Lately, it seems like every time you scroll through Instagram, you get multiple ads thrown in your feed. With Instagram ads now available to everyone, they have become increasingly popular. We thought it would be helpful to breakdown some basic tips to get your Instagram ads started.

To start, you need to make sure your company has both an Instagram account and a company Facebook page. You technically don’t need to have an Instagram account to run Instagram ads, but we highly recommend one. If you are advertising to catch the attention of your audience on Instagram, you should already be on that platform.

Connecting your accounts

There are two ways to connect your current Instagram account to your Facebook page.

Option 1: Using your Facebook page

Go to your Facebook page

Choose ‘settings’ in the top right corner

Choose ‘Instagram Ads’ on the left bar

Click ‘Add Account’

Choose ‘add existing account’

Input your login information

Option 2: Using Business Manager

Go to your Business Manager

On the left bar, choose ‘business settings’ then ‘Instagram accounts’

Click ‘claim new Instagram account’ in the top left cornerp

Input your login information, then choose next

Choose which ad account(s) will be used for the ads by checking the boxes

Creating an ad

Instagram ads are created the same way you create a Facebook ad. There are currently seven campaign options that allow Instagram ads. Down the road, Facebook may make more campaigns for Instagram available. As of December 2015 you can choose:

• Boost your post
• Promote your page
• Send people to your website
• Increase conversions on your website
• Get installs of your app
• Increase engagement on your app
• Get video views

Once you choose your campaign, you can then set your ad up. Towards the bottom, the ad preview section is where you will choose to add Instagram. You have the option of keeping your ads on Facebook and Instagram or removing all other options and having them only run on Instagram.

That’s it! Enjoy gramming!

TIP: Keep in mind, Instagram images are square

TIP: Hashtags work well in Instagram and can be used in ads but are not always recommended in Facebook