Most brands and creators are active on more than one social platform — but the smart ones aren't creating fresh content for every channel. They're crossposting: publishing the same (or lightly adapted) post across multiple networks so a single piece of content reaches audiences on Instagram Reels, TikTok, X, and beyond.

Here's exactly what crossposting is, why it works, and how to do it on every major platform in 2026.

Key takeaways

• Crossposting means sharing the same (or lightly adapted) post across multiple social platforms so one piece of content can reach more of your audience without you starting from scratch each time.
• Group platforms by media type first: text (X, Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon), short-form video (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts), and image (Instagram feed, Pinterest).
• Always tweak captions, hashtags, and video length for each platform — character limits range from 280 (X free tier) to 63,206 (Facebook). Reels cap at 20 minutes, while TikTok allows up to 60 minutes.
• Use Meta's native crossposting to share between Facebook, Instagram, and Threads in a single tap if you only post within the Meta ecosystem.
• Use a tool like Buffer to customize and crosspost across Meta and non-Meta platforms (X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Bluesky, Mastodon) from one workflow.
• Don't crosspost blindly: content that performs with one audience can flop with another — match the post to each platform's culture, not just its specs.

What is crossposting on social media?

Crossposting is the practice of sharing the same — or slightly adapted — piece of content across multiple social media accounts you own, so one post can reach audiences on different platforms without you creating each version from scratch.

For example, musician Ren shares his videos on Instagram Reels, as seen here:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ren (@renmakesmusic)

And he posts the same videos on TikTok:

It's the same content, and he gets a ton of engagement on both platforms.

If this seems like double the work, it's actually the opposite: You can create posts once and share them everywhere your audience hangs out.

Whether you use a platform's built-in features (like crossposting between Facebook, Instagram, and Threads) or a social media management tool like Buffer, it's a streamlined process that lets you crosspost in just a few clicks.

Crossposting vs. reposting vs. repurposing — what's the difference?

Repurposing content is the heavier lift of the three — it's where crossposting ends and content remixing begins.

Why crosspost on social media (and when not to)

Crossposting solves a specific problem for busy creators and small businesses: how to keep an active presence across multiple platforms without doubling your workload. Here's where it actually pulls its weight.

Build a stronger social media presence

Crossposting lets you maintain an active presence on two or three platforms at once, protecting your reach if any single platform's algorithm or policies shift. One platform is a fragile foundation — algorithms change, accounts get suspended, whole networks pivot. Being on two or three platforms is just risk management.

You don't need to be everywhere. But maintaining a couple of channels is more doable when you're not creating original content for each one.

Save time

Crossposting can cut your content production time meaningfully — one piece of content can serve three to four platforms with only minor caption tweaks, which is why it's one of the most reliable ways to save time on social media.

By crossposting strategically, you spend your energy on creating high-quality content — not on logging into four different apps to publish the same post four times. That matters when you're juggling content creation alongside everything else and trying to avoid burning out.

For example, if you record a teaser video for an upcoming product launch, you can post it across Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Adjust the captions and hashtags for each, and you're done.

Reach more of your audience

Crossposting expands your reach because most followers only use a subset of platforms — posting the same content across networks increases the odds your audience actually sees it.

Even someone who follows you on multiple platforms might miss your post on X but catch it on Threads. And because each platform has a different user base, posting on both means a follower who'd never have found your Instagram might find you on Facebook instead — that's two audiences from one piece of content.

For example, your Facebook Page might attract a different crowd than your Instagram account. Posting on both gets the same content in front of two distinct groups.

Test new platforms efficiently

Crossposting lets you experiment with a new platform without committing to a separate content stream — you can use existing content to gauge audience fit before investing further.

If you're curious about text-based platforms, you can try crossposting across X, Threads, Bluesky, and Mastodon to see where it resonates. If short-form video is your focus, the same approach works across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.

After a few weeks, the data tells you which platform actually pulls its weight — that's where you double down. You can analyze engagement across platforms and focus your effort accordingly.

When crossposting doesn't work

When NOT to crosspost: Platform-native formats almost always need their own treatment. A LinkedIn carousel doesn't translate to Instagram. A TikTok with on-screen text in a TikTok-y font looks stale on reels. And anything tied to a platform-specific feature — Threads replies, X polls, Pinterest idea pins — lives where it lives.

How to crosspost on social media in 5 steps

A few principles save you from the most common crossposting mistakes — like accidentally leaving "link in bio" on a Facebook post, or running out of characters mid-thought on X. Here's how to crosspost without those potholes.

Step 1: Start with platforms that share similar media (text, video, or image)

The easiest way to start crossposting is to focus on platforms that share similar content types.

Which platforms work well for crossposting?

You can also crosspost between platforms with different media focuses (an Instagram image to X, for example), but you'll need to customize the post a bit more — because each network presents content differently.

For instance, on X, the caption appears first, followed by the image, so a strong text lead-in works best. On Instagram, the caption sits below the photo and gets cut off after the first couple of lines, which rewards a shorter hook.

For example, Shopify posted this photo to Instagram:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Shopify (@shopify)

And then again on X:

Each post has a slightly different caption to suit the platform. Because X shows text first, followed by the image, having a strong text lead-in makes sense.

Meanwhile, Instagram's caption appears after the photo in followers' feeds and gets cut off after the first couple of lines, prompting followers to click it if they want to read the whole thing. So a shorter caption makes sense there.

Step 2: Match your content to each platform's audience

Every social platform has its own culture and audience expectations. Whatever you share, stay consistent with the style each audience expects.

For example, TikTok tends to be more spontaneous and off-the-cuff than Instagram Reels, so something polished can land flat there.

I learned this the hard way. I'd built an audience of e-commerce marketers on X and a different audience of content marketers on LinkedIn — so when I crossposted my e-commerce stuff to LinkedIn, it died. The content marketing posts kept performing fine. Same writer, same effort, wrong audience.

Step 3: Customize captions, hashtags, and dimensions for each platform

Every platform has its own norms and technical limits. A few things to adjust before you hit publish:

Character limits to know before crossposting:

• X (free tier): 280 characters
• X Premium: 25,000 characters
• Threads: 500 characters
• Bluesky: 300 characters
• LinkedIn: 3,000 characters
• Instagram captions: 2,200 characters
• Facebook posts: 63,206 characters
• TikTok captions: 2,200 characters

Maximum video lengths by platform:

• Instagram Reels: 20 minutes
• TikTok: 60 minutes
• YouTube Shorts: 3 minutes
• X: 2 minutes 20 seconds (free tier)
• LinkedIn: 10 minutes (feed) / 15 minutes (mobile upload)
• Threads: 5 minutes

Image sizes: Make sure your images and videos meet each platform's recommended dimensions. Here's our handy guide to the latest social media image sizes.

Platform specifics: Seeing 'link in bio' on a Facebook post immediately signals that the content was copied without customization. Make sure you remove or update platform-specific mentions, so each post fits the platform you’re sharing it on.

Optimal posting times: Your audience's active hours can vary by platform. Schedule your crossposted content when your followers are most likely to engage on each specific platform. Buffer's analytics can help you figure out the best time to post for your audience.

Step 4: Use Meta's built-in crossposting between Instagram, Facebook, and Threads

If you're posting within the Meta ecosystem — Instagram, Facebook, and Threads — you can use Meta's native crossposting features to publish to all three at once.

Here's how to crosspost from Instagram to Facebook step by step:

1. Link your accounts: In Instagram, go to your Accounts Center > Connected experiences and connect your Facebook Page.
2. Enable sharing on each post: When you create a post or reel, toggle on Also share on Facebook.
3. Publish once, appear twice: Your content publishes simultaneously to both your Instagram and Facebook feeds.

The same flow works for Threads: If your Threads profile is connected to your Instagram account, you can crosspost between the two from the Threads composer.

This native option only works within Meta's network, and it's most useful for spontaneous content where you want a one-tap share. For everything beyond Meta — X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Bluesky, Mastodon — you'll need a social media management tool.

Step 5: Use a tool to crosspost across all your channels

Crossposting manually means logging into three or four platforms, copying captions, resizing media, and remembering which hashtag rules apply where. A tool that handles the repetitive part lets you spend your time on the actual content — which matters when you're trying to keep up a consistent social media strategy without stretching yourself too thin.

That's where the next section comes in.

How to crosspost to multiple social media platforms at once with Buffer

Crossposting manually can be tedious and time-consuming. We recommend using a social media management platform like Buffer that makes crossposting a breeze.

With Buffer, you can:

• Draft and schedule posts to multiple channels at once
• Customize content for each platform as you schedule
• Use the AI Assistant to adapt your content for different platforms
• Duplicate posts you've already drafted or published
• Schedule posts at the right time for each platform

 Here's how it works:

1. Connect your channels: Add the social accounts you want to crosspost to (Buffer's free plan supports up to three channels).
2. Draft your post once: Write your caption, attach your image or video, and pick the channels you want it on.
3. Customize per platform: Tweak each caption, swap hashtags, and trim character count where needed — Buffer keeps each version in the same composer, so you're not copy-pasting across tabs.
4. Adjust media for each channel: Buffer flags when an image or video is the wrong size for a specific platform, so you can resize before scheduling instead of after publishing.
5. Schedule for the best time on each channel: Use Buffer's posting time recommendations to schedule each version when its audience is most active.

Beyond the basics, Buffer's AI Assistant can adapt your caption to each platform's norms (helpful when you're moving from a long LinkedIn post to a 280-character X version), and you can duplicate any post you've already drafted or published to crosspost it again later.

Buffer's free plan covers up to three channels, which is enough to test whether crossposting actually saves you time before committing to a paid plan. You can get started with Buffer for free.

FAQs about crossposting

Is it OK to share the exact same post on every platform?

Yes, you can share identical posts to every platform — but small tweaks to caption length, hashtags, and video format will significantly improve performance, because each platform has different conventions for tone and formatting.

What's the difference between crossposting and reposting?

Crossposting means sharing your own content (or a lightly adapted version) across multiple platforms you own at the same time — for example, posting the same reel to Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts. Reposting means sharing someone else's post on your own account, usually with attribution and often via a built-in share or repost button.

Does crossposting hurt your reach or get penalized by social media algorithms?

“There’s no clear evidence that major platforms directly penalize creators for crossposting content from other platforms. However, recycled content with visible watermarks or poor platform fit may perform worse. The bigger risk isn't algorithmic — it's audience mismatch. Content that flops with the wrong audience looks worse to that platform's algorithm than the act of crossposting itself.

What's the best tool for crossposting on social media?

The best crossposting tool depends on which platforms you use. Meta's built-in features handle Facebook, Instagram, and Threads natively at no cost. For crossposting beyond Meta — including X, LinkedIn, TikTok, YouTube, Pinterest, Bluesky, and Mastodon — a social media management tool like Buffer lets you draft once, customize per platform, and schedule everything from a single dashboard. Buffer's free plan supports up to three channels, which is enough for most creators starting out with crossposting.

What is crossposting on Instagram?

Crossposting on Instagram is a built-in feature that lets you share an Instagram post or reel to a linked Facebook Page or Threads profile in one tap, with no separate upload required. After you connect your Instagram professional account to a Facebook Page, you just switch on Also share to Facebook before you publish on Instagram — the post then shows up natively in both feeds with no extra upload time. The same flow works for Threads when your profile is linked to your Instagram account.

What's a quick example of crossposting?

