What Is The Best Posting Format For Instagram?

Maybe you’re feeling overwhelmed when it comes to deciding what you should be posting on Instagram. Reels are number one as I’ve mentioned quite a few times in the past, but you may be wondering what else works well. After all, you don’t want to lock yourself into just a single format. Keeping things interesting is what this platform is all about.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT POSTING FORMAT

Looking again at the Social Media Report put out by Metricool for 2023, there are some valuable insights into other posting formats and frequency that can really boost your Instagram success. One of the big questions any Instagram user should be asking themselves is “what is the most effective format I should be using?” 

The study shows that (aside from reels) carousels are taking the lead when it comes to both reach and interactions. This format has been outperforming general image posts, which is a new shift from the previous year’s report.

Audiences are interacting 17.51% less with regular posts as compared to 2022. And at the same time, there has also been a decline in the amount of image posts being published. What does this mean? It shows that brands and businesses are starting to make the shift toward more engaging formats for their audiences. Reels, and carousels. 

WHY CAROUSELS WORK

Carousels do a great job of capturing the attention of your intended audience. Aside from reels, they are a great way to keep your audience guessing, create a little suspense, and convey your message. Choose your imagery and text for these wisely, and don’t be afraid to get creative. It’s a great format to get a lot of information and impact out there.

FREQUENCY OF PUBLICATION AND ITS IMPACT

Another interesting finding from this study is the relationship between posting frequency and the number of followers. The information shows that accounts that post more frequently have a larger number of followers. It doesn’t matter whether it’s stories, reels, or regular posts, the same rings true across all formats. Now as you know, I’m a big proponent of scheduling posts in advance and making a big impact by only posting about 3-4 times per week. As long as you post somewhat frequently, but also post effectively and have a good strategy behind it, you’re going to find your followers will continue to grow. Loomly is a great tool you can use for this, and I have some great info here on how to make it work for you. 

I won’t bore you with the numbers from the report, but it may be worth checking out to see how the monthly posting frequency looks side by side from 2022 to 2023. It paints a pretty clear picture of how effective more frequent posting is. 

THING TO KEEP IN MIND

Make sure you align your posting frequency with your goals for growth and engagement with your audience. Not only should your content cater to the preferences and expectations of your followers, but so should when and how often you post. And don’t be afraid to experiment with frequency and timing. Keep track of what’s working, when your audience is engaging, and tailor your approach accordingly. This will allow you to better reach your audience and provide them with what it is they want. 

Remember, your brand and your voice are yours and yours alone. So there is not a one-size-fits-all approach. But these insights are a great starting point to help you make the most of your Instagram presence. 

We’ll dive into more of the report next week, and in the meantime, don’t hesitate to reach out to us if you could use some help with your own unique strategy.