Instagram has evolved into a powerful platform for businesses over the years. With over 1 billion monthly active users, it provides a massive audience for brands to connect with.

But simply having an account is not enough. You need creative and strategic Instagram business ideas to stand out and attract your ideal customers.

In this post, we’ll explore 50 interesting business ideas to leverage Instagram’s visual nature and engaged community. Whether you want to sell products, offer services, share content, or build thought leadership, there are many possibilities on Instagram.

If you are looking for ideas for your startup, check out our free startup business idea generator to help you generate new ideas.

Why Instagram is Great for Business

Before jumping into the ideas, let’s look at what makes Instagram such a business-friendly platform:

• Visual focus: Instagram is built around sharing photos and videos, ideal for showcasing products/services visually.
• Engaged audience: People on Instagram actively interact with content and brands they love by liking, commenting, and sharing posts.
• Shopping capabilities: Instagram has in-app shopping options like Shopify integrations, product tags, and shoppable posts.
• Ad capabilities: Businesses can create highly targeted ads to reach specific demographics and promote content.
• Instagram Stories: These short live videos and photos allow you to be creative, authentic and connect with your audience.
• IGTV: This features longer-form vertical videos ideal for tutorials, behind-the-scenes footage, etc.
• Reels: Instagram’s short-form video feature allows you to join viral trends and engage your audience creatively.

50 Instagram Business Ideas to Pursue

Now let’s get into 50 specific business ideas you can leverage on Instagram under different categories:

1. Sell Products Directly

Instagram makes it easy to directly sell your products right within the app. Some product-based business ideas include:

• Dropshipping business – Curate and sell trendy products without inventory.
• Print-on-demand products – Upload your designs and sell custom-printed products.
• Handmade crafts – Showcase and sell arts, crafts, jewelry, candles, soap, etc.
• 3D printing products – Offer customized 3D printed gifts, accessories, and home goods.
• Subscription boxes – Regularly ship themed boxes of goodies to subscribers.
• Food products – Sell packaged food items, sauces, spices, chocolate, etc.

2. Offer Paid Services

Many service-based businesses can attract clients on Instagram by showcasing their work and expertise. Some ideas:

• Social media management – Help brands grow their Instagram account.
• Graphic design – Share your designs and offer custom graphics, logos, and prints.
• Photography/videography – Showcase your photos/videos and offer your services.
• Web design/development – Share your web projects and offer web-based services.
• Copywriting – Provide writing samples and offer content creation services.
• Consultancy services – Share your expertise and offer consulting sessions.

3. Sell Digital Products

Instagram is also a great platform to market and sell digital products and services, including:

• Online courses – Share teasers and sell in-depth online classes and tutorials.
• Ebooks/PDF guides – Show glimpses of your guides and sell the full digital product.
• Stock photos/videos – Sell licenses for your premade digital assets.
• Music – Share previews and allow purchasing your tracks or albums.
• Mobile apps – Share app teasers/screenshots and have links for app downloads.
• Software as a service (SaaS) – Offer subscriptions for your web or mobile-based software.

4. Offer Online Coaching & Consultation

Online coaching is a booming industry, and Instagram is a top platform to share your expertise and offer paid coaching services across niches:

• Health/fitness coaching – Help followers with workout plans, nutrition advice, etc.
• Business coaching – Provide guidance on starting, growing or optimizing a business.
• Life coaching – Offer personal development and goal-setting coaching.
• Career coaching – Provide coaching for excelling at work, switching careers, etc.

You can promote coaching packages, and schedules for consultations via video chat or phone, and take bookings through your Instagram bio link.

5. Promote Affiliate Links & Products

Earn commissions promoting relevant products through affiliate links:

• Amazon influencer – Share products from your niche and include your Amazon affiliate link.
• Share helpful tools/software – Recommend tools you use and include affiliate links.
• Promote brands and products – Partner with brands and share their products.
• Online course referrals – Recommend relevant online courses and earn referrals.
• Refer users to offer platforms – Recommend offers on sites like Airbnb and earn commissions.

6. Grow Your Thought Leadership

Instagram is great for positioning yourself or your brand as a thought leader or influencer within your niche by consistently sharing valuable insights and perspectives. This attracts more followers, leads, and business opportunities. Some ideas:

• Share industry analysis, trends, and insights.
• Provide tips, how-to’s, and best practices.
• Highlight innovations and developments in your field.
• Share your unique processes, frameworks, and methodologies.
• Express informed perspectives on news and issues.
• Answer common user questions within your niche.