A simple example of crossposting: shoot one 60-second product demo, upload it as an Instagram Reel, then share the same clip to TikTok and YouTube Shorts with adjusted captions and hashtags — three audiences reached from one piece of content.

More social media marketing resources

• The 9 Best AI Image Generators (+ Examples)
• The 11 Best Social Media Analytics + Reporting Tools
• Social Media Engagement: 11 Ways to Boost Yours + Why it Matters
• 8 Essential Social Media Collaboration Tools — Tried + Tested by the Buffer Marketing Team
• The Best Time to Post on Social Media in 2026: Times for Every Major Platform

While it's always a good time to watch TikToks, figuring out the best time to post on TikTok is a little more complicated.

And yet, knowing when to post can be super helpful for content creators and small business owners alike. After all, creating TikToks is tough work (trust me, I know), so it makes sense to give your content the best possible shot when you hit publish.

That's why we analyzed Buffer's data of more than 7.1 million videos, carousels, photos, and text posts to pinpoint exactly when posts tend to get the most engagement on the platform. And we found some patterns.

In this guide, I'll unpack them all: the best times to post, the best day of the week, and which hours are best avoided. Plus, I'll help you find the best time to post on TikTok based on your target audience and goals. Hopefully, this gives you a stronger foundation for deciding when to hit publish and a better shot at getting your content in front of the right people on For You Pages.

Key takeaways

• Peak posting time: The single best time to post is Sunday at 9 a.m., followed by Monday at 1 p.m. and Sunday at 1 p.m.
• Best day: Saturday is the top-performing day for TikTok engagement, with Monday and Sunday following close behind.
• Evening advantage: Views generally peak during evening hours (6 p.m.–11 p.m.), with afternoons (12 p.m.–5 p.m.) showing the lowest engagement across most days.
• Personalize your data: Use TikTok Studio Analytics (Followers tab) to find when your specific audience is most active.

Let's dive into what the data shows about the best times to post on TikTok in 2026.

Is there a best time to post on TikTok?

There isn't one "magic" best time to post on TikTok for every creator, but our study of 7.1 million posts shows clear standout times to try.

To put these numbers together, our data scientist crunched the median engagement rate across 7.1 million posts published through Buffer.

These numbers helped us pinpoint some pretty clear patterns in the times of TikTok posts that tend to perform well compared to those that don't.

Why does posting time matter on a platform like TikTok?

It comes down to how the TikTok algorithm works. When you share a video, the algorithm watches how people respond (looking at completion rate, likes, shares, saves) before deciding whether to push the video out to a wider audience on the For You Page.

Because early engagement matters, posting when your audience is active can improve your chances of gaining momentum quickly. If your video lands when your audience is active, it's more likely to get that early engagement boost, and that's the signal TikTok needs to show it to more people.

But before we dig into our data, an important caveat: There is no universal best time for TikTok that will work for every video on the app. If only it were that easy.

The best time to post on TikTok for you depends on your target audience — your audience location, timezones, and their behaviors — which is why I'll walk you through analyzing your own TikTok data to figure out the best time to post on TikTok for your target audience later in this article.

That said, the days and times in the charts below offer a good jumping-off point. Experiment with these slots to help you maximize your content potential while growing your following. If you're not sure when to post your content, using our data is a great place to begin.

The best times to post on TikTok

According to our data, the best time to post on TikTok is Sunday at 9 a.m., followed by Monday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m.

Videos, carousels, and text TikTok posts shared during those times tended to get the most engagement of the week, though other slots weren't far behind.

🌙 Generally speaking, engagement tends to pick up in the evening hours, with peak time slots between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Afternoons (12 p.m.–5 p.m.) tend to see lower engagement across most days.

This makes sense when you think about how people consume TikTok. Unlike text-based platforms that you can quickly scan during a meeting, short-form video demands active, sound-on attention. That's something people are more likely to give during their commute home or while unwinding on the couch in the evening.

This heatmap shows patterns in the best time to post on TikTok by hour and day. The darkest blocks are the time slots with the most engagement (the best time to post), and the light to white blocks are the time slots with the lowest engagement (times that are probably best avoided).

The best time to post on TikTok at a glance

In general, evenings tend to deliver the best results.

Here's a quick look at the best time to post on TikTok every day of the week. The posting times below are listed in order of performance (so the first time mentioned is the best time for that day, and so on).

The best time to post on TikTok on Monday

The best time to post on TikTok on Monday is 1 p.m., closely followed by 11 a.m., then 8 a.m., according to Buffer data. Monday is one of the strongest days of the week for TikTok engagement, so if you're only picking one day to prioritize, it's well worth considering.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Monday: 1 p.m.

The best time to post on TikTok on Tuesday

The best time to post on TikTok on Tuesday is 6 a.m. Videos posted at 10 p.m. received the second-highest median engagement, followed by 7 a.m., so add those into your TikTok posting schedule, too.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Tuesday: 6 a.m.

The best time to post on TikTok on Wednesday

On Wednesdays, the best time to post on TikTok is 10 p.m., closely followed by 6 a.m., then 9 p.m. Wednesday tends to be quieter overall, so if you're being selective about when you post, you might get more bang for your buck on Saturday or Monday.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Wednesday: 10 p.m.

The best time to post on TikTok on Thursday

The best time to post on TikTok on Thursday is 1 p.m. Videos posted at 10 p.m. received the second-highest median engagement, closely followed by 6 a.m. Like Wednesday, Thursday tends to see lower engagement overall.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Thursday: 1 p.m.

The best time to post on TikTok on Friday

On Friday, the best time to post on TikTok is at 6 p.m. There is another solid posting time at 10 p.m., then 8 p.m.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Friday: 6 p.m.

The best time to post on TikTok on Saturday

Saturday is the strongest day on TikTok overall, with clear optimal times worth noting. The best time to post on TikTok on Saturday is 5 p.m., followed by 4 p.m., then 3 p.m. That afternoon-to-evening window makes Saturday a great day for batch-creating and scheduling content ahead of time.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Saturday: 5 p.m.

The best time to post on TikTok on Sunday

The best time to post on TikTok on Sunday is at 9 a.m., which is the single best time to post throughout the entire week, so bookmark this slot for your TikTok posting schedule to maximize engagement. Other strong times to post on TikTok on Sunday are 1 p.m. and 12 p.m. This is a great time to use scheduling tools if you prefer to keep weekends free.

⏰ When to post on TikTok on Sunday: 9 a.m.

This is where social media scheduling tools like Buffer shine. Experiment by systematically going through the times on the list above, scheduling a TikTok, and tracking its performance to see what works best for your specific audience.

The best day of the week to post on TikTok

The best day of the week to post on TikTok is Saturday. Overall, videos, carousels, and text TikTok posts shared on Saturday tended to perform the best.

Monday comes in second place, followed closely by Sunday.

It's worth noting that other studies have found midweek days (Tuesday through Thursday) to be stronger, which just goes to show how much results can vary depending on the data set, audience, and methodology. The takeaway? Use these findings as a starting point, but let your own analytics guide your final decisions.

How to find your best time to post on TikTok

As always, these times are a starting point; your audience might behave a little differently.

1. See when your TikTok followers are most active

1. Open your TikTok profile and tap TikTok Studio (just under your bio).
2. Inside Studio, look for the Analytics card and tap View all.
3. Choose the Followers tab, then scroll to Most active times.

In this TikTok analytics section, you'll find a retrospective overview of when your TikTok account followers were most active on the app over the past week.

Why timing matters for the TikTok algorithm

• TikTok serves your video to a small test group first.
• High engagement (watch time, likes, shares) signals the content is valuable.
• Positive signals trigger the algorithm to push the video to a wider audience on the For You Page.

2. Look for patterns in your peak posting times

It's worthwhile spending some time noting down your audience's most active times over the past few days. Look for patterns.

⚡ Pro tip: I suggest posting slightly before your followers' most active times, particularly if it lines up with one of our best times, above.

3. Consider your own schedule for posting consistently

A simple posting schedule or even a rough content calendar can take a lot of the mental overhead out of showing up consistently. When you're not scrambling to figure out what to post and when, it's much easier to actually do it.

4. Experiment with different times

Don't be afraid to mix things up. Try different posting times throughout the day and see what lands best for your audience.

Even small shifts, like posting at 6 p.m. instead of 3 p.m., can make a noticeable difference. Try a few different time slots over a couple of weeks and compare the results.

If you're not able to actively post on TikTok during those hours (perhaps your target audience location is not in the same timezone as yours), no sweat: A social media management tool like Buffer can help schedule TikTok posts at the exact moments your audience is most likely to engage.

5. Analyze your content performance

Stick to your planned posting schedule when you post on TikTok for a few weeks, to give each posting time a fair trial. Use these numbers to help you find the best time to post on TikTok:

1. Views: Total number of times your video was watched
2. Likes: Total likes received
3. Shares: Number of times your video was shared
4. Comments: Total comments on your video
5. Followers: New followers gained from the post

6. Post regularly, rinse, and repeat

Can't find any patterns that point to a best time to post on TikTok? That's OK. You could stick to your current schedule when you post on TikTok a little longer if your posts are generally performing well, to gather more data. If not, I'd suggest adjusting your schedule (and checking out these tips for creating great TikTok content, too.).

If you've found some times that seem to be working? Be sure to share or schedule your posts during those times for the next few weeks.

But don't forget to add some new times to experiment with into the mix. TikTok trends (and TikTok's algorithm) shift constantly, so testing new posting times every few weeks can help you stay ahead.

Get the best times to post on TikTok right in Buffer

Did you know you can access these recommended times right in Buffer? It's super handy, and really easy to set up, too.

You can automatically set these recommended times for TikTok and your other social media platforms. They'll appear as posting slots in your queue and calendar, like this:

It'll take you less than a minute to set up:

1. Select TikTok on your channels list on the left.
2. Click on the settings (gear) icon above the calendar.
3. Scroll to Posting Schedule and under Posting Times, click the Generate New Posting Times button
4. Then Use Recommended Posting Times.

The schedule will automatically update to include the best posting times for the week, based on our latest analysis of millions of TikTok posts.

The next time you schedule a post, you can easily choose one of these high engagement slots. No more guessing.

Finding your optimal times to post on TikTok

Hopefully, this guide gives you a solid starting point for finding your best time to post on TikTok and takes some of the guesswork out of the equation.

To recap: start with the data-backed times above, check your own TikTok Analytics to see when your followers are most active, and experiment over a few weeks to see what sticks. And if you'd rather not be glued to your phone at 9 a.m. on a Sunday, a scheduling tool like Buffer can help you show up at the right time without the hassle.

Here's to getting your content in front of more people and building a stronger online community while you're at it.

FAQ about the best time to post on TikTok

Is there really a "best" time to post on TikTok?

Technically, yes; there are times that tend to perform better than others on TikTok. But there are two important caveats here. First, your ideal time depends on your audience. Second, even the best timing in the world can’t “save” a weak post. The quality of your content will always be the most important factor.

Do I need to adjust the posting times for my timezone?

You can use the times in this guide as a starting point regardless of where you live, as the data reflects patterns across a wide range of Buffer users around the world. That said, your audience's timezone matters more than yours. If most of your followers are based in a different country, use TikTok Studio Analytics to check when they're most active, and plan your posting schedule around that.

Do I need to post every day at the best time?

Posting consistently matters more than posting every single day. Choose times that work for your audience and feel sustainable for you.

How do I know when my audience is most active?

