Since a picture is worth a thousand words, these creative Instagram marketing ideas are a fantastic way for brands to share stories with consumers, especially as sharing on social media becomes more oriented towards strong visuals over text.
Even though attention spans are short, Instagram by nature is a fast way to grab someone's attention, whether it's in photo or video format. Some of these creative uses of Instagram include taking advantage of the grid view on a mobile device to create collages, flipbook-style animations, app-based shops, auctions or even an elaborate interactive choose-your-own-adventure experience. There's quite a range in how easy or complex it would be to put together these campaigns, but with a little creative thinking, there are plenty of ways to promote a product or service on any budget, which is part of the beauty of social media—plus, there's always the chance that a campaign could go absolutely viral.
46 Instagram Marketing Ideas
From Interactive Mobile Catalogs to Insta-Photo Timelines:
Laura McQuarrie — Jul 19, 2014 — Marketing
45
Puppy-Injected Selfies
This Dallas Pets Alive! Campaign Has Dogs Interrupt Selfies on Instagram
44
Social Media-Sourced Models
These Unconventional Diesel Models Were Spotted on Social Media
43
Instagram-Casted Fashion Ads
The Marc by Marc Jacobs Fall 2014 Campaign Stars Fresh Faces
42
Insta-Wreckage Auto Ads
Toyota's 'Don't Shoot and Drive' Instagram Ad Puts Filters on Wrecks
41
Hashtag Currency Shops
The Daisy Marc Jacobs Pop Up Shop Will Accept Tweets as Payment
40
Paper Doll Lookbooks
Tanya Taylor's Resort Collection Lookbook Features Paper Doll Models
39
Social Media-Sourced Ads
The Land of Nod's May Cover Stars the Adorable and Viral Theo and Beau
38
Social Media-Reserving Car Purchases
The BMW M5 Instagram Promotion Provides Real-Time Buyers Info
37
Hashtag Currency Restaurants
The Picture House by Bird's Eye Lets You Pay with a Hashtag
36
Pop Star Cosmetic Campaigns
Katy Perry's New COVERGIRL Collection is 'InstaGLAM'
35
Unappealing Food Share Campaigns
The #MealForShare Instagram Food Campaign Serves Up Better Eats
34
Selfie-Friendly Hotels
Australia's 1888 Hotel is Instagram-Friendly
33
Social Media-Inspired Shops
The Online Startup 'Keep' Lets You Buy Items You See on Instagram
32
Social Media Coolness Scales
AXE Measures Your Social Media Activity to Tell If You're a Try-Hard
31
Interactive Mobile Catalogs
IKEA PS 2014 on the Move Was Presented in Full on Instagram
30
Instagram-Based TV Premieres
Adult Swim's 'Rick and Morty' Was Launched in Full on Instagram
29
Creative Menu Collages
Pizzeria Libretto Shares Pizza Photos in Bite Sized Pieces on Instagram
28
Social Gambling Apps
This Unibet App Lets You Bet with Social Currency Versus Real Money
27
Perma-Loading Prankvertisements
MTS' Instagram Stunt Highlights the Perks of 4G Mobile Internet
26
Social Media Cooking Shows
This Instagram Cooking Show Teaches People How to Cook in 15 Seconds
25
Social Media Retail Stores
The Paytagz Website Makes a Full Retail Experience Out of Instagram
24
Interactive Social Adventure Games
This Instagram Hosts an Interactive Choose Your Own Adventure
23
Social Media-Based Shops
The Kellogg's Social Media Shop Exchanges Cereal for Instagram Photos
22
Romantic Lock Box Contests
Heineken's Mysterious Date in a Box is Unlocked with an Instagram Photo
21
Crowdsourced Album Art
2 Chainz Put Out a Call on Instagram for Graphic Designers
20
Insta-Photo Timelines
The Toronto Silent Film Festival Turned Its Instagram into a Timeline
19
Photo App-Based Auctions
The Instaheart Charity Auction Takes Place Entirely on Instagram
18
Instagram-Like Food Studios
Mweb’s Dinnercam Takes Your Food Shots to the Next Level
17
Social Road Trip Campaigns