7. Showcase Your Portfolio

Instagram is ideal for creatives and freelancers to visually showcase their work to attract clients:

• Photographers – Share professional photos captured.
• Graphic designers – Show graphics, logos, posters, and branding projects.
• Artists – Feature paintings, drawings, mixed media work, sculptures.
• Interior designers – Share photos of decorated rooms and spaces.
• Hair stylists/makeup artists – Showcase your styles and makeup looks.
• Crafters – Share photos of your handmade crafts and products.

8. Share User-Generated Content

User-generated content (UGC) is very effective on Instagram. Encourage happy customers to share photos featuring your product/business and re-share these:

• Customers enjoying your food products or at your restaurant.
• Clients show off the custom product your service created for them.
• Users sharing photos taken at your venue, hotel or event space.
• People wearing printed apparel from your brand.
• Customers share glimpses of an online course or digital guide they purchased.

9. Go Behind the Scenes

Give your Instagram followers an inside look into your business and team using Instagram Stories and Reels:

• Show your workspace, office, or store.
• Capture meetings and brainstorming sessions.
• Show the product design process.
• Highlight your customer service team.
• Share your business’s culture and values.
• Take polls and questions from followers.

10. Utilize Influencer Marketing

Work with influencers in your industry who align with your brand. Some ways they can help:

• Promote your products or services to their engaged follower base.
• Co-create content like tutorials featuring your product.
• Share discount codes or special offers from your brand.
• Create UGC showing them using your product or service.
• Co-host Instagram Live sessions or take over your account for a day.

11. Host Contests & Giveaways

Contests are hugely popular on Instagram. Offer prizes in exchange for:

• Liking, commenting, or sharing a post.
• Tagging friends on a giveaway post.
• Reposting a photo and using your branded hashtag.
• Answering a question in the caption or comments.
• Creating and sharing UGC featuring your product/service.

12. Share Short-form Educational Videos

Leverage Instagram Reels and IGTV to share bite-sized educational videos:

• 60-second tips or hacks for your audience.
• Short explainers on how your product/service works.
• Mini tutorials, lessons, or demonstrations.
• Quick answers to frequently asked customer questions.
• Highlight unique features or use cases.

13. Go Live with Followers

Instagram Live lets you stream real-time video to engage directly with your audience:

• Show fun behind-the-scenes footage.
• Broadcast Q&As, AMAs (ask me anything), panels, and interviews.
• Share tutorials, demonstrations, and workshops.
• Allow viewers to shop featured products in real time.
• Announce giveaways and contests.
• Stream virtual events or conferences.

14. Share User Testimonials

Highly effective social proof comes from sharing authentic customer testimonials:

• Satisfied customer photos/videos.
• Positive comments and DMs praising your business.
• Ratings and reviews from external sites.
• Case studies explaining how you helped a client succeed.

15. Curate User-Generated Content

Repost the best UGC others create featuring your brand:

• Credit the creator and ask to reuse their content.
• Use UGC in your main grid posts, not just stories.
• Utilize a branded hashtag customers can use to share their photos.
• Offer incentives for UGC photo contests and campaigns.
• Ask micro-influencers in your niche to create unique UGC.

16. Collaborate with Other Brands

Partner with complementary but non-competing brands to co-create content. Ideas:

• Co-branded products or merch.
• Joint giveaways or contests.
• Promote each other’s posts, discounts, and launches.
• Collaborative photoshoots and videos.
• Cross-promoted events, webinars, or content series.

17. Share Your Brand’s Story

Use Instagram posts to share the unique story and values of your brand:

• Showcase your business origins and the “why” behind it.
• Feature your founders, team, and employees behind the brand.
• Highlight your brand mission, vision, and core values.
• Share milestones, wins, achievements, and lessons learned.
• Respond to current events related to your industry.

18. Post User-Friendly Graphics & Carousels

Create Instagram posts optimized for education and engagement:

• Infographics with statistics, data insights, tips, etc.
• Polls to crowdsource opinions and spark discussion.
• Interactive quizzes and caption puzzles.
• Colorful graphics with quotes and mantras.
• Carousels combining multiple graphics, videos, and captions.

19. Share Your Workplace Culture

Give followers an inside look at your work culture and environment:

• Office tours and workspaces.
• Fun team events and outings.
• Employees sharing their jobs and responsibilities.
• Team milestones, wins and achievements.
• Volunteer work and community initiatives.
• Sustainability practices.

20. Promote Events, Conferences & Workshops

Instagram is highly effective for driving awareness of in-person and virtual events:

• Share event schedules, lineups, and special guests.
• Post photos and videos from past events.
• Go live from the event to give a sneak peek.
• Offer Instagram-exclusive ticket discounts or giveaways.
• Share audience event photos with a branded hashtag.