Check TikTok Analytics → Followers tab → Most active times. This shows when your followers were online in the past week, which is a great clue for when to post next.

Does posting time matter if my content isn't getting views?

Timing can help, but it's rarely the main reason a video underperforms. If your content isn't getting views, look at watch time first. TikTok's algorithm uses it as a key signal to decide whether to push a video further. Low watch time usually means the hook isn't strong enough, regardless of when you post. Once your content is connecting with viewers, posting at a time when your audience is active gives it a better chance of gaining early momentum. Think of timing as a boost, not a fix.

How long should I test a posting time before deciding if it works?

TikTok performance can be unpredictable day-to-day. Give each time slot at least a few weeks so you can spot patterns instead of one-off spikes.

What if my followers live in different timezones?

Look for overlap in activity patterns. If most of your audience is active in the morning or evening (regardless of country), try posting during shared "awake hours."

Can I schedule TikTok posts?

Yes, Buffer lets you schedule or set up notification-based posting. It's a great way to show up at the right time without having to be glued to your phone.

What time are you most likely to go viral on TikTok?

No specific time guarantees a video will go viral, but timing can give your content a running start. When you post while your audience is active, your video picks up early engagement (views, watch time, shares). That early momentum is what tells TikTok the content is worth pushing to a wider audience on the For You Page.

Based on our data, the windows with the strongest early-engagement potential are Sunday at 9 a.m., Monday at 1 p.m., and Saturday between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. That said, timing is just one piece of the puzzle. A strong hook and high watch time will do more for your reach than any posting window.

More TikTok resources

• How to Schedule TikTok Posts (For Free): A Step-By-Step Guide
• 14 Ways to Get More Followers on TikTok — Tried and Tested
• How Often Should You Post on TikTok? Data From 11 Million+ Posts
• TikTok Algorithm Guide: Everything We Know About How Videos Are
• Top 250 TikTok Hashtags + How to Use Them for Growth
• How to Make Money on TikTok: 10 Ways to Earn (With or Without a Huge Following)

If you want your images to look great in the feed — not awkwardly cropped or stretched — getting your sizing right from the start makes a real difference.

But figuring out image sizes for each social network is tricky, especially considering how many different image options each platform offers.

Which is where this guide comes in. Keep this handy, and you won’t have to store all those fiddly numbers in your brain — or Google “what’s the best image size for [insert platform here]” with every post.

In this article, you’ll find the ideal social media image sizes for nine popular platforms, focusing on the images you share with your updates, cover photos, and profile pictures.

Quick summary: universal image standards

• Square posts: 1080 x 1080 pixels is the standard for Facebook, Instagram, and X.
• Vertical content: Use 1080 x 1920 pixels for stories, reels, and TikTok.
• Profile pictures: Aim for at least 400 x 400 pixels to ensure clarity across all devices.
• Link previews: 1200 x 630 pixels works best for most platforms (Facebook, X, LinkedIn).
• Aspect ratios: Stick to 1:1 (square), 9:16 (vertical), and 16:9 (horizontal) for maximum compatibility.

Social media image size basics

There are two terms you’ll see frequently in this post — aspect ratio and pixels.

Aspect ratio (width: height): The proportional relationship between width and height.

• 1:1: Square (e.g., Instagram feed)
• 9:16: Vertical (e.g., TikTok, Stories)
• 16:9: Horizontal (e.g., YouTube, X headers)

Pixels (width x height): The unit of measurement for resolution. Higher pixel counts (e.g., 1080 x 1350) result in sharper, more detailed images. A good rule of thumb is that the higher the number, the higher the level of detail — a square image with 1080 x 1080 pixels will be clearer than one that is 200 x 200 pixels.

One important trend to keep in mind: vertical, mobile-first aspect ratios like 4:5 and 9:16 now tend to outperform square images on most networks. Most platforms are designed for scrolling on a phone, so vertical images naturally take up more screen space and grab more attention. You'll notice these ratios come up again and again throughout this guide.

JPG or PNG files are the most common file types for uploading images on different social media platforms. Some platforms also support animated GIF files, and a growing number now accept WEBP files as well.

Here's a quick look at the recommended image sizes for each social media platform.

Facebook image sizes

• Profile photo: 320 x 320 pixels
• Cover photo: 
  • Profiles and Pages: 851 x 315 pixels (2.7:1 aspect ratio)
  • Groups: 1640 x 856 pixels (1.92:1 aspect ratio)
  • Events: 1920 x 1005 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
• Post images: 
  • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
  • Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels
  • Horizontal: 1200 x 630 pixels
• Facebook Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Link image: 1200 x 630 pixels

Facebook profile picture size 

Facebook recommends a profile picture size of at least 320 x 320 pixels for the best quality. Your image can be larger, but it shouldn’t be smaller than this, or it’ll appear pixelated.

Keep in mind that your Facebook profile picture will be cropped into a circle, so don’t keep any important information near the corners.

Facebook cover photo size

The ideal size for a cover photo for Facebook profiles and pages is 851 x 315 pixels. According to Facebook, your profile cover photo should be at least 720 pixels wide.

Your cover photo will look slightly different on mobile — Facebook shows your cover photo at 640 pixels wide by 360 pixels tall.

Your Facebook profile picture overlaps the bottom left of the cover photo for profiles and pages, so try not to include any important information there, as it’ll get obscured.

Facebook cover photos for profiles and pages have different dimensions and aspect ratios from those for groups and events. For groups, the recommended cover image size is 1640 x 856 pixels. For events, the recommended cover image size is 1920 x 1005 pixels.

There’s no profile photo overlapping the cover images for groups and events.

Facebook post image size

The recommended size for Facebook image posts is 1080 x 1350 pixels for vertical images, 1080 x 1080 pixels for square images, and 1200 x 630 pixels for horizontal or landscape images.

Facebook Stories image size

Because Facebook Stories take up the entire mobile screen, the recommended Facebook Story image size is 1080 x 1920 pixels. Your profile photo, page or profile name, play/pause button, mute/unmute button, and settings menu icon will appear at the top of your stories, so be sure to leave space for those when designing your images.

Facebook image size when shared with a link

Now this one is a little more technical — but don't worry, you don't need to be a developer to get it right. When you share a link to Facebook, people will see an accompanying image in the link preview. Facebook pulls this image from the Open Graph tags on your website — specifically the og:image tag, which tells Facebook which image to use.

You can add this tag manually to the section of your website, but if that sounds like a lot, a plugin like Yoast SEO for WordPress handles all of it for you.

Instagram image sizes

• Profile photo: 320 x 320 pixels
• Post images: 
  • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels (1:1 aspect ratio)
  • Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio) or 1080 x 1440 pixels (3:4 aspect ratio)
  • Horizontal: 1080 x 566 pixels (1.91:1 aspect ratio)
• Instagram Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels
• Reels thumbnails: 1080 x 1920 pixels

Instagram profile picture size

Instagram profile images are displayed at 110 x 110 pixels, but the app stores the image files at 320 x 320 pixels, so we recommend uploading an image with these dimensions or larger. Similar to Facebook, your profile picture will be cropped into a circle.

Instagram post image size

The recommended image aspect ratio for Instagram feed posts is between 1.91:1 for horizontal images and 4:5 or 3:4 for vertical images.

With these aspect ratios in mind, square photos (1:1) should be 1080 x 1080 pixels in size, horizontal (1.91:1) should be 1080 x 566 pixels, and vertical (4:5) should be 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5) or 1080 x 1440 pixels (3:4).

The Instagram profile grid — how all your posted images appear in your profile — used to display square thumbnails automatically from images and reels. As of January 2025, Instagram rolled out a “tall grid” with a 3:4 aspect ratio.

What does that mean in practice? Even if you share a square or horizontal photo, it'll be displayed with a vertical crop on your grid. Since most people are sharing vertical images and videos anyway, this shift makes a lot of sense — but it's worth keeping in mind if you carefully curate how your grid looks. Vertical images at 1080 x 1350 or 1080 x 1440 pixels tend to be the safest choice now.

Instagram Stories image size

Since Instagram Stories take up the full phone screen, the ideal image size is 1080 x 1920 pixels (aspect ratio of 9:16).

When designing your Instagram Stories, remember to keep 310 pixels each from the top and bottom of the image free of text and logos, because that's where your profile photo, name, and Instagram buttons will be.

Instagram Reels thumbnail size

When you upload a reel, you can choose a frame from the reel or add a custom thumbnail to display in your grid.

We recommend adding a thumbnail that’s 1080 x 1920 pixels. Make sure you keep 480 pixels each from the top and bottom free of any text and logos so it displays well in the new 3:4 grid.

X/Twitter image sizes

• Profile picture: 400 x 400 pixels
• Cover photo: 1500 x 500 pixels
• Post image: 
  • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
• Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels
• Horizontal: 1600 x 900 pixels
• Link image: 1200 x 630 pixels

X/Twitter profile photo size

The recommended profile image size for X/Twitter is 400 x 400 pixels, and the maximum file size is 2MB. Profile photos for people and most brand or business accounts will be cropped into a circle. For Verified Organizations that have the gold check mark, profile photos will display as square images.

X/Twitter cover photo size

X/Twitter recommends that your header photo size be 1500 x 500 pixels — much wider than it is tall, especially when compared to most cover images. Stick to an image wide enough to fill the space otherwise X/Twitter will stretch it, and that blurriness is hard to miss.

X/Twitter post image size

The ideal X/Twitter image sizes are 1080 x 1080 pixels for square images, 1080 x 1350 pixels for vertical images, and 1600 x 900 pixels for horizontal images. The minimum required width is 600 pixels, but larger images will look better when your followers click to expand the image.

Images with 2:1 and 3:4 aspect ratios will display in full within a timeline — no cropping required.

You can also add up to four photos, videos, and GIFs in a single tweet, and they don't need to have the same dimensions. Feel free to mix horizontal and vertical images in the same tweet. The display will automatically stack to show all images in the timeline, and people can click on any image to see it at full size.

X/Twitter image size when shared with a link

For images that preview when you share a link (also known as website image cards), the ideal card image size is 1200 x 631 pixels.

The card shows a photo, headline, and link when you share a URL from a site that contains the appropriate X/Twitter Cards code. All this information is pulled via HTML tags, often the same ones that are used by Facebook to display links. 

You can use the Yoast SEO WordPress plugin to add images to X/Twitter cards. If you run a Squarespace Commerce website, it’s automatically optimized for X/Twitter cards.

LinkedIn image sizes

• Profile photo: 400 x 400 pixels
• Cover photo: 
  • Profiles: 1584 x 396 pixels 
  • Company Pages: 1128 x 191 pixels
• Post images: 
  • Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels
  • Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels
  • Horizontal: 1080 x 360 pixels
• Link image: 1200 x 627 pixels

LinkedIn profile photo size

The recommended image size for LinkedIn profile photos is 400 x 400 pixels, which will be cropped into a circle on personal profiles. LinkedIn profile images — for your brand’s or business’s logo — on LinkedIn Company Pages are square.

The maximum file size for LinkedIn profile photos on personal profiles is 8MB. For company pages, the maximum file size for logos is 3MB.

LinkedIn personal profile cover photo size

LinkedIn profile header photos are displayed at a 4:1 aspect ratio. LinkedIn recommends using photos with dimensions of 1584 x 396 pixels. The maximum file size for LinkedIn cover photos on personal profiles is 8MB.

