How to Publish Ads on Instagram via Ad Manager

In this article, we’ll guide you through the process of publishing ads on Instagram using an ad manager. With the integration of Instagram and Facebook ads, businesses can reach a wider, more diverse audience, improving engagement and visibility across both platforms. This guide will help you connect your Instagram account, set up ad campaigns, and track performance to ensure you can leverage both platforms effectively.

Key Features and Benefits:

• Cross-Platform Reach: Using Instagram ads alongside Facebook ads allows businesses to target a broader, more diverse audience. Instagram's visual-focused content is ideal for younger, image-centric users, while Facebook offers broader reach across all age groups.
• Seamless Integration: By connecting your Instagram account to a Facebook page, you can easily manage and run ad campaigns on both platforms from a single ad manager interface.
• Easy Ad Placement: You can customize placements on Instagram, choosing between Feed, Stories, and Reels, depending on where you want your ads to appear.
• Simplified Reporting: Instagram ad performance can be tracked using the same metrics and tools used for Facebook ads, streamlining the process of analyzing cross-platform campaign effectiveness.

How to Use:

1. Connect Your Instagram Account

• First, ensure your Instagram account is set up as a business or creator account. If it isn't, follow these steps:
  • Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
  • Tap the menu (three lines in the top right corner), then select Settings.
  • Scroll down to Account, then tap Switch to Professional Account and select Business or Creator.
• Once your account is professional, follow the steps below to connect it to your Facebook page.

2. Connect Instagram to Your Facebook Page

• Via Facebook:
  • Go to your Facebook Business Page, click Settings.
  • Select Linked Accounts and click Instagram.
  • Click Connect Account and log in to Instagram.
  • Ensure the Allow Access to Messages & Connected Experiences box is checked, and confirm the connection.

• Via Instagram App:
  • Open Instagram and go to your profile.
  • Tap Edit Profile and scroll to Public Business Information.
  • Tap Page, then either select an existing Facebook Page or create a new one.

3. Verify the Connection in Meta Business Suite

• Open Meta Business Suite (business.facebook.com), click on Settings, then Instagram Accounts.
• If your Instagram account is listed, the connection is successful. If not, click Add Instagram Account and follow the login steps.

4. Publish Ads on Instagram

• Open your ad manager and click Create Campaign.
• Choose your desired Facebook Page (this will be pre-selected but can be changed).
• Select Instagram Account:
  • If no Instagram account is connected, choose Use Facebook Page to publish your ad using your Facebook page details.

• If an Instagram account is connected, it will automatically be selected to publish the ad.

• Customize the placements under Manual Placement or select Auto Placement to include all Instagram options like Feed, Stories, and Reels.

• Proceed with adding ad text, media, budget, audience targeting, and other ad details before hitting Publish to launch your campaign across Facebook and Instagram.
• You can preview how your ad will look on Instagram by selecting the Instagram tab in the preview window.

Reporting Instagram Ads:

Instagram ad metrics are available in your ad manager, allowing you to analyze ad performance similar to Facebook ads. This includes overall metrics as well as individual campaign performance, helping you understand reach, engagement, and conversion rates.

How to unlink an Instagram account from a Facebook page?

When a user connects an Instagram Business account, it becomes linked to the associated Facebook page. As a result, the Instagram account is automatically selected whenever ads are published through the Facebook page. If the user wants to unlink this Instagram account from the current Facebook page and link it to a different page, they can follow the instructions in this Meta help article: Connect or disconnect an Instagram account and your Page.

Pro Tips:

• Optimize Ad Formats: Tailor your Instagram ad content to fit the platform’s unique formats like Stories and Reels for maximum impact. Visuals play a crucial role in engaging users.
• Targeting: Take advantage of cross-platform targeting and retargeting to capture the attention of users who have interacted with your brand previously, improving your ad's effectiveness.
• Monitor Performance: Use Instagram’s metrics to track the performance of your campaigns across both Facebook and Instagram. Adjust your strategies based on real-time insights to boost engagement.

FAQ:

1. Can I use my personal Instagram account for ads?

   No, you must have a professional Instagram account (Business or Creator) to run ads through the Ad Manager.

2. How do I select which Instagram account to use for ads?

   If you have multiple Instagram accounts connected to your Facebook page, you can choose the one you want to use when setting up the ad campaign. If none is connected, you can use your Facebook page details.

3. Can I change my Instagram account for a specific campaign?

   Yes, you can select a different Instagram account or use your Facebook page’s details to run the ad if you wish.

4. What are the placement options for Instagram ads?

   Instagram offers several placements including Feed, Stories, and Reels, which you can select in the ad manager. Auto Placement selects all available Instagram placements by default.

5. Can I monitor Instagram ad performance?

   Yes, Instagram ads use the same reporting tools as Facebook ads, allowing you to track the performance of your campaigns in terms of reach, clicks, engagement, and more.

6. Is it possible to run ads on Instagram without using Meta Business Suite?

   You can boost posts directly from the Instagram app for simpler campaigns, but for full control over targeting, placements, and budgeting, Meta Ads Manager is recommended.