Mazda Canada's 'Long Drive Home' Had a Terrific Journey & Destination
16
Endearing Car Q&A Campaigns
Mini Cooper is Letting Fans to Ask the New Mini Space Questions
15
Photo-Fueled Car Competitions
The Mercedes-Benz' 'Take the Wheel' is a Competition for Instagram
14
Feline Fashion Campaigns
Generation GLAMOUR Unveils Cat Concept Store to Celebrate Feline Fashion
13
Hunger Awareness Campaigns
Unicef's Food Photos Save Lives Campaign Shares on Food Shortages
12
Social Media Movies
Director Thomas Jullien Created a Stop Motion Movie Using Instagram
11
Lipstick Kiss-Collecting Campaigns
This Lush Emotional Brilliance Campaign Aims to Set a Record
10
Social Media Fragrance Campaigns
The Oscar De La Renta Something Blue Tool Promotes Its Perfume
9
Mobile Burger Collages
Burger King France Displays One of the Creative Uses of Instagram
8
Crowdsourced Social Media Songs
This Massive Instagram Campaign Advertises the Nissan Juke
7
Virtual Red Carpet Campaigns
L'Oreal Paris India Helps Girls Everywhere Walk the Carpet at Cannes
6
Instagram Denim Campaigns
The 'InstaShoot SS13' by Paper Denim & Cloth Relaunched the Brand
5
Ice Cream Instagram Ads
The Ben & Jerry's Capture Euphoria Campaign Relies on Social Media
4
Photo-Based Retail Services
Hashbag's Marketplace Service Identifies Items for Sale on Instagram
3
Instagram Movie Promotions
The Social Media -Savvy 'J’Espère Que Tu Vas Bien' Poster Ca
2
Crowdsourced Car-Capturing Videos
This Lexus Ad Campaign Stitched Together People's Instagram Pics
1
Amusing Auto Safety Campaigns
Instabomb by C4 Lounge Shows How to Avoid the Unexpected
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Horror-Themed Phone Campaigns
Samsung's Join the Flip Side Takes Cues from 90s Horror Movies
Subtle Smartphone-Friendly Printers
The Conceptual Samsung Image Box Instantly Offers Keepsakes
AI Product Image Generators
Google Product Studio Uses Generative AI to Create Product Images
Social Post-Catered Editing Platforms
Adobe Express Rolls Out the Text to Template Function
Gen Z IRL Campaigns
Hinge's Phonebook Encourages Gen Z to Connect IRL for Global Day of Unplugging
AI-Generated Ad Platforms
Picsart Develops the New Adpilot Platform to Generate Ads On Demand
Engaging Shelf Displays
Netvisual is Elevating In-Store Advertising with its Shelf Edge Displays
Creative Play Pop-Ups
The Sharpie Studio Offered Opportunities for Creativity at SXSW
Candid Furniture Campaigns
Life is Not an IKEA Catalog Shows a Different Side of Home Products
AI-Generated QR Codes
Coca-Cola Created Enhanced QR Codes with Musical & Visual Elements
Interactive In-Store Ads
Visibubble Brings Mobile Messaging Capabilities to Store Shelves
AI Social Media Managers
Friz is an All-in-One Tool for DTC Brands on Social
Sticker-Creating Social Tools
Instagram Releases a New Sticker Creation Feature for Creators
Gen Alpha Marketing Campaigns
Claire's is Targeting TikTok Growth for its Latest Ads Spending
AR Bracelet Billboards
This Tiffany Lock Bracelet Billboard Virtually Unboxes Itself
Palm-Sized Digital Cameras
The Fujifilm Instax Pal Brings Back the Spontaneity of Photography
Inspiring Multi-Shop Pop-Ups
Pinterest's Possibility Place Immerses Guests in Inspiration
Creative Text-to-Infographic Tools
Infography Converts Blog Posts to Artistic Infographics
eCommerce AI Photos
PhotoHero Provides Free Images and Editing Abilities
Smart Shopping Cart Ads
Instacart Unveiled Ads for Its AI-Powered Caper Carts
E-Commerce Advertising Solutions
Reddit is Enhancing its Reach with the New Dynamic Product Ads
Lifestyle Activity Tracking Apps
The 'Timeline It' App Tracks Virtually Any Activity or Event
Decentralized Social Media Platforms
Meta Launched Threads, a Decentralized Alternative to Twitter
Gen Z-Focused Coachella Campaigns