LinkedIn Company Page cover photo size

While LinkedIn recommends dimensions of 1128 x 191 pixels for company page cover photos, the profile photo or logo covers a small section on the left, so it might be best to keep the important aspects of your photo to the middle of the image if possible. The maximum file size for LinkedIn cover photos on company pages is 3MB.

LinkedIn post image size

Images shared with LinkedIn posts can have an aspect ratio between 3:1 and 4:5. LinkedIn recommends a minimum width of 1080 pixels, meaning horizontal images should be at least 1080 x 360 pixels, square images should be 1080 x 1080 pixels, and vertical images should be at least 1080 x 1350 pixels.

LinkedIn automatically crops and centers photos that go beyond the recommended aspect ratios, but LinkedIn is more vague about how that cropping happens. We've found that as long as your text is centered, many different image sizes will display well in the LinkedIn feed.

LinkedIn image size when shared with a link

If you're sharing a link that has an image preview, the recommended image size is 1200 x 627 pixels.

Threads image sizes

• Profile photo: 320 x 320 pixels
• Post images: Any size and combination of images
• Link image: 1200 x 600 pixels

Threads profile photo size

Threads profile photos are the same as Instagram at 320 x 320 pixels. You can sync your Threads profile photo with your Instagram profile photo so you don't have to upload a new image.

Threads post image size

So far, Threads hasn't published strict guidelines for photo resolutions or aspect ratios. Even when sharing multiple images of different sizes, the preview doesn’t crop any of the images, and keeps the original dimensions. You can share up to 20 photos, videos, or a combination in a single thread.

Threads has a unique feature on its mobile apps that lets people “pinch” two adjacent photos together to join them. You can slice panoramas into multiple images and upload them in a single thread. When the separate images are pinched together, they’ll join to look like one panoramic image.

Threads image size when shared with a link

Threads hasn’t specified an image size for photos that preview with links shared on posts. We recommend using an image with at least 1200 pixels width, which is the same minimum width that Facebook, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn use.

Images that preview along with links shared on Threads use a 2:1 aspect ratio, which would make the image size 1200 x 600 pixels.

Pinterest image sizes

• Profile photo: 165 x 165 pixels
• Cover photo: 800 x 450 pixels 
• Post or pins images: 1000 x 1500 pixels

Pinterest profile photo size

The recommended Pinterest profile photo size is 165 x 165 pixels. Like the other social media platforms we’ve seen so far, the profile image will be cropped into a circle when displayed on your Pinterest profile.

Pinterest cover photo size

Pinterest requires your cover photo to have a minimum size of 800 x 450 pixels. They recommend that you use a horizontal image with a 16:9 aspect ratio.

Pinterest pin image size

Pinterest is unique in that it heavily favors long, vertical images and recommends 1000 x 1500 pixels, which is a 2:3 aspect ratio.

Staying within the 2:3 aspect ratio is key. Pinterest told Buffer that the Pinterest algorithm will limit distribution for both low-resolution images and images longer than 1500 pixels.

YouTube image sizes

• Profile photo: 800 x 800 pixels
• Cover photo: 2560 x 1440 pixels 
• Video thumbnail: 1280 x 720 pixels

YouTube profile photo size

It's recommended to use an image that is 800 x 800 pixels for your YouTube profile image. The display size for your profile photo is 98 x 98 pixels, and it will be cropped into a circle on your YouTube channel. The maximum file size for YouTube profile pictures is 15MB.

YouTube banner image size

The minimum size for YouTube banner images — what other social media platforms call cover photos — is 2048 x 1152 pixels. 

YouTube videos can be viewed on a desktop, mobile, and even TV, and YouTube recommends uploading an image that is 2560 x 1440 pixels (16:9 aspect ratio) so that it looks good on larger screens.

YouTube banner images will be displayed differently on different devices, and the sides of the image may be cropped depending on where you’re viewing the channel. 

When designing your banner image, keep a safe area of 1546 x 423 pixels towards the center of the image to place text and logos.

The maximum file size for YouTube banner images is 6MB.

YouTube video thumbnail size

YouTube thumbnails should be 1280 x 720 pixels, but keep in mind there is a 2MB maximum file size limit, and you want the thumbnail to be high-quality so it grabs people's attention.

For YouTube podcasts, the maximum file size for thumbnails is 10MB.

TikTok image sizes

• Profile photo: 200 x 200 pixels
• Post images: 1080 x 1920 pixels (though a 4:5 ratio will work)
• TikTok Stories: 1080 x 1920 pixels

TikTok profile photo size

The minimum image size for TikTok profile photos is tiny — 20 x 20 pixels. We recommend using an image that’s at least 200 x 200 pixels so that it looks sharp on larger screens.

TikTok post image size

TikTok is mostly a video platform, but photo posts are becoming increasingly popular — especially carousels. Vertical photos work best on TikTok, with an image size of 1080 x 1920 pixels (9:16 aspect ratio). That said, images in a 4:5 aspect ratio will also display well.

You can create carousels with up to 35 photos in a single TikTok post, which makes the platform a surprisingly good fit for photo-heavy content like tutorials, product showcases, or behind-the-scenes snapshots.

TikTok Stories image size

Like Facebook and Instagram Stories, TikTok Stories are available for 24 hours before they disappear from your profile. We recommend using the TikTok video size for stories as well — 1080 x 1920 pixels.

Bluesky image sizes

• Profile image: 400 x 400 pixels
• Cover photo: 1500 x 500 pixels
• Post images: Any size and combination of images
• Link image: 1200 x 627 pixels

Bluesky doesn’t provide a simple, user-facing image size guide like most social platforms. However, it does have documented technical constraints — including limits on file size, number of images per post, and how images are processed and displayed.

While a wide range of aspect ratios is supported, images are typically compressed and resized by the platform, so using common formats like 1:1, 4:5, or 16:9 helps ensure consistent display.

Bluesky profile photo size

Since the photo displays as a circle, we recommend using a 1:1 aspect ratio and an image size of 400 x 400 pixels.

Bluesky cover photo size

Cover photos on Bluesky use a 3:1 aspect ratio on desktop devices, and we recommend using an image size of 1500 x 500 pixels. The header photo gets cropped on mobile devices to a 4:1 aspect ratio, so make sure there’s no important information on the left or right of the image.

Bluesky post image size

Bluesky allows up to four images per post, with each image limited to around 1MB in size. Each image can have its own aspect ratio and alt text, meaning mixed formats are fully supported within a single post.

Unlike most social platforms, Bluesky does not define fixed image dimensions or recommended sizes. Instead, images are processed and resized by the platform after upload, making it flexible but less prescriptive in terms of design requirements.

If you're sharing multiple images — whether they're the same size or different sizes — the preview will be cropped in timelines and on your profile. People can still see the full image in its original resolution by clicking on it. You can share up to four images in a single Bluesky post.

Bluesky image size when shared with a link

Links shared on Bluesky use a 1.91:1 aspect ratio for the accompanying image preview, which is the same as LinkedIn. We recommend using an image size of 1200 x 627 pixels for Bluesky as well.

Why do social media image sizes matter?

You only get a second to grab people's attention on social media, and creating eye-catching visual content in the proper size for each platform can make all the difference with your social media marketing. After all, what's the point of making and sharing a nice image if it shows up cropped or pixelated in people's feeds?

Here are a few quick tips to help you nail your images every time:

• Start with vertical. A 4:5 or 9:16 image works well on most platforms, so if you're creating one image to share across multiple networks, vertical is usually the safest bet.
• Keep text and logos centered. Profile photos, buttons, and platform UI elements often overlap the edges of images — especially in stories and cover photos. Keeping key elements toward the center helps avoid awkward cropping.
• Use high-resolution source files. It's always easier to scale down than to scale up. Start with the largest, highest-quality image you have and resize from there.
• Preview before you post. A quick check of how your image actually looks in the feed can save you from publishing something that's cut off or blurry.

Tools like Buffer make it easier to manage all of this. You can create a post once, customize it for each platform, and schedule it to go live when your audience is online — all from a single dashboard. Get started with Buffer for free today.

FAQ about social media image sizes

What size should images be for social media?

Most platforms display feed images well at 1080 pixels wide. The height depends on the format:

• Square: 1080 x 1080 pixels — works on Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, and LinkedIn
• Vertical: 1080 x 1350 pixels — the most common format for Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn feed posts
• Horizontal: 1080 x 566 pixels (Instagram) or 1600 x 900 pixels (X/Twitter)
• Stories and full-screen formats: 1080 x 1920 pixels — standard across Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok

Profile photo sizes vary by platform, ranging from 165 x 165 pixels (Pinterest) to 800 x 800 pixels (YouTube). The full breakdown for each network is in the guide above.

What file format should I use for social media images?

JPG and PNG are the most widely supported file formats across all major social platforms. Some platforms — including Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and X/Twitter — also support animated GIFs.

JPG is a good choice for photos. It compresses well, so file sizes stay manageable without much visible drop in quality. PNG works better for graphics, logos, or images with text. It preserves sharp edges and supports transparency, which JPG doesn't handle as well.

When you're not sure, use JPG for photos and PNG for everything else.

What image size works across most social media platforms?

An image that's 1080 pixels wide is a solid starting point for most networks. For feed posts, 1080 x 1350 pixels (4:5 aspect ratio) is a great default that displays well on Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and X/Twitter.

What happens if I upload an image that's the wrong size?

Most platforms will automatically crop or resize your image to fit their display requirements. This can result in important parts of your image being cut off, or the image appearing stretched or blurry. Using the recommended dimensions helps you control exactly how your content appears.

Do social media image sizes change often?

They can. Platforms update their specs periodically — sometimes with big changes like Instagram's shift to a tall grid, and sometimes with smaller tweaks. We keep this guide updated so you always have the latest numbers in one place.

More social media marketing resources

• 24 Free Instagram Tools to Help Grow Your Account
• 13 Ways to Get More Views on YouTube — Tried + Tested
• The 9 Best AI Image Generators (+ Examples)
• The 11 Best Social Media Analytics + Reporting Tools
• Social Media Engagement: 11 Ways to Boost Yours + Why it Matters
• 8 Essential Social Media Collaboration Tools — Tried + Tested by the Buffer Marketing Team

Not sure where to start with social media marketing? This guide walks you through everything from choosing platforms to building a strategy that sticks.

Marketers, social media is where your audience already hangs out — and it's one of the best ways to connect with over 5 billion of them in a real, meaningful way.

And it’s not just about staying in touch. Social platforms have become powerful discovery engines. A growing number of people actively use TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and others to research products, read reviews, and decide what to buy next. In fact, 63% of Gen Z and 49% of millennials say social media ads or recommendations influence their purchasing decisions.

In other words: your audience isn’t just scrolling. They’re searching, evaluating, and acting, so it’s well worth your business’s time to meet these potential customers on their social channels of choice. 

In this guide, we'll walk you through some of the most popular social networks for marketing (including what we've learned from analyzing millions of posts through Buffer), plus how to build a social media marketing strategy that actually works for you. You’ll also find some resources that take a deep dive into particular areas of this increasingly important marketing arena.

Key takeaways

• Definition: Social media marketing involves connecting with audiences to build brands, drive traffic, and increase sales through content, engagement, and ads.
• Strategic approach: Success requires a cyclical 7-step strategy: setting SMART goals, defining the audience, establishing content pillars, choosing platforms, calendaring, analyzing, and evaluating.
• Platform selection: Focus on the platforms where your target audience is most active, rather than spreading resources too thin across all networks.
• Engagement is critical: Modern SMM has evolved from simple broadcasting to meaningful two-way engagement and social listening.