21. Do Instagram Takeovers

Let an employee or influencer “take over” your account for a day to provide a new perspective for your audience. They can:

• Share their day-to-day work and responsibilities.
• Provide a behind-the-scenes look at your brand.
• Offer expert tips and advice.
• Engage with followers through Q&As and polls.
• Showcase their unique skills and personality.

22. Promote Local Events, Places & Businesses

If you have a local business, promote nearby happenings and places:

• Share local events, festivals, concerts, and happenings.
• Highlight other local businesses to collaborate with.
• Offer Instagram-exclusive discounts at your business to drive visits.
• Showcase attractions, art, landmarks, and architecture in your area.

23. Share Your Travels

For travel-related businesses, share stunning photos of destinations you visit:

• Hotel and lodging photos.
• Museums, landmarks, architecture, and natural scenery.
• Restaurants, cafes, bars, and local cuisines.
• Activities like hiking, biking, water sports, and amusement parks.
• Local culture, art, music, attractions, and hidden gems.

24. Post Motivational and Inspirational Quotes

Share inspiring quotes and mantras aligned with your brand values:

• Quote graphics related to your industry or niche.
• Caption a series of motivational quotes.
• Ask followers to share quotes they love.
• Tie quotes to current events and holidays.
• Share your founder’s favorite inspirational quotes.

25. Promote Causes & Nonprofits

Partner with causes important to your audience and industry:

• Spotlight issues within your niche like sustainability, education access, and diversity.
• Support relevant nonprofits through donations, volunteers, or cross-promotion.
• Promote charitable initiatives, events, and donation drives.
• Share stories of those impacted by the cause and how people can help.

26. Post DIY and How-To Content

How-to style posts attract attention by teaching followers new skills:

• DIY craft tutorials.
• Cooking demos and recipe videos.
• Home improvement and decoration tips.
• Beauty, hair, and makeup tutorials.
• Educational science experiments or projects.
• Gardening, plant care, and landscaping guidance.

27. Share Curated Content from Others

Repost and credit eye-catching user-generated content from others that would interest your audience:

• Use relevant hashtags and geo-tags to discover share-worthy content.
• Credit creators and ask permission to reuse their media.
• Mix in curated photos with your original branded content.

28. Promote Discounts & Deals

Leverage Instagram to promote limited-time sales, deals, and offers to followers:

• Post Discount codes and coupon codes for purchases.
• Offer exclusive early access to new product launches and preorders.
• Promote flash sales and lighting deals to drive urgency.
• Highlight seasonal sales like holiday promotions and back-to-school deals.

29. Share User Reviews and testimonials

Collect and share positive customer reviews to build trust and social proof:

• Screenshots of 5-star product ratings and reviews.
• Short video testimonials from satisfied customers.
• Positive customer DMs and comments.
• Case studies show how your business solved a problem.

30. Announce New Products & Launches

Generate buzz for new products and launches:

• Teaser posts building up the announcement.
• Show product design and development process.
• Share launch date and set a countdown.
• Go behind-the-scenes on launch day.
• First look at products and unboxing videos.

31. Promote Lead Magnets

Offer a valuable piece of content like an ebook, tip sheet or video series in exchange for an email signup:

• Promote the lead magnet across multiple posts.
• Share a preview or sneak peek of the content.
• Use a linktree or link-in-bio to direct followers to the signup.

32. Share Your Brand Purpose & Values

Connect with followers over shared values and purpose:

• Bring awareness to your brand’s “why” and origin story.
• Highlight company values like sustainability, diversity, inclusion, and community.
• Respond meaningfully to current events related to your brand values.
• Share stories and interviews illustrating how you live your values.

33. Leverage Shoppable Posts

Make your products instantly shoppable from Instagram:

• Tag products from your online store within posts.
• Use shoppable stickers and buttons on photos.
• Link shoppable product galleries and collections in Stories.
• Add Instagram Shopping checkout to your account.

34. Promote Podcast or Blog Content

Drive traffic to your podcast or blog by sharing episode and article previews:

• Post teaser quotes, stats, and graphics from episodes and articles.
• Share snippets of audio or behind-the-scenes podcast footage.
• Promote new releases and content you’re especially proud of.

35. Provide styling tips

For apparel, accessory or beauty brands share creative tips for rocking your products:

• Show unique outfit combinations and style tricks.
• DIY hacks like customizing clothes or repurposing accessories.
• Recommend clothing pairings and ways to transition pieces across seasons.
• Hair, makeup and nail art tutorials featuring your beauty products.