Pinterest Partners With Coachella to Connect With Gen Z
AI-Powered Marketing Tools
This E-Commerce Tool Uses Customer Data to Project Reward Impacts
Creativity Time Capsules
Crayola's Campaign for Creativity Reunites Adults with Childhood Art
Community Commerce Pop-Ups
TikTok Shop UK Opened a Pop-Up on London's Oxford Street
AI-Powered Creative Digital Assistants
Adobe Express Presents a New Creative Assistant Tool
Travel-Focused Marketing Guides
TikTok Debuts a Playbook for Travel Marketers to Foster Engagement
AI-Powered Fintech Tools
Square Introduces Ten New Generative AI Features for Content Creation
Viral Video Databases
Viral Ideas Offers Inspiration for a Content Creator's Next Big Video
AI Advertisement Additions
Meta Introduces a New Suite of AI-Powered Advertising Tools
Video-Style Chat App Features
WhatsApp Instant Video Messages Enables Quick Communication
Micro-Influencer Marketing Services
SCREENSHOT Micro Boost Refines the Brand-Creator Experience
Social Commerce Apps
GIST is an App-Based Social Platform for Sharing Purchases with Friends
AI-Powered Digital Marketing Support
Boostrbot Transforms Likes Into Leads
Social Professional Productivity Apps
The 'LikeMind' App Connects Users to Other Hustlers
Shoppable Hybrid Apps
Lemon8 is a New Social Media App Combining Aspects of Instagram & Pinterest
Programmable QR Code Tags
Openscreen's Cloud Tags Help Users Digitize Their Lives
Influencer-Focused AI Updates
CreatorIQ Utilizes AI To Help Marketers Track Creator Conversations
Social Commerce Platforms
21 Buttons is a Social Fashion Shopping Network
Unfiltered Beauty Campaigns
#NoFilterJustMilani Champions Beauty Online and in Real Life
Integrated Influencer Marketing Platforms
SocialTalk Helps Users Discover, Track, and Connect
Experiential Shopping Platforms
sune Shares a Fun and Engaging Way for Gen Z to Shop
Visualized Social Media Data
InstaGraph Visualizes Social Media Data Through Unique Graphs
Automated eCommerce Marketing Tools
Klaviyo Simplifies the Campaign Creation and Reachout Process
Product Exploration Retailer Tools
These New Instacart Discovery Tools Connect Brands to Retailers
AI-Powered eCommerce Photo Editor
iFoto Produces Studio-Quality Images With a Single Click
Image-Based Alternative Social Medias
'Noteit' is a Snapchat-Inspired App for Gen Alpha Users
AI Storytelling Platforms
Story.com Combines AI with Creativity for Limitless Possibilities
Efficiency-Driven Digital Ad Solutions
ShopLiftr is Revolutionizing Digital Advertising
Social Media Political-Content Limitations
Meta is Reducing Political Content Recommendations
Professional Short-Form Video Feeds
LinkedIn is Testing a TikTok-Like System on its Platform
Social Marketplace Updates
Instagram Launches a Marketplace to Better Connect Brands and Creators
Swipable Curated Ad Inspiration
Swipify Lets Users Swipe Through the Latest Ad Campaigns
Interactive AR Experiences
The Sendit App Engaged Gen Alpha on Valentine's Day
AI-Powered Design Apps
Adobe Launches an AI-Powered Mobile App Called Adobe Express
Digital Delivery Service Storefronts
Instacart Storefront Lets Retailers Customize the Interface
Interactive Digital Menus
Tabmeal Empowers Restaurants to Revolutionize the Way Guests Order
Conversational Campaign Creators
Creating Google Ads Campaigns is Simpler with AI Chat Features
Shoppable Luxury Fashion Films
Louis Vuitton Delivers Resort 2024 with an Interactive Experience
Customizable Content Effects
Google Introduces New Editing Features to the Photos App
Miniature Collectible Campaigns
The World’s Smallest Lines are the Focus of Influencer Marketing
Image-Sharing Social Applications
Lapse is a New Image-Sharing App Loved by Gen Z Consumers
Social Shopping Apps
Locker Helps Users Organize, Share, and Earn from Online Wishlists.