What is social media marketing?

Social media marketing (SMM) is the use of social media platforms to connect with your audience to build your brand, increase sales, drive website traffic, and more. This involves publishing high-quality content on your social media profiles, listening to and engaging your followers, analyzing your results, and running social media advertisements. 

You've got plenty of platforms to choose from, and just as many tools to help you manage it all without losing your mind. We’ll unpack all of these things in this guide.

The evolution of social media marketing and management

Back in the early days, brands treated social media like digital billboards — just another place to shout their message and hope people clicked through to buy something.

But social media has become increasingly crowded, and users have become more selective and savvy. Today, simply showing up is no longer enough. To stand out, you need to create stuff people actually care about. And, more importantly, talk with them, not at them.

The good news is that as platforms have evolved, so have the tools and tactics that make social media marketing easier and more rewarding, too.

Along with posting, social media management also involves:

• Social listening and engagement: Monitoring social media conversations and responding to relevant mentions.
• Analytics and reporting: Analyzing reach, engagement, sales, and more on social media with an analytics tool.
• Paid social: Reaching a specific audience at scale with highly targeted social media ads.

Together, these pieces make up what we think of as modern social media management. Bonus: they're all things Buffer can help you with.

Quick-start guide to major social media platforms 

There are so many platforms out there. We've rounded up over 20 in our guide to the top social media sites — but don't let that overwhelm you.

One of the most important things to know about social media marketing is that you don't need to be everywhere. In fact, we'd recommend picking just a few platforms to focus on (we'll get into how to choose in a bit).

When you're deciding which platforms to use, the biggest question to ask yourself is: where does my audience actually spend their time? Here’s a high-level explainer, plus a breakdown of the demographics of the most popular social media marketing platforms to guide you:

Facebook

• Monthly active users: 3.07 billion
• Breakdown by gender: 43% women, 57% men
• Dominant age group: 25–34 years
• 79% of organizations use it for social media marketing

Facebook is still the biggest social network out there, with over 3 billion people logging in at least once a month. For perspective: That's more than a third of the world's population.

You can post pretty much any content format on Facebook, including links, text, images, and videos. We analyzed over 15 million posts and found that images get the most engagement on the platform (but only just!). You’ll see from the graph, however, that images, videos, and text posts are all clustered within one percentage point of each other.

Our data also shows that the best time to post on Facebook is generally early to mid-morning on weekdays.

Wednesday and Thursday are the best days of the week to share content on the social media platform.

Facebook (owned by Meta) also has some really useful tools built in, like Meta’s Business Suite and Facebook Ads Manager, which can help you schedule posts and run ads.

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding the Facebook Algorithm

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on Facebook

Instagram

• Monthly active users: 3 billion
• Breakdown by gender: 47% women, 53% men
• Dominant age group: 18–34 years
• 86% of organizations use it for social media marketing

Instagram is all about visuals. You can share photos, carousels (multi-photo posts), stories, reels, and live videos.

Our latest research revealed that carousels are the best content to post on the platform for engagement.

You may be surprised: surely reels reign supreme? Interestingly, the data above measured engagement, not reach. Essentially, reels and carousels serve different goals on Instagram: 

• Reels are great for reach and discoverability thanks to distribution on the explore page and reels tab
• Carousels tend to drive deeper engagement by keeping people interacting with your content longer

We also uncovered that the best time to post on Instagram for engagement is weekday evenings between 6 p.m.–11 p.m.

Midweek posts on Instagram see solid engagement, with Wednesdays topping the stats. 

Also owned by Meta, Instagram plays well with Facebook for crossposting content and ads. You’ll also be able to access Meta’s Business Suite and Ads Manager with your Instagram account.

🔍 Deep dive: How the Instagram Algorithm Works

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on Instagram

YouTube

• Monthly active users: 2.6 billion
• Breakdown by gender: 46% women, 54% men
• Dominant age group: 25–34 years
• 58% of organizations use it for social media marketing

YouTube was the OG video platform, and it's still going strong. For years, YouTube was all about landscape videos, but they've since jumped on the short-form video trend and introduced portrait short-form videos up to 60 seconds, called YouTube Shorts.

It makes sense to differentiate between long-form videos and YouTube Shorts when we look at the best time to post on YouTube, since each type performs a different function and attracts different audiences at different times. 

As you can see from the heatmaps below, the best time to post long-form videos is Sunday at 10 a.m. (by a long shot); whereas the best time to post YouTube Shorts is Friday afternoon and evening. 

When it comes to the best days of the week to post on YouTube, the same pattern applies: Sundays for long-form videos; Fridays for YouTube Shorts. 

YouTube also offers shopping tools like YouTube Shopping (only for certain users) plus YouTube Ads, allowing you to advertise before and during other YouTube videos.

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding the YouTube Algorithm

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Subscribers on YouTube

TikTok

• Monthly active users: 1.9 billion
• Breakdown by gender: 44% women, 56% men
• Dominant age group: 18–24 years
• 43% of organizations use it for social media marketing

On TikTok, you can create videos anywhere from 15 seconds to 60 minutes long, and there are tons of filters, AI effects, sounds, and music to play with. It makes creating content fun and accessible, even if you don’t have mad editing skills. The social media platform also introduced stories and carousel-style photo posts.

But there are no surprises when it comes to the best content format to post on TikTok: on a video-first platform, video still performs best. 

Buffer data revealed that the best time to post on TikTok is Sunday at 9 a.m., followed by Monday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. Generally speaking, views tend to pick up in the evening hours, which makes sense considering the entertainment value of most TikTok content. 

Unlike many other social platforms, which tend to see more engagement during the week, the best day of the week to post on TikTok is Saturday. Monday comes in second place, followed closely by Sunday.

TikTok offers a powerful ads platform with formats like in-feed ads, Topview, and Spark ads, helping you reach new audiences and boost high-performing content directly within the app.

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding the TikTok Algorithm

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on TikTok

Pinterest

• Monthly active users: 578 million
• Breakdown by gender: 70% women, 23% men
• Dominant age group: 18–34 years
• 10% of organizations use it for social media marketing

Pinterest is a bit of a hidden gem. It’s part social platform, part visual search engine, and it’s where people go to discover ideas, plan projects, and find brands they love. Think of it as a digital pinboard: users save images and videos (called pins) to curated boards, whether they’re dreaming up a new recipe, redesigning a space, or researching products. 

With nearly 600 million users (and over a third actively looking for brands), Pinterest offers a powerful, often overlooked way to get your content discovered and send traffic your way. 

Interestingly, our data found that video posts on Pinterest get 83% higher engagement than images. So if you're using Pinterest primarily as a visual catalog, it might be worth testing a few video pins and seeing how they perform with your audience. 

Pinterest also has built-in advertising tools, including promoted pins and shopping ads, making it easy to get your content discovered by users actively searching for ideas and products.

🔍 Deep dive: Pinterest Marketing Strategy 

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on Pinterest

X (formerly Twitter)

• Monthly active users: 557 million
• Breakdown by gender: 36% women, 54% men
• Dominant age group: 18–34 years
• 38% of organizations use it for social media marketing

X (formerly Twitter) has been around since the early days of social media. It was actually the very first platform Buffer supported! That said, the platform has been through a lot of changes lately.

But don't count it out just yet. Sure, there are some interesting X (Twitter) alternatives popping up (like Bluesky, Mastodon, and Threads) but none of them have surpassed X's monthly user count yet.

After acquiring the platform in 2022, Elon Musk set out to transform it into a broader “everything app,” expanding far beyond its original focus on short posts and conversations. Since then, we’ve seen a wave of updates, including new account types, longer-form posts, improved video features, and early steps toward digital payments and e-commerce.

Like Facebook, X supports links, images, text, and video posts, but according to our analysis of over 10 million posts sent through Buffer, text is the most engaging content format on X.

The best time to post on X (Twitter) is 9 a.m. on Tuesday. In general, posting on weekdays from 8 a.m. to about 12 p.m. gives your content the best shot at higher engagement stats. 

The best day of the week to post on X is Wednesday, followed by its fellow midweek buddies, Tuesday and Thursday. 

X offers a range of advertising options through X Ads, including promoted posts, accounts, and trends, helping you boost visibility and reach targeted audiences in real time conversations.

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding the X (Twitter) Algorithm

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on X (Twitter)

LinkedIn

• Monthly active users: 350 – 450 million (estimated)
• Breakdown by gender: 43% women, 57% men
• Dominant age group: 25–34 years
• 75% of organizations use it for social media marketing

LinkedIn has evolved from a resume-sharing platform to one of the best networks for thought leadership content and building a personal brand. From a business social media perspective, your employees’ personal brands can be a powerful digital marketing tool. More so, in most cases, than sharing from a company page. 

Although the platform also allows for text, video, image, and link posts, LinkedIn carousels (documents) take the top spot by far in terms of engagement. 

We also uncovered that late afternoon and evening hours (3 p.m.–8 p.m.) now drive the highest engagement on LinkedIn. As you can see on the heatmap below, the best times to post on LinkedIn are Wednesday at 4 p.m., Friday at 3 p.m., and Friday at 4 p.m.

The best day of the week to post on LinkedIn is Wednesday. We found that posts shared on Wednesday tended to get the most engagement, closely followed by Thursday, then Friday.

LinkedIn’s ads platform uses formats like sponsored content, message ads, and lead gen forms to help you target professionals and expand your reach.

💡 Pro tip: Because personal profiles are where it’s at on LinkedIn, we introduced LinkedIn profile analytics to help you see what’s working and refine your strategy over time. 

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding the LinkedIn Algorithm

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on LinkedIn

Threads

• Monthly active users: 400 million
• Breakdown by gender: 42% women, 58% men
• Dominant age group:  25–34 years
• 11% of organizations use it for social media marketing

Threads may be positioned as a conversation-first, text-forward platform, but posts with visuals currently see higher median engagement. That said, format isn’t everything. There’s plenty of overlap, and a strong text post can still outperform an average video or image. 

As Threads continues to evolve and refine its algorithm, these trends may shift, but for now, a simple, effective approach is to mix in visuals alongside your text to give your posts an extra boost.

No matter the format, one of the most effective ways to engage on Threads is to add your insight to trending topics (before they run away from you). Using Buffer’s Trending Topics feature, you can see what's taking off right now, browse actual posts from the conversation, and jump in with your take, all without leaving the Buffer app.

So, when is it best to post? Our research revealed that the best time to post on Threads is 9 a.m. on Thursday. Other high-performing slots were 12 p.m. on Wednesday and 9 a.m. on Wednesday. Generally speaking, midweek mornings and early afternoons are your best bet for maximum engagement.

Midweek is where it’s at for the best median engagement, so it’s little surprise that Wednesday seems to be the best day of the week to post, followed by Thursday, then Tuesday. 

💡 Pro tip: Good timing won’t save mediocre content. Remember that Threads rewards specificity and niche interests, so don’t be afraid to geek out on your favorite topics. 

As of January 2026, Meta has officially completed the global rollout of Threads as an advertising placement through Meta’s Ads Manager.

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding the Threads Algorithm

⏫ Level up: How to Get More Followers on Threads

Bluesky and Mastodon

Bluesky and Mastodon are two fairly new decentralized social media platforms. Bluesky has 5.2 million monthly users, while Mastodon has 1 million. Being decentralized means that they aren’t owned or controlled by a single company, but instead are made up of smaller, community-led networks. 

