Adding a collaborator means sharing control of a post with another account
Instagram's collaboration feature lets you create a post together with another account — both of you appear as creators, and both of your followers see it. When you add a collaborator, that person can edit captions, delete the post, and see the performance data. The collaborator's account is tagged publicly on the post, so their followers know they were involved. This is different from just tagging someone: a collaborator has actual editing rights, not just a mention.
You can add collaborators when you first create a post, or you can add them after the post is already live. Instagram shows the collaboration to both audiences, which means the post reaches more people because it appears on both your profile and the collaborator's profile. The feature works on photos, Reels, and carousel posts.
Key Takeaways
- You can add a collaborator when creating a new post or by editing an existing post through the three-dot menu.
- The collaborator must have a public account, and you must follow each other for the collaboration to work.
- Both creators see the post on their profile, and both audiences receive a notification that a collaboration was posted.
- Either collaborator can edit the caption, delete the post, or remove the other person at any time.
- The post shows both account names at the top, and Instagram tracks performance data for both creators separately.
How to add a collaborator when creating a new post
Open Instagram and tap the plus sign to create a new post. Select the photo or video you want to share, then tap Next. Continue through the editing screen (filters, captions, location) until you reach the screen that says "Share to" at the bottom. Below that, you will see a section labeled "Collaborators." Tap that section.
A search box appears. Type the username of the account you want to collaborate with. The account must be public and you must follow each other. Once you find the account, tap it to select it. You can add multiple collaborators if you want — just search for and select each one. After you have selected all collaborators, tap Done, then tap Share to post.
How to add a collaborator to a post that is already live
Go to the post on your profile. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post. Tap "Edit Post." Scroll down and tap "Collaborators." Search for and select the account you want to add. Tap Done, then tap Save. The new collaborator will receive a notification that they have been added to the post, and their name will appear at the top of the post alongside yours.
If you want to remove a collaborator from a live post, follow the same steps: three dots, Edit Post, Collaborators, then tap the X next to their name. The collaborator's name disappears from the post, but the post itself stays live.
What happens when you add a collaborator
When you add a collaborator, Instagram sends them a notification. They do not have to accept — their account is automatically added to the post. Both account names appear at the top of the post, and the post shows up on both profiles. If someone visits either profile, they see the collaboration post in the feed.
The post reaches both audiences. Your followers see it because it is on your profile. The collaborator's followers see it because it is on their profile. This means the post gets more visibility than a solo post would. Instagram also sends notifications to followers of both accounts, letting them know a collaboration was posted.
Both creators can see the same performance data: likes, comments, shares, and saves. You can each see how many people from your own audience engaged with it. If either person deletes the post, it disappears from both profiles.
Requirements for adding a collaborator
The account you want to collaborate with must be a public account. If their account is private, you cannot add them as a collaborator. You and the other person must follow each other — Instagram will not let you add someone you do not follow, and they cannot be added if they do not follow you back.
Both accounts must be regular personal accounts or creator accounts. Business accounts can collaborate with each other and with creator accounts, but the rules are the same: public and mutual follow. If you try to add someone and get an error, check that their account is public and that you follow each other.
What a collaborator can and cannot do
A collaborator can edit the caption, add or remove hashtags, change the location tag, and adjust the alt text. They can delete the entire post. They can remove themselves or remove you from the collaboration. They can see all the engagement data and comments. They cannot change who else is a collaborator — only the original creator can add or remove other collaborators.
A collaborator cannot unshare the post from their own profile without deleting it entirely. If they want the post off their profile but you want to keep it, they have to remove themselves, which removes it from their profile but leaves it on yours. Once they remove themselves, you cannot add them back — you would have to create a new post.
When collaboration does not work and what to do instead
If you cannot find the account in the collaborators search, the most common reason is that their account is private. Ask them to switch to a public account temporarily, or ask them to follow you if they have not already. If you both follow each other and their account is public but they still do not appear in the search, try logging out and back in, or close and reopen the Instagram app.
If you want to share credit for a post but cannot use the collaboration feature, you can mention the other account in the caption using the @ symbol. This tags them and sends them a notification, but they do not have editing rights and their name does not appear at the top of the post. You can also add them as a tag on the photo itself — tap the photo and select "Tag People," then search for their account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I add a collaborator after I have already posted?
Yes. Go to your post, tap the three dots, tap Edit Post, then tap Collaborators. Search for and select the account you want to add. Tap Done and Save. They will be notified and their name will appear at the top of the post.
What happens if a collaborator deletes the post?
The post disappears from both profiles. You cannot undo this — if you want the post back, you have to create it again. To prevent this, only collaborate with accounts you trust.
Can I add a collaborator if their account is private?
No. The account must be public. If they want to collaborate, they need to change their privacy settings to public first. They can switch back to private after the collaboration is set up.
Do both of us have to approve the collaboration?
No. When you add a collaborator, they are automatically added to the post. They do not have to accept or approve it. They will receive a notification, but the collaboration is active when ready.
Can I see how many of my followers engaged with a collaboration post?
Yes. You can see the total likes, comments, and shares. Instagram shows you engagement data, but you cannot see a breakdown of which followers specifically engaged with it.