spotlight its Capabilities
Nutrition-Forward Treat Shop Pop-Ups
Bloom Nutrition Hosted the Very Successful Treat Shoppe
Sauce-Proof Shirts
Shake Shack Created Disposable Fashion Inspired by Tray Liners
Authentic Connection Campaigns
Heineken's Hijack Socialization Encourages Out-of-Home Gatherings
Ice Cream Press-On Nails
Magnum x Naomi Yasuda Partner for Delectable 3D Press-On Nails
Real-Life Mood-Board Transformations
Pinterest Launches the 'Bring My Pinterest to Life' Series
AI Merchant Onboarding Tools
DoorDash Launches Its AI Merchant Tools
Dirty Soda Drive-Thrus
Olipop's Pop-Up Served Spicy Pickle Sodas and Cereal Milk Sodas
Interactive Advertising Installations
Intimissimi's 'Feel the Billboard' Uses Tactile Advertising
Immersive K-Beauty Pop-Ups
TIRTIR Brings Jeju Matcha Skincare to NYC with a Sensory Experience
Ephemeral Photo-Sharing Apps
Instagram Instants App Introduces Single-View 24-Hour Photos
Gamified Condiment Experiences
HEINZ’s Ketchup Blast Turns Meals Interactive
Interactive AR Avocado Scans
Chipotle Launches its 'AvoLotto Lens' on Snapchat
Community-First Beauty Hubs
The Immersive Club MAC Retail Concept Features Experiential Zones
Fashion-Inspired Coffee Events
Starbucks Partnered with NYFW2026 and Hosted a Coffeehouse Rave
Limited-Edition Chocolate Launches
Hershey’s Debuts Winter Games Tie-In On TikTok Shop
Social AI Video Lenses
Snapchat Brings Photo-To-Video AI to Lens Studio
Live Social Shopping Expansions
QVC® Announces New Brands That Will Join Its Roster in 2026
Ice Cream-Sponsored Music Festivals
The Magnum Ice Cream Company Supports Coachella
Immersive Video Shopping Experiences
ASOS Live Blends Creator-Led Content with Real-Time Shopping
Social-First Local Shopping Schemes
Shop Local by Tiktok Shop Makes Homegrown Goods Accessible
Takeout-Style Serum Sets
Glow Hub’s Skin Sips to Go are Packaged Like Cups in a Carrier
Cross-Industry Insight Networks
The Think Party Explores the Future of Socialization
Customer-Starring Billboards
Bobbie's Campaign Spotlights Moms as "the OG Influencers"
Grocery-Inspired SPF Pop-Ups
Beauty of Joseon's Morning Moisturizer SPF Grocery is Experiential
Nostalgic Biy Milkshakes
f’real Partners with Good Humor to Launch a Customizable Beverage
Experiential Marketing Campaigns
MIKE AND IKE, HOT TAMALES, and Marvel Team Up for Campus Tour
Influencer-Driven Fashion Events
Pacsun Collaborated with Prominent Gen-Z Creators
Summery Lip Balm Activations
e.l.f. Cosmetics Spotlights Its Melting Lip Balm at Coachella
Experiential Brand Stores
New Era Creates Interactive Retail Space With Custom Cap Design
Shoppable AR Villages
The Snapchat Winter Village Has Three Immersive Luxury Brand Boutiques
Fashion-Branded Café Experiences
Vogue Blends Retail with Immersive Hospitality Spaces
Analog-Themed Camera Campaigns
Polaroid Launched 'The Camera for an Analog Life'
Wellness Brand Experiences
Pilates and Influencer Events Are Shaping Lifestyle Marketing in Peru
Mobile Beauty Pop-Ups
Henkel’s göt2b Debuts a Citywide Mobile Beauty Experience
24/7 Live Shopping Streams
QVC is Launching an Always-On Shopping Experience with TikTok Shop
AI-Enabled Takeout Services
Uber Eats AI Tools Will Help Embellish Menus for Better Visuals
Cinematic Denim Campaigns
Levi’s Enlists Shaboozey and Matty Matheson to Reimagine Western Staples
Shoppable Beauty Routine Apps
BeautyShelf Helps Users Discover Authentic Recommendations
AI-Powered Shopping Features
John Lewis Launches a TikTok Shop Trial
Eating Ritual Campaigns
Müller You Know How You Like It Celebrates Unique Snacking Methods
Self-Expression Festival Activations
Barbie Brings Customizable Persona-Building to Coachella
Immersive Dairy-Free Summer Campaigns
So Delicious Dairy Free Debuts Dairy Free Your Mind™
Festival Beauty Activations
Medicube Brings Skincare Tech and Experiences to Coachella
Article Product Suggestions
BuzzFeed Teams Up with Shopsense AI to Debut Product Recommendations