Social Shopping Features
YouTube Introduces a New 'Shopping Collections' Feature for Creators
Photo-Collecting QR Codes
GuestSnap Uses a QR Code to Collect Guest Photos at Events
Short-Form Foodie Feeds
Uber Eats is Testing Out a New Vertical Feed Like TikTok and Instagram
Retro Social App Devices
Edwar Banquet Designs the Retro Instagram Gadget with a Console Shape
Social Media AI Chatbots
Instagram Plans to Incorporate its Own AI Chatbots in the App
Timeless Photo Books
Photos by Artkive Uses an App to Turn Cluttered Camera Rolls into Photo Books
AI Social Caption Generators
Submagic Can Create Compelling Captions in Minutes
Gen Z Advertising Tools
YouTube Launches a New Music Tool to Connect Advertisers with Gen Z
Private Social Photo Apps
The 'Retro' App Focuses on Mindful Sharing with Select Others
Personalized Grocery Billboard Campaigns
Tesco Ireland Gets a New Live-Prompt Campaign
Influencer Partnership Platforms
impact.com Launches a New Platform for Influencer Management
Parental Social App Controls
Meta Debuts a Series of New Features Across its Social Media Apps
Authentic Ambassador Campaigns
BeReal is Looking for "The Realest Person on Earth"
Offline Shopping Campaigns
'Shop Offline' Helps People Rediscover the Joy of Real-World Shopping
Inspiring Creator-Focused Decks
TikTok Launches a New Creative Content Inspiration Deck
Interactive AR Galleries
Chips Ahoy's Happy By Design Campaign Spotlights Multicultural Artists
Digital Social Sharing Spaces
The Shilo App Invites Users to Share and Curate What They Love
Distraction-Free Flip Phones
Consumer Cellular Unveils its 'Shot on Flip Phone' Campaign
Passion-Sharing List Platforms
MyLikes Helps Users Share What They Enjoy with Curated Lists
AR Voter Campaigns
Snapchat & the Dutch Ministry Engaged and Inspired Gen Z Voters
Empowering Visual Content Campaigns
Getty Images and Hiki Launches #AutisticOutLoud
AI-Powered Marketing Strategies
The M1 Marketing Strategy Generator Will Build a Strategy
Keepsake Photo Books
Once Upon's Photo Books Offer a Narrative-Driven Approach to Memories
Entrepreneur Brand-Building Tools
IndieLogs Helps Founders Stand Out Through Personalized Profiles
Review-Based Marketing Campaigns
These Amazon Campaigns Bring Real Reviews To Life
Mobile Streaming App Stories
Twitch is Rolling Out a Daily 'Story' Feature on its Mobile App
Deserted Island Billboards
Silk & Spice Set Up a Billboard for Fans to Go and Find
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Inspirational Learning Management Tools
'Get Inspired' Offers Digestible Snippets of Content
Multi-Link Social Features
Instagram Adds Support for Up to Five Links at a Time in a User Bio
AI-Fuelled Mobile Design Apps
Adobe Launches its Express Mobile App for Design On-the-Go
Social Sun Care Challenges
Cosrx's #LayerYourSPF Campaign Reached Milestone Views on TikTok
Photo Editing Mobile Expansions
Capture One Launches its Platform on Mobile Devices
AI-Powered Creative Services
WePost Saga Helps Businesses Enhance Their Online Social Presence
SaaS Influencer Marketing Tools
Beeing Social Launches 'Buzz Bee Buzz' for Influencer Marketing
Localized Networking Platforms
Presence Connects Users with Like-Minded Individuals Nearby
Creator Content Hubs
TikTok Launches a New World Hub to Help Brands Connect with Audiences
Secondary Social Media Features
