Instagram, with its 2 billion monthly active users, continues to reign as one of the most influential social media platforms today. Approximately 90% of its users follow at least one business, making it a fertile ground for businesses to grow their online presence. One feature that has been gaining traction is Instagram Guides, a tool that allows users to curate scrollable content for their communities. In this article, we explore everything you need to know about Instagram Guides and how to leverage them for your business.

What Are Instagram Guides?

Instagram Guides were introduced in 2020 as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The platform wanted to provide users with an avenue to create engaging, helpful, and meaningful support-based content. Initially focused on wellbeing and mental health, the feature has since evolved to serve e-commerce companies and influencers in various ways.

Instagram Guides feature videos, images, and other content with written insights, akin to interactive blog posts. They can help to set your business apart on Instagram and establish thought leadership. Businesses can create guides on how to use certain new products or services, or design educational and informative content to answer common customer questions. For more insights into using Instagram for business growth, check out our Instagram growth strategy guide for 2023.

Where To Find Instagram Guides

Instagram Guides are easily accessible. To find them on a company’s page, visit their profile, and select the “Guides” icon. This can be found next to the Instagram Reels, Tagged, and Post sections on the page. You can also discover “Recommended” Guides on Instagram, by visiting the “Shop” tab, and clicking on the “Guides” button at the top of the screen.

The 3 Most Common Instagram Guide Types

There are different types of Instagram Guides a company or user can create. Here are the three most common types:

Instagram Post Guides: These guides allow you to share a roundup of other Instagram posts you’ve created and published on your feed. They're great for sharing educational content, commenting on recent news and events, or making an important statement about your brand.

Instagram Product Guides: Particularly popular among companies, product guides are excellent for providing insights into product releases and recommendations. You can attach and link any product listed on Instagram to your guide.

Instagram Places Guides: Designed for travel-focused people, these guides are excellent for companies in the travel and real estate industry, as well as those who want to connect with their target audience in a specific region.

For more details on using Instagram for business growth, check out our guide on how to get more Instagram followers with automation.

The Benefits of Creating Instagram Guides

Instagram Guides offer numerous benefits, such as:

Introducing Your Brand: Instagram Guides can be used to highlight your unique selling points and attract a wider audience than Instagram posts alone.

Leveraging User-Generated Content: Showcase user-generated content as a form of social proof. Customers are more likely to engage with your guides if they see content from real people displayed on your profile.

Promoting Your Products: Instagram Guides features allow you to showcase your products in a variety of different formats. You can structure your guide as a step-by-step instruction manual on how to use an item, or provide tips on making the most of a product.

Driving Traffic to Your Website: Instagram Guides allow users to share links and references to other content on the web, making it easier to drive viewers back to your website.

How to Curate Your Instagram Guide

Creating an Instagram Guide is straightforward. Start by making sure you have a plan for the guide you want to create. Think about the goals you want to accomplish with your content, such as educating your audience, or showcasing your trending products. Once you have a plan, ensure you have the relevant photos and content available on Instagram to add to your piece.

To post your Guide, log into Instagram and follow these steps:

Go to your Instagram profile page from the Instagram app.

Tap the “plus” icon on the top-right corner you would usually use to create an Instagram post, Story, or video.

From the options provided, select “Guide”.

Instagram will give you a selection of the three common Instagram Guide types to choose from. Select Posts, Products, or Places, depending on your goals.

Create your guide by adding your title, description, and any photos you want to include in the content.

Tap “Next” once you’re done adding all the information you need to include to your first guide or new guide.

Instagram will show you a preview of your Guide with your chosen cover photo and title. You can then click the “Share” button, to publish your guide, or save the piece as a draft if you’re not ready to publish yet.

How to Share Guides to Instagram Stories

Since you won’t be promoting your Instagram Guides directly on your Instagram home feed, you may want to boost their visibility by adding them to your Stories.

Start by going into your post and opening the Instagram Guide you want to share.

Tap the paper airplane icon located in the bottom-left corner, which you’d usually use to share a link to your Guide with other followers.

Select the option to “Add guide to your Story.”

Remember to promote your Instagram guides as often as you can to pull attention back to them from your other social media strategies.

Making the Most of Instagram Guides

Instagram Guides can be a valuable tool for businesses and influencers looking to stand out in a competitive social media landscape. They're a great way to showcase your products and services, highlight your brand personality, and draw attention to your thought leadership.

For more insights into using Instagram for business growth, check out our guide on the best Instagram bots and how to get Instagram followers in 2024.