Comprehensive Fast Food Reports
Yum! Brands, Inc. Explores Food Trends Influencing the Industry
AI Influencer Platforms
Statusphere Raised $18 Million to Scale Micro-Influencer Marketing
Extra-Vibrant Soda Packs
Poppi's VIBES Party Pack Gives Favorite Flavors a Limited-Edition Look
Interactive Juice Boxes
Suntop's Mega Back to School Campaign Integrates Connected Packaging
Social Commerce Integrations
Ulta Beauty Launches a Creator-Driven TikTok Shop
Burger Ad Campaigns
Burger King’s New Campaign Suggests Even Babies Can’t Resist the Whopper
Youthful Convenience Store Campaigns
7-Eleven is Running the Roll-Up & Refuel™ Initiative
Production-Led Live Commerce Events
P.Louise Launches Get Unteddy With Me on TikTok Shop
Anti-Algorithm Social Platforms
Buzzfeed’s Branch Office Creates Interactive AI-Powered Apps
Throwback Grocery Campaigns
Economic Nostalgia Inspired Instacart's Summer Like It’s ‘99
Curated Discovery Stores
The Shelf Spotlights Emerging Food, Drink and Wellness Brands
Experiential Grocery Campaigns
No Name launches a multi-city grocery goss campaign
Co-Branded Shopper App Partnerships
Grubhub and Instacart Partnered to Offer a Wider Selection
In-App Restaurant Ordering Systems
Châtaigne' Innovative Food Delivery Approach Uses WhatsApp
Easy-to-Use Content Editing Apps
Meta Launched 'Edits' for Instagram Creators on Mobile Devices
Plant-Based Dessert Expansions
Over the Moo Emphasizes Indulgence & Health-Conscious Recipes
Ice Cream Popsicle Campaigns
Häagen Dazs’ Devoured Campaign Sparks Craving Through Absence
Curated Resale Experiences
Poshmark Blends Community Curation with Personalized Shopping
Subway Station Fashion Takeovers
Reitmans Hosts its Spring 2026 Lower Bay Station Preview
Experience-Enhancing POS Retail Apps
MomentScience Reveals MomentApps
Brand-Creator Matchmaking Events
Dhar Mann Studios & Brand Innovators Hosted a Speed Dating Event
Girl Dinner Experiences
Waverly Kitchen + Bar Curates Shareable Comfort Food Plates
Mobile Cafe Pop-Ups
Coach Introduced a Vibrant Coffee Truck in Gotemba, Japan
Nostalgic Branded Pop-Up Events
AriZona Iced Tea Launches a New York City Pop-Up Event
Commemorative Nostalgic Milk Campaigns
The Got Milk? Creators Launch a Commemorative Project
Highly Anticipated Coffee Pop-Ups
NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler Presents the BIGFACE Coffee Pop-Up
Vibrant Cafeteria-Inspired Campaigns
Lunchtime Becomes a Joyous Time in 'The Lunchables Effect'
Communal Social Video Features
Instagram Blend Create Communal Reel Playlists with Friends
Illusory Ice Cream Pop-Ups
Häagen-Dazs Celebrated St. Patrick's Day with an O'Häagen's
Shoppable Reel Features
Meta Expands Reels with Product Tagging on Instagram and Facebook
Shoppable Recipe Collaborations
ALDI and Digitas Launch ALDIfy to Deliver Trendy Shoppable Recipes
Creativity-Celebrating Social Media Awards
The Instagram Rings Award Honors Exemplary Creators
Food-Inspired Street Art
Knorr's Dish Pics Campaign Replaces Unwanted, Unsavory Images
Peer-Powered Gifting Initiatives
indu and SoPost Encourage Customers to Share Samples with Friends
Social Engagement Platforms
Sociable AI Predicts Viral Posts And Generates Brand Aligned Comments
Video-First Food Ordering Experiences
CookUnity Acquired flavrs to Enhance Its Meal Service
Customized Restaurant Campaign Platforms
OpenTable Has Launched OpenTable Media
Emotional Delivery Campaigns
Shipt’s 'No Order Is Ordinary' Campaign Emphasizes Connection
Localized Retail Media Platforms
Snappy Shopper Launches Connect, a Retail Media Network
Experience-Driven Photo Booths
Future Flicks Introduced an AI Photo Booth Feature
Branded App Takeovers
TikTok Introduces Logo Takeover Ads That Dominate the App’s Opening Screen
Post-Game Breakfast Campaigns
McDonald's Flipped Its Ads Sideways for Super Bowl Recovery
AI-Powered Sampling Experiences
Swish is Revolutionizing How Consumers Try New Products