Instagram is Rolling out the Flipside Feature On User Profiles
Seamless Automotive Shopping Apps
Awin Group of Dealerships Launches Mobile App to Enhance CX
Social Album-Creating Features
WhatsApp Channels to Soon Get an Automatic Album Feature
Influencer Marketing Agencies
NYMA Embraces Influencer Marketing as a Part of its Core Offerings
Visual Email Newsletters
PencilBooth is a Newsletter That Prioritizes Images Over Text
Uplifting Virtual Influencer Collabs
The Lennnie x Dove Collab Promotes Body Positivity
AI-Powered Video Advertisements
YouTube is Utilizing AI to Enhance its Advertising Approaches
Professional Community Platforms
LinkedIn is Targeting Gen Z Professionals with its New Campaign
Visual Merchandising Planning
Visulon Inc.'s is a Cloud-Based Enterprise Solutions Platform
Social Telegrammed Messaging Features
Instagram's Broadcast Channels Will Soon Launch Globally
Social Posting Platform Features
Threads Launches the New Send on Instagram Feature
Artist-Empowering Streaming Insights
Spotify Campaign Kit Provides Unmatched Streaming Insights
AI Map-Making Tools
MapStory is Perfect for Bloggers or Adventurers to Create Interactive Maps
Social App Feature Updates
Instagram is Moving the Status Update Notes to Profiles
Video Testimonials Tools
Feedspace to Boost your Business's Credibility in the Market
Music Content Campaign Tools
Spotify Presents the Showcase Tool for Artists to Promote
Social Media-Building Tools
ReplyMore Helps Small Accounts Build Their Followings Through Replies
Private Social Media Services
Instagram Now Allows Posts and Reels to be Shared with Close Friends
Personalized Professional Content Generators
Viralify AI Crafts LinkedIn Posts to Save You Time
Blog Post Generators
Hubrank Helps Create Posts for Niche Topics with an Emphasis on Strong SEO
Secondary Social Profile Features
Instagram Previews a New Flipside Feature for Private Posting
Social Sticker-Making Features
WhatsApp Launches a New In-App Custom Sticker Maker
Interactive Mapping Solutions
Mapplic Turns Static Images Into Engaging Maps
Year-Long Professional Content Calendars
Content Squeezy Provides Social media Ideas
Social Media-Connected Links
Instagram Expands its Amount of Links on User Profiles
Social Video Editing Features
Meta Rolls Out Editing Tools for its Reels To Facebook Users
Personalized Visual Catalogues
With Jotly, users can streamline their online discoveries
AI-Backed Media Editors
Canva Debuts Multiple AI Tools for Advanced Image and Video Editing
Real-Time Social Maps
Mapin is a Social Map That Connects the Community Through Content
Social Posting Musical Features
Instagram Allow Users to Add Music to Photo Carousels
Versatile Marketing Toolkits
Looper Insights Releases a Digital Marketing Insights Tool
Phone-Based User-Targeted Campaigns
PlugSMS Helps Users Launch Campaigns From Their Phones
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Business Slogan Generators
The Slogan Generator Will Create a Catchy Slogan for Any Business
AI Influencer Marketing Tools
eezyCollab Streamlines the Influencer Marketing Process
Festive Chip Campaigns
KETTLE Chips' Christmas Campaign Features 24 Days of Prizes
Photo-Sharing Memory Maps
MemoryMaps Maps Out Photos for Added Visual Appeal
Improv Scene Generators
Instant Improv Suggestions Bolsters Creativity for Performers