That structure shapes how people show up: these spaces are far more community-first, with a strong emphasis on authentic conversations and people over polished brand content. So before you post, it’s worth asking whether your audience is actually there. If they are, focus on engaging, not just broadcasting.

Instead of engagement rate, Bluesky uses total interactions (likes + comments + reposts), so it's not one-to-one with the other platforms in this section. Nevertheless, our data found that video content earns the most interactions per post on Bluesky. 

Like Bluesky, Mastodon uses total interactions (shares + favorites + comments) instead of engagement rate. It came up as the most stable platform in our dataset: Images and videos both earned a median of three interactions per post, and links and text both averaged out at two interactions.

Keep an eye on these two platforms; it’s going to be interesting to see how decentralized social media networks evolve. 

🔍 Deep dive: Understanding Decentralized Social Media

⏫ Level up: How to Schedule, Crosspost, and More on Bluesky

Social media marketing strategy

Now that you understand more about the most popular social media marketing platforms, let’s explore the key to social media marketing success: a social media strategy.

Good social media marketing starts with a strategy. Before you start creating content, take a step back and look at the big picture. Before you even start thinking about content creation, it’s wise to take a step back and look at the big picture to devise your social media marketing plan. Remember: random acts of content lead to random results.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to creating your social media strategy:

1. Set your social media marketing goals
2. Define your target audience
3. Choose your content pillars
4. Choose your platforms
5. Create your content calendar
6. Analyze your content performance
7. Evaluate your content strategy

Your social media marketing strategy is not a one-and-done process: it’s a plan that should be regularly tweaked and iterated upon. So, instead of thinking of the above steps as a to-do list to move through, visualize them as a cycle, like the flywheel below.

You should be regularly tweaking and building on your strategy to hit your goals.

1. Set clear social media marketing goals

Start with your business goals. Then ask yourself: 'How will growing an engaged social media following help me (or my team) reach these goals?'

This is especially important if you need to convince leadership that social media is worth the investment. They'll want to see real results. The more you can show that social media is working, the easier it'll be to get the resources you need to grow.

Build a solid foundation for your social media strategy by making these goals SMART:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Achievable
• Relevant
• Timebound

2. Define your target audience

Before you dive headfirst into creating content, you need to know who you're actually talking to. Once you know who your audience is, you'll have a much better idea of where to find them and how to talk to them.

Answering these questions will help you get a clear picture of your target audience:

• Who are they? (e.g., job title, age, gender, salary, location, etc.)
• What are they interested in that you can provide? (e.g., entertainment, educational content, case studies, information on new products, etc.)
• What goals and challenges do they have? (Ideally, this will be one your content or company can help them achieve or solve.)
• Where do they usually spend their time online? (e.g., TikTok, Instagram, etc., or niche platforms)
• When do they look for the type of content you can provide? (e.g., weekends, during their daily commute, etc.)
• Why do they consume the content? (e.g., to get better at their job, become healthy, stay up to date with something, etc.)
• How do they consume the content? (e.g., reading social media, watching videos, etc.)

3. Choose your content pillars and formats

What kind of content will your audience actually care about? Could short-form video content be the best format for capturing their attention? Could partnering with an influencer take your brand awareness to the next level?

Your marketing personas will come in handy here. It's also worth checking out what similar businesses are doing on social media. A competitive analysis can help you learn a lot from what's working (and what's not) for them. What are your competitors doing that works? Have they made mistakes you can learn from?

Your content pillars and formats aren't set in stone. You can (and should) adjust them based on what's actually working. Here’s a comprehensive guide to creating content pillars for social media (with a handy template).

4. Choose your platforms

So, which platforms should you focus on? With so many options out there, it's easy to feel overwhelmed. Here are some things to consider when making this choice:

Focus your efforts instead of spreading yourself thin

When you're just starting out, it's better to focus on a few platforms where your audience actually hangs out, rather than trying to be everywhere at once.

Brands focusing on just one or two platforms tend to get more engagement per post than those spreading themselves across three or more.

Understand your target audience 

Even basic demographic info about your audience (like age, location, and interests) can help you figure out where to focus. Check out the stats for each platform above for some guidance.

For example, if you're trying to reach teenagers, LinkedIn isn't where you want to spend your time. The same goes for TikTok and Snapchat if you're trying to reach retirees. They're probably not hanging out there.

Use built-in shopping tools

Many social networking sites, like Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok, have robust e-commerce tools that may increase sales if that is your social media goal.

It makes sense to reduce friction when it comes to sales by letting your customers shop right on their favorite platforms. If it works for your particular business, the availability of these tools is also an essential factor in your choice.

Explore newer or niche platforms

If you’re serving a particularly niche market segment, it’s worth exploring the alternative platforms gaining traction. Don’t write Mastodon or Bluesky off simply because their active monthly users don’t number in the billions (yet).

Less popular (but still powerful) social media marketing platforms like Pinterest may also prove valuable, especially for categories where visual discovery drives purchases, such as home decor, fashion, food, and DIY.

5. Create your content calendar

You’ve outlined the big picture; it’s time to get into the details — and implementation. Social media marketing usually starts with having a consistent social media presence, i.e., regularly sharing content on your chosen platforms.

It’s best to plan your content calendar ahead of time instead of creating and publishing content spontaneously. Luckily, you’ve already done so much of the hard work required. Armed with your content pillars and formats and the platforms you’ve decided on, you can begin to map out the content itself on your social media content calendar.

We have a comprehensive guide to creating your social media calendar (and template) that will walk you through it step-by-step, but here’s a high-level overview:

Step 1. Choose your social media content calendar tool

This could be as simple as a spreadsheet, but social media scheduling tools like Buffer will help you plan, schedule, and analyze your content in a single platform.

Prefer to start your social posts on a good ol’ spreadsheet? No problem. Buffer’s Bulk Upload allows you to convert a spreadsheet into up to 100 scheduled posts, all ready to go. 

Step 2. Gather your content ideas

Defining your content pillars likely sparked plenty of exciting content ideas. Get them down before you lose them.

A tool like Buffer’s Create Space can be super helpful here. It’s a versatile system that will allow you to save text, images, and videos for your social media posts (and organize them with color-coded tags) to keep track of all your lightbulb moments.

Even if all you have is a link to another social post that has inspired you, a half-baked idea, or a reminder about an important product launch, save it. You can refine it later before you schedule it.

With the Buffer app (available on both iOS and Android), you can save those ideas while you’re on the go, too.

💡Pro tip: If you’re stuck for ideas and staring at a blank composer with nothing to say, check out our Template Library of writing prompts. Take that, writer’s block.  

Step 3. Decide on a content cadence for each platform

When it comes to building an engaged social media audience on any platform, consistency is key. It makes sense. The platforms want you to use their sites and apps, so they reward that behavior.

Every platform is different when it comes to the best days and times to post on social media for optimal engagement. While you’re revving up your social media content engine, it can be helpful to know the best times to post on each network to maximize your chances of likes, comments, shares, and views.

Here’s a recap of the best time slots for each platform:

While these best-time-to-post guides can be helpful, they’re no substitute for knowing your best time to post. Every audience is different, and yours may be more likely to engage with your content at different times.

After some time posting to your chosen platforms with Buffer, Buffer’s analytics will recommend your unique best time to post for each platform to maximize your chances of high reach and engagement.

Step 4. Map key launches and dates

Plan out posts for all your product launches, company news, and events. You can use placeholders if you don’t have all the details or social media marketing assets you need just yet.

Why map them out first? Those posts should be your priority on those days, and you may want to hold off on sharing other content that detracts from these on key dates. It will also help you gather all the copy, images, and other assets with enough time to plan and schedule these posts.

Step 5. Batch your content 

Consistently creating content for multiple channels is no cakewalk. But content batching (sitting down to create content in bulk, enough to last several days, weeks, or even months) can help you be more efficient.

Here are some examples of social media manager content batching:

• Using the same Instagram template for several carousel posts spread out over a few weeks. All you need to do is change the text.
• Similarly, using the same template for LinkedIn carousel posts, and changing the content to create several carousels in one sitting.
• Planning a warehouse or factory visit to film several videos of how your product is made for future TikToks, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts.
• Having a shooting day with several colleagues to take advantage of trending TikTok sounds or trending Instagram audio.

Step 6. Schedule your content

With all that content batched and ready to go, it’s time to start scheduling. Scheduling your social media marketing posts in advance is essential. There are so many benefits to scheduling your content in advance, especially for the social media managers themselves.

Having your posts scheduled in a social media management tool like Buffer means:

• You don’t have to be online at all hours to post.
• You can take time off and rest, knowing that your audience is still engaged and growing
• You can post your content at the best time to post on each platform.
• You can free up time for last-minute changes.

6. Analyze your content performance

Understanding how your content is performing using social media analytics is a hugely important step in your social media marketing plan. Are you reaching more people than last month? How many positive mentions? How many used your brand’s hashtag? Are you driving traffic to key pages?

Metrics to look at include: 

• Reach and impressions
• Engagement rate
• Click-throughs
• Conversions

The social networks provide basic metrics, but for more in-depth analysis or cross-platform comparison, use a social media analytics tool. We’re biased, of course, but Buffer’s analytics are tough to beat.

Rather than just numbers, Buffer uses your reach and engagement data to recommend the best time to post, frequency, and content format to grow your channel.

7. Evaluate your content strategy

It’s time to step back and ask: “Is our social media marketing strategy working?”

Use your analytics reports to see if your efforts are helping you reach your business goals. You might be gaining followers and engagement, but not increasing sign-ups or sales. If so, revisit earlier steps and adjust your strategy. Platforms evolve, and so should your approach. Adaptation is part of the process.

Social media listening and engagement

As your business and following grow, conversations about your brand will increase. People comment, tag, or message you directly. And how you respond to these is important.

As you’ll see in our 2026 State of Social Media Engagement Report, the biggest driver of post performance isn’t when or how you post. It’s whether you show up and talk back to your audience.

Here’s a quick recap:

• Replying to comments is one of the strongest patterns we found: Accounts that do this consistently see higher engagement across every platform (up to +42% on Threads and +30% on LinkedIn).
• Content format performance isn’t universal: What works on one platform won’t necessarily work on another (and sometimes not even for different goals on the same platform).
• Consistency still matters: Accounts that stop posting see a clear drop in performance, while posting regularly increases your chances of being seen.
• Timing and frequency help, but only as a boost: The real lever is creating content people want to engage with and responding when they do.

If there’s one takeaway: don’t just publish: participate. 

An easier way to engage

As you can see, responding to these interactions is a mega win for your engagement, but it’s easy to miss a notification, especially when you’re managing multiple social media accounts. If you’re like most people, you’ll post something, close the app, and forget to check back.

Buffer’s Community makes it easier by bringing all your conversations into one calm, organized space, where you can filter unanswered comments, get real-time notifications, and reply across platforms without jumping between apps. The Community motto: “Don’t post and ghost.”

You can respond faster with saved replies or AI-assisted suggestions (that still sound like you), track how consistently you’re engaging, and even turn great replies into new content — so no comment gets missed, and every interaction becomes an opportunity to connect and build your community. Because social media is meant to be social, right?

People might talk about your brand without tagging you. These conversations are valuable — positive comments can be opportunities to surprise and delight, while negative ones allow you to offer support and resolve issues early.

Manually searching for mentions can be tedious. Use a social media listening tool to find relevant conversations and participate effectively.