Custom Comment Creators
Instagram Comment Generator Lets You Design Personalized TikTok Replies
Interactive Content Sharing
STIK App Lets Users Publish Content Directly On Physical Products
Shoppable Cooking Platforms
Studiolink Recipe Connects Creators with Monetized Recipe Platforms
Mobile Creator Experiences
Nikon Connects Creators Through Interactive Multi-City Events
Social-First Beauty Retailers
Sally Beauty Joins TikTok Shop
Joyful Protein Milkshake Campaigns
Shake Ya Can by Nurri Spotlights Fun, Approachable Nutrition
In-Store Creator Commerce
Mac Cosmetics Turns Retail Employees into Live-Streaming Creators
Focused Fashion Feeds
Clone Helps You Stay Updated with Fashion Trends Sustainably
Shopping-Friendly Ad Formats
Equativ Shoppable Ads Allow Consumers to Seamlessly Make Purchases
Social Food Delivery Apps
The 'Zesty' App from DoorDash Helps Users Find New Restaurants
Cheeky Cow-Inspired Qsr Campaigns
Chick-Fil-A Continues Its Iconic Eat Mor Chikin Campaign
Purpose-Driven Brand Storytelling Platforms
Hellonation Has Debuted Its Edvertising Model
City-Focused Influencer Platforms
Storytime Launches Storytime Marketplace in Cities
Integrated Drive-Thru Payment Platforms
Square for Drive-Thru Aims to Reduce QSR Wait Times
Social Media Creator Initiatives
Snapchat Launches its Gen Z-Focused Creator Connect Service
Chaotic Milkshake Campaigns
Müller FRijj's Just feel the Urjj Challenges Content Directed at Gen Z
Food-Focused Social Platforms
Flavorist Expands Flavorist Food App Access to the General Public
Instant Commerce Dessert Drops
Gopuff Launches Selena Gomez’s Exclusive Ice Cream Bars
Interactive Streaming Ads
Spotify Turns Listening into Engagement with Carousel Ads
IP-Based Kids Games
Netflix Turns Shows into Play Experiences
Seasonal Reservation Street Installations
Uber UK Launches 'Reserve' by Mother
Attention Economy Agencies
VaynerX Launches Tamara Group to Drive Social-First Brand Relevance
Branded Motosport-Inspired Initiatives
Monster Energy Takes Over Miami for the Miami Grand Prix
Local Story Creators
Word oh Mouth Lets Users Share Experiences And Support Local Businesses
Social Media-Inspired Streaming Apps
The Netflix App Feed Will Introduce a TikTok-Like Style
Real-Time Sharing Apps
MomentsHub Lets You Discover And Share Nearby Experiences Instantly
Expressive App Icons
The Instagram Teen Icons Deliver Vibrant Customization for Younger Users
In-Store Ad Networks
ISM Powers Programmatic Advertising Across Retail Locations
Social Media Sticker Tools
Instagram Comment Sticker Generator Creates Engaging Reply Stickers
Performance-Based Creator Platforms
Picsart Earn Program Pays Creators Based on Engagement
Influencer Marketing Integration
Tevy Connects Instagram Influencers’ Posts to Shopify Products
Shoppable Swimsuits
Sports Illustrated Launches Its Shoppable Swimsuits
Creative Photo Communities
Join the Ad-Free Creative Photo Network Built Into Hipstamatic
Local Shop Portrait Campaigns
Coca-Cola Highlights Bosses Campaign Celebrating 125 Years in UK
Conversational AI Advertising
Snapchat Introduces AI-Powered Chat-Based Brand Interactions
Handcrafted Chocolate-Packed Shakes
MilkShake Factory Introduced Two Rich Menu Items
Purpose-Led Emerging Brands Initiatives
7-Eleven Taps 27 Brands for Its 2026 Brands with Heart™
User-Generated Review Features
TikTok Integrates the New TikTok Shop Review Network
Recipe Sharing Networks
ICanCookFood Lets Foodies Share Recipes And Follow Culinary Creators
AI-Powered Animation Tools
Facebook Adds AI-Powered Animation And Restyle Tools
Creative Media Automation
InstaPhotoAI Generates Custom AI Images And Videos With Flexible Tools
Retail Conversation Marketing Campaigns
Tesco Launches 'Need Anything From Tesco' Platform
Social Sharing Tools
Social Plus Expands Your Reach With Shared Posts Across Platforms
Editable Comment Features
Instagram Adds 15-Minute Comment Editing Option