36. Share recipes

Food brands and restaurants can promote recipes using your ingredients:

• Step-by-step recipe videos.
• Highlight secret menu items followers can recreate.
• Tie recipes to holidays, events and seasonal ingredients.
• Encourage audience recipes and use a branded hashtag to curate UGC recipe content.

37. Promote charitable initiatives

Show supporters the good you’re doing through cause marketing campaigns:

• Spotlight your partnerships with charitable organizations.
• Share how purchases of certain products give back.
• Promote special edition “charity” products where proceeds go to a cause.
• Increase awareness of the issues your brand cares about.

38. Share media features and accolades

Being featured in the media builds credibility. Promote press mentions:

• Screenshots of your brand mentioned in online articles, videos, and podcasts.
• Photos of print
• magazine features.
• Awards, certifications or inclusion in rankings and lists.
• Testimonials from celebrities, influencers or experts praising your business.

39. Post educational factoids and statistics

Share bite-sized educational facts to capture attention:

• Fun trivia and little-known facts about your industry.
• Infographics with statistics and data.
• Helpful terminology, glossaries and definitions.
• Top 5/10 lists of tips, tricks, or facts.

40. Share company news and announcements

Keep followers looped in on major company announcements:

• New hires, promotions or team member highlights.
• Office expansions, milestones and internal wins.
• Accomplishments like partnerships, awards and certifications.
• Philanthropy programs, donations and community initiatives.

41. Promote job openings

Attract talent by promoting open job positions and company culture:

• Showcase current employees and their roles.
• Share employee testimonials and office culture perks.
• Post job links and have applicants DM their resume.

42. Highlight individual products/services

Showcase specific products or service offerings through focused posts:

• Demo videos and detailed product photos.
• Explain unique selling points and value.
• Real customer photos and videos showing it in action.
• Offer limited-time discounts on the featured item.

43. Share Trending Topics and Memes

Jump on trends and viral memes, customizing them to fit your brand’s voice.

• Add your products into trending meme formats.
• Put a spin on trending audio clips and effects.
• Align with hashtag holidays like Small Business Saturday.
• Carousel comparing memes to your products/services.

44. Host Instagram Live Q&As

Go live to engage directly with your audience in real time:

• Themed Q&A sessions with your founders, team, or influencers.
• Live demos, tutorials, and behind-the-scenes footage.
• Polls and contests to boost engagement.
• Announce giveaways and promotions during the live broadcast.

45. Share branded memes and graphics

Create entertaining and engaging visuals and graphics:

• Educational and informational graphics related to your niche.
• Branded meme templates followers can reuse.
• Interactive polls and “which would you rather” questions.
• Relatable content like “Tag a friend who would love this”

46. Highlight employee spotlights

Humanize your brand by shining a spotlight on individual employees:

• Share their backstories, interests, and roles at the company.
• Employee takeovers of your Instagram stories.
• Spotlight impactful initiatives led by team members.
• Celebrate work anniversaries and achievements.

47. Share user-submitted content

Repost great user-generated visuals that mention your brand:

• Customer uses of your product in creative ways.
• Arts, crafts, DIY projects, and recipes utilizing your product.
• Satisfied customers sharing post-purchase photos and reviews.
• Cool “shelfies” featuring your products.

48. Promote webinars and virtual events

Drive registrations for online events like webinars, demos, and virtual conferences:

• Share practical event details like schedules and speakers.
• Give a sneak peek of what attendees will learn.
• Post recap videos covering highlights and key takeaways.
• Promote event lead-up, during, and post-event.

49. Share company culture and values

Give followers a peek into your organization’s personality:

• Team member spotlights and fun office activities.
• Volunteer work, community initiatives, and donate programs.
• Sustainability practices and green policies.
• Diversity, inclusion, and belonging programs and impact.

50. Highlight customer success stories

Showcase case studies and testimonials from happy clients:

• Before/after photos/videos showing transformation.
• Reviews, testimonials, and positive feedback.
• Quantifiable metrics and data showing results.
• Client interviews explaining how you helped them.

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Key Takeaways

Instagram is full of possibilities to turn your creative business idea into reality and connect with an engaged audience of potential customers.

Focus on showing off your products and services in an eye-catching visual style. Provide value through education, entertainment, and inspiration. Build relationships and foster engagement.

Leverage Instagram’s marketing, shopping, and analytics tools. Stay on top of new features as they are introduced.

Be consistent, monitor performance, test different content types, and refine your strategy based on what resonates best with your audience.

Turn to Instagram to launch your online business and open up an exciting new sales and growth channel today. The opportunities are endless if you get creative.

What unique Instagram business ideas do you have or want to explore? Share in the comments below!

The post 50 Instagram Business Ideas to Explore in 2023 appeared first on Tactyqal.