📚 Recommended reading: Social Media Engagement Guide

Social media advertising

If resources allow, social media ads can significantly expand your reach and grow your following. Well-executed campaigns target specific audiences based on demographics, interests, and behaviors. Meta’s Ads Manager allows crossposting across platforms, even without profiles.

The average Cost Per Click (CPC) on social media is generally lower than Google Ads. For example, Instagram’s average CPC is $0.00–$0.25 (Pinterest is even lower at $0.00–$0.10), compared to Google’s $2.69. The amount will vary depending on your campaign objective, industry, and competition in your niche, so your numbers may look different. 

💡Pro tip: Ads work best when they’re layered onto a consistent, organic social media presence.

📚 Recommended reading: Social Media Advertising Guide

8 social media marketing tips from the experts

We asked social media marketers worldwide for their top tips for beginners. Common themes include authentic connection, platform selection, and partnering with creators.

1. Know your audience

“Ignore fads and trends and vanity metrics. Create a solid strategy that talks to your audience. Think about their pain points, emotional triggers, and how you want to be perceived in their eyes.”

– Sarah Man, Social Media and Marketing Consultant, Mantar Marketing

“There’s already so much being shared by your target audience across various platforms. Work smarter, not harder! Your audience/customers will always express their pain points or challenges. If you can address those pain points or challenges head-on with your content, your messaging/products/services are guaranteed to reach those people.”

– Emma Rafanello, Social Media Account Supervisor, Bospar

2. Stick to the platforms that make sense

“You don’t have to be everything, everywhere, all the time! It’s better to start small and focus on one platform, at a lower posting frequency, than it is to spread yourself too thin. The best way to see if social is working for your business, no matter what your goals are, is to really focus on one channel and grow from there. If your attention is divided between 10 other platforms, it’s hard to notice those small yet promising upward trends that are whispering, ‘This could work!’ to you.”

– Emily Brungard, Senior Social Media Manager, Rossman Media

3. Optimize your profiles

“Optimize and fill out every aspect of all your social media profiles to create the best first impression for your audience. The better the first impression, the higher the perceived value. This will really help generate leads, too.”

– Piyush Malpure, Founder and Marketing Strategist, Leads Infinity

4. Engage with your communities

“Posting often will only show off part of your brand, but you’ll come across as more genuine and authentic if you take the time to comment on relevant posts and discussions.”

– Naba Ahmed, Marketing Manager, Prezi

5. Be authentic and relatable

“Don’t be afraid to test out-of-the-box ideas and be yourself. Understand that ‘being good’ on social means nothing if you aren’t meeting your objectives and reaching your business goals.”

– Sarah Man, Social Media and Marketing Consultant, Mantar Marketing

6. Create value for your audience

“Create content in which you give more to people than what you ask of them, and find peers to partner with and amplify your message.”

– Meryoli Arias, Head of Marketing, The Community Marketing Company

7. Get your team involved

“Your brand should be an extension of real people’s voices. For someone just building out their strategy, the best place to start is with your internal team. Interview them, use their thoughts and ideas to ideate topics, and feature them often. Give them prompts and enablement material to share those thoughts themselves. Involving the team humanizes the brand and creates real connection with your audience.”

– Sam Hembree, Co-founder, Beam Content

8. Be strategic with links

“This one is an easy one: stop posting links in Instagram captions and stop putting multiple links in social posts! They’re not accessible and honestly seem spammy. If you’re posting in multiple languages, just separate the posts.”

– Jessica Perreault, Director of Communications, Labour Market Information Council (LMIC)

Social media marketing resources

As you’ll have picked up from this article, social media marketing is a deep, nuanced subject, and there’s often plenty to consider before a business kicks off any kind of social media marketing campaign.

In a field constantly in flux, social media pros know staying on top of trends, platforms, tools, and features is key.

To help you get going (or level up), here are some high-level resources to bookmark and add to your social media marketing toolkit (along with the deep dives and zoom-outs we’ve linked above):

✍️ Social Media Marketing Blog

Latest news, success stories, platform guides, and more.

💌 Social Media Newsletter

Weekly updates on new features and tips.

🧠 Social Media Terms Glossary

Clarify industry jargon as you build your strategy.

🚀 The Buffer Community

Connect, share, and learn with other social media managers, small business owners, and creators.

Got questions? We’d love to help. Find us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, YouTube, TikTok, Threads, and Bluesky.

FAQ about social media marketing

How do I do social media marketing?

At its core, social media marketing is about showing up where your audience already spends time and building real connections. Start by choosing one or two platforms your audience uses most, create content that helps, entertains, or informs them, and stay consistent. Just as importantly, don’t post and ghost. Respond to comments, join conversations, and learn from what’s working so you can keep improving over time.

How much does social media marketing cost?

It can cost as little or as much as you want. If you’re just getting started, your main investment is time: creating content, engaging with your audience, and learning what works. As you grow, you might invest in tools, ads, or extra support. The good news is you don’t need a big budget to see results, especially if you focus on consistency and genuine connection.

What are the benefits of social media marketing?

Social media marketing helps you get your brand in front of the right people, build trust over time, and stay top of mind. It can drive traffic to your website, generate leads, support sales, and even act as a customer service channel. But one of the biggest benefits is the direct connection. You’re not just broadcasting, you’re building relationships.

Why is social media marketing important?

Because that’s where people are. Your audience is already using social media to discover brands, research products, and make decisions. If you’re not showing up there, you’re likely missing out on opportunities to connect, learn from your audience, and grow your business in a way that feels natural and accessible.

How do I start marketing on social media?

Start simple. Pick a platform, set a clear goal, and begin sharing content that’s useful or interesting to your audience. You don’t need a perfect strategy from day one. You’ll learn as you go. Pay attention to what people respond to, keep experimenting, and build from there. Progress matters more than perfection.

Which is the best platform for social media marketing?

There isn’t a single “best” platform. It depends on your audience and your goals. The best platform is the one your audience actually uses and engages with. Instead of trying to be everywhere, focus on one or two platforms where you can show up consistently and do it well.

I don’t know about you, but my earworms are pretty much exclusively trending songs from TikTok at this point. (Even the non-music sounds from TikTok tend to get stuck in my head, but I digress…)

The catchiness of these tunes is incredibly powerful for creators and brands on the social media platform to tap into, because not only do users remember the song — chances are, videos that featured the track will probably stick in their minds, too.

Beyond memorability, of course, is the algorithmic effect of being right on the cusp of a trending TikTok song. And who would say no to a little boost for the content they worked so hard on?

In this post, I’ll share the most viral songs and sounds on TikTok in May 2026 — and how to use them to boost your content.

Why trending TikTok sounds matter

Since you’re here, I probably don’t need to tell you that using a hot sound on TikTok can increase your chances of landing on the For You Page, especially if you’re early to the trend.

TikTok’s algorithm often prioritizes familiarity and repeatability, so when a song is on the rise, jumping on it can give your post more visibility.

For example, if I’m scrolling through my FYP and watch a video with a particular audio, the TikTok algorithm will likely test the waters with another video that uses the same sound a couple of videos later. The algorithm wants to understand exactly why I lingered on the first video. Was it the music?

If yes — boy, does the FYP have more where that came from.

The right TikTok sounds or songs can instantly set the tone, spark emotion, or cue a punchline for your audience — particularly if the sound, like many of the ones below, has been used in a specific way.

The songs or audio that rise to that level of virality that they become a moment in time for internet culture are the really special ones.

All that said: you don't need to spend hours scrolling to find the right audio for your next post. Here are the most popular TikTok songs and audio right now, updated in 2026. We’ll keep this list regularly updated, so do be sure to bookmark this page and come back if you need more inspiration!

How to find trending songs on TikTok

• Browse TikTok’s Creative Center: Visit the Creative Center to see top trending songs by region and time period (above) — it’s TikTok’s built-in trend tracker for sounds, creators, and hashtags.
• Use TikTok’s search bar: Search phrases like “viral sound” in the TikTok app, tap the Sounds tab, and scroll through the most-used tracks labeled popular.
• Get personalized recommendations from TikTok: When you upload a video, TikTok will suggest music that matches your content — a great shortcut for finding relevant sounds.
• Discover playlists curated by TikTok: Tap Add Music > Discover more sounds to browse playlists by genre, category, or what’s hot in your region.
• Check out Tokchart: Tokchart shows the fastest-rising TikTok sounds from the past 24 hours, updated in real time. You'll need a paid account to get all the details.
• Look for trending audio on Instagram: Instagram Reels often feature songs that cross over to TikTok. Tap the music icon in the Reels editor and check the Trending tab for current hits.

💡 Bonus tip: Always preview how a sound is being used. Tap the sound name on TikTok to watch example videos — this gives you the context you need to ride (or remix) the trend.

13 trending TikTok songs and sounds

Updated May 2026

1. Map Day

With the renewed buzz around a new Tomodachi-style release on the Nintendo Switch, creators are recreating that quirky in-game format: an on-screen title bar with an apartment number and name, followed by a meme.

🎧 Get the song

2. Beat It

Beat It by Michael Jackson is back in a big way. Since the film Michael hit theaters and IMAX in late April, TikTok has been full of renewed MJ energy. If you need a tutorial for the dance, check out the video below.

🎧 Get the song

3. Dancing In The Dark

Rihanna's song from the Home soundtrack is back with the "Boov groove”. In the movie, the Boov are an alien race that hides on Earth from an aggressive species known as the Gorg. Creators are literally dancing in the dark, or, honestly, wherever they want to.

🎧 Get the sound

4. You Rock My World

Notice a theme here? You Rock My World by Michael Jackson is riding the same nostalgic wave thanks to the movie. Better brush up on those MJ moves!

🎧 Get the song

5. Lucifer's Waltz

Lucifer’s Waltz by Secession Studios adds instant drama right now — whether you're being serious or not. I’ve been seeing it layered under voiceovers for storytelling, mock-serious commentary, and everyday complaints.

🎧 Get the song

6. hey there sally

In a nutshell, this song by thuggpint is trending because a) people think it's really bad, or b) they want to rush to its defense. Have a listen and make up your own mind.

🎧 Get the song

7. i'll rot here

i’ll rot here is ambient and emotional, which makes it perfect for text-led posts, quiet reflections, and deeply feeling moments. Personally, I’m here for the wholesome, lovey-dovey pet content.

🎧 Get the song

8. I Believe in Mercollz

I Believe in Mercollz by Corcovado is a versatile track that slips into just about any format. It leans lo-fi and nostalgic, with a soft, atmospheric feel that makes it ideal for text-led reflections.

🎧 Get the song

9. Outro

I always get a millennial dopamine hit when I see my favorite songs from years ago hit the trend charts. It's an epic song (no bias, obviously), so little wonder it's being used to cinematic effect.

🎧 Get the song

10. it's all my fault

it’s all my fault by pxle is an ambient track that creators are using in two very different ways right now. On one end, it’s the main event — paired with on-screen text or emotional storytelling. On the other hand, it fades almost completely into the background, adding just enough atmosphere to voiceovers and commentary without distracting.

🎧 Get the song

11. Naughty Girl

Beyoncé’s 2003 classic Naughty Girl from her debut solo album Dangerously in Love regularly trends across the socials. Creators love it for dance challenges, literal naughty girl moments, and showing off their high heel collections (or, sometimes, lack thereof).

🎧 Get the song

12. Spirit in the Sky

Another blast from the past. It's bringing the vibes to all kinds of content. Honestly, I'm not entirely map sure why it's trending other than people hearing it and remembering what a cool song it is.

🎧 Get the song

13. It Belong To Me

Tha Duce's new song is being used as the backtrack to hot takes and POV posts that align with the lyric, "put it in my hand like it belong to me."

⚠️ Contains expletives.

🎧 Get the song

⚡Pro tip: For business use on TikTok, only use songs from TikTok’s Commercial Music Library or tracks you have a royalty-free/commercial license for. Using personal-use music in ads or branded content can get your videos muted or removed, so always double-check the license before posting.

Found a track for your next TikTok?

When you're creating content for your business or personal brand, staying on top of TikTok's audio trends can help you reach new audiences and keep your content fresh.

Start with one or two of the methods we discussed to find popular sounds — and don't forget to save your favorites for later.

If you've created a TikTok post with audio from this list, we'd love to see it. Tag @bufferapp on TikTok so we can find you!

Choosing the right trending audio to accompany your latest Instagram post is an art, not a science. Still, opting for a trending sound or music clip could provide the boost you need to get your video on the Instagram Explore page or Instagram Reels feed.

While it used to be just for Instagram Reels, you can now also add trending audio to your carousels and single photo posts. This gives your posts a better chance of landing on the Explore page, and it makes carousels and photos eligible to appear on the reels feed, too. That opens up a new way to expand your reach.

But where can you find trending audio on Instagram? If you feel like you’re always chasing the tail-end of trending songs on the app, you’ve come to the right place.

Here are some of the most viral, versatile, trending songs and sounds on Instagram right now.

13 trending songs and audio on Instagram

Here's a quick summary of what is trending in May 2026.

1. POP DAT THING (Official Remix)

POP DAT THANG (Official Remix) by DaBaby, GloRilla, Yung Miami, and YKNIECE only just dropped, but Instagram creators wasted no time jumping on it. With thousands of reels already using the sound, it’s being used for a range of content — gym clips, lip syncs, fashion edits, travel recaps, you name it.

⚠️ Warning: contains expletives.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LILI🪸🧜🏽‍♀️ (@datliligirl)

2. OKAY!

Forrest Frank's new track is bringing upbeat, gratitude-filled energy to Instagram right now. The feel-good lyrics and sunny production have also sparked a dance challenge.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Dejah Hector (@thedejah)

3. Quiet Comfort

Quiet Comfort by Oldies Playing feels like stepping into another time for a minute. The soft strings and distant, old-radio effect create this warm, nostalgic atmosphere that fits perfectly with slow-living content, like rainy mornings, baking, reading, or cozy aesthetics.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Austin Rutland (@austinrutland)

4. Beat It

Beat It by Michael Jackson is having a huge moment on Instagram right now, thanks to the new Michael biopic. Creators are using the track for dance clips and full-on “channeling MJ” moments.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by सौम्या (@saumya_lele)

5. The Author

This new song by Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas is quickly becoming a favorite for faith-based creators on Instagram. The worship track is showing up in lip syncs, devotional content, fan edits, and reflective reels.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by 𝐉𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐀 𝐒𝐀𝐌𝐏𝐒𝐎𝐍 (@_juliasampson)

6. Suga Suga

Suga Suga (feat. Frankie J) by Baby Bash and Frankie J is an oldie that I'd almost forgotten about until I heard that catchy intro. Creators are using the laid-back hit from the early 2000s for just about everything — travel clips, gym edits, recipes, even literal sugar-filled baking content.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Isabel Cleary (@madebymo__)

7. Dracula (JENNIE Remix)

The Dracula trend is still absolutely everywhere on Instagram. Creators are pairing up to lip sync the back-and-forth lyrics while dramatically walking down streets, parking lots, hallways — really, any stretch of pavement will do.

⚠️ Warning: contains expletives.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ashish Arora (@theashisharora)

8. Vogue (Edit)

Although this hit is from 1990, my favorite quote from Madonna rings true: “The most controversial thing I've ever done is stick around." Vogue by Madonna is back in the spotlight thanks to all the buzz around The Devil Wears Prada 2. Creators are using the iconic track for reels where the outfit is the main character.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Moonlight Road (@moonlightroadart)

9. Original audio by justtrip.it

This original audio from justtrip.it is fueling one of Instagram’s dreamiest travel trends right now. The orchestral sound pairs with on-screen text that starts with “How do you like your coffee?” followed by “Me: in Italy,” “Me: at Disneyland,” “Me: in Europe” — usually alongside a scenic clip or photo from that destination. Take me there.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jackie Giardina ✨ Living After Midnite (@jackiegiardina)

10. Be Like a Woman

Be Like a Woman by Chris Rainbow is the backdrop to one of the easiest-to-recreate Instagram formats right now. The trend starts with the on-screen text “This looks so cool, I have to capture it,” then unfolds into a stream of aesthetic clips, favorite finds, recommendations, or little mood board moments worth saving.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ju Lumi (@jlumi_)

11. Runway

If there’s ever been a sound designed for a dramatic entrance (or exit), this is it. Runway by Lady Gaga and Doechii is the lead single from The Devil Wears Prada 2 soundtrack, and it leans all the way into bold struts. "No matter what, no matter what. You got to strut. Walk, I'm feeling fab. I'm feeling free, I feel exceptionally me."

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Barry Brandon (@thequeerindigo)

12. The One That Got Away

The One That Got Away by Katy Perry is becoming the soundtrack to everyone’s personal horror franchise. Creators are using it for “top five horror movies” list-style videos, where the “movies” are actually painfully relatable situations, pet peeves, or niche nightmares.

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Danielle Fishel Karp (@daniellefishel)

13. Original audio by marieclairegreece

Another The Devil Wears Prada 2 moment is taking over Instagram — and even Meryl Streep is in on it. Creators are recreating the film’s icy judgment scene, complete with the slow, disappointed stare and that cutting little “That’s all.”

🎧 Get the audio

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meryl Streep (@merylstreepms)

How to find trending audio on Instagram

Not loving any of the above options? No sweat: here’s a crash course on how to find trending sounds on Instagram Reels.

1. Use Instagram’s trending audio list: Check Instagram’s built-in leaderboard for the top 50 trending songs updated every few days. Find it when creating a post, story, or reel on the Instagram mobile app by tapping the music icon, then selecting ‘Trending.’ Save tracks for later with the bookmark icon.
2. Check the professional dashboard: If you have a professional account in the US, visit the Professional Dashboard on your profile, scroll to Tips and resources, and tap Trending audio for curated suggestions on Instagram Reels.
3. Look for the arrow icon: As you scroll reels, watch for an upward arrow next to audio tracks—that’s Instagram’s indicator that a sound is trending.
4. Follow Instagram’s Creators account: The @creators account shares regular updates on trending songs, editing tips for Instagram Reels, and feature announcements. Check out their IG Anthems highlight for more trending songs and trending sounds.
5. Check TikTok or YouTube Shorts for early trends: Many trending Instagram Reels sounds originate on TikTok or YouTube Shorts. Browse trending sounds there, then search for those tracks on Instagram to get ahead of the curve.

Don't forget about original audio

As you can see from some of the audio we've mentioned on the list, many creators are making waves with their own clips, and jumping on a trending original track can give your content an extra boost and help it stand out in feeds.

💡Pro tip: You can find trending original audio on your professional dashboard under the Original audio tab.

Happy posting with these trending Instagram songs!

You're well-equipped to find the next great trending audio on Instagram for your reels, carousels, or single-photo posts — and you've got several great tracks to put in your back pocket if you get stuck!

If you’ve created an Instagram Reel with one of these trending songs, we’d love to see it. Tag @buffer on Instagram so we can find you!

Staying consistent on TikTok sounds simple enough. But coming up with video ideas, filming, editing, writing captions, and posting nearly every day? That’s a full-time job — with overtime.

That is, unless you work smart. Scheduling your TikTok videos ahead of time is one of the smartest ways to stay consistent — giving you more breathing room to focus on what actually matters: creating content you're proud of. Whether you're posting videos or photo carousels, planning ahead keeps things running smoothly.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through exactly how to schedule TikTok posts (on both desktop and mobile) and help you find the best method for your workflow.

Key takeaways

• You can schedule posts up to 30 days in advance using the TikTok web browser or the TikTok Studio mobile app.
• Scheduling is only available for business or creator accounts; personal accounts don't have this feature.
• Platforms like Buffer allow you to schedule your content months in advance and cross-post to reels or shorts.
• According to our data, the best overall time to post on TikTok is Sunday at 9 a.m.
• To get more engagement, reply to comments shortly after your post goes live.

How to schedule TikTok posts on desktop

There are two ways to schedule TikTok videos using your desktop:

• Schedule TikTok posts from your desktop using the TikTok web browser or PC app
• Schedule TikTok posts from your desktop using Buffer

The following sections will guide you through the process step-by-step and help you weigh the pros and cons of each option.

How to schedule TikTok videos on desktop using TikTok's website

TikTok has made it easy to schedule TikTok videos directly from your account on the web browser or the PC app (the process remains the same).

Before getting into the steps, make sure you have a creator or business account on TikTok. You can’t schedule TikTok videos using a personal TikTok account.

Here’s how you can switch to a creator or business profile from a personal TikTok account:

1. Log in to your TikTok account and tap the profile icon.

2. Click on Menu and tap Settings and privacy.

3. Tap Account, and you’ll find the option to Switch to Business Account.

Once you’ve done that, here’s how to schedule TikToks from the browser or PC app:

1. Log in to your TikTok account and click on the Upload button on the left side menu or the right-hand corner.

2. Upload your TikTok video, write your caption, choose your cover photo, and your location. You also get the option to edit your TikTok video — add music, use TikTok templates, etc. You can also see how your video appears on the feed, on your profile, and on the web.

3. Scroll down to find Settings. Here, you can select the Schedule toggle to schedule your TikTok post in advance. You can choose your preferred time and date. Advanced settings also allow you to select whether everyone can watch your video, whether users can comment/duet/stitch, and disclose branded or AI-generated content.

4. Once your post is scheduled, you’ll find it on your TikTok profile and TikTok Studio. 

Now, while native desktop scheduling is pretty neat, it’s not without its disadvantages:

• You can’t schedule posts more than 30 days in advance. This can be a hurdle if you’re a social media manager or a content creator batching content (even a few posts) months in advance.
• You can’t edit anything once the post is scheduled. If you want to make even minor changes to the caption, audio, or scheduled time, you’ll need to delete the scheduled post and re-upload it with the corrections you need.
• You can’t crosspost to other social media platforms. TikTok’s native scheduling only allows you to post on your TikTok account. If you repost the same videos on Instagram Reels or YouTube Shorts, you can't schedule them together using this method.

If these drawbacks are a dealbreaker for you, a better option is to use a social media management tool like Buffer as a TikTok scheduler — here’s how to do just that.

How to schedule TikTok videos on desktop using Buffer

Buffer is a flexible social media management platform. It allows you to schedule posts for months in advance, make any minor edits you need even after scheduling, and crosspost to other social media sites. You can also use Buffer's AI Assistant to help brainstorm video ideas, write captions, and refine your content — all without leaving the app.

Here’s what you need to do before you begin:

1. Convert your personal TikTok account to a business or creator account (if you haven’t already).

2. Sign up for Buffer. Buffer’s free-forever plan allows you to connect up to three social media channels (including TikTok).

⚡️ Pro tip: If you want to use advanced features and add more channels to manage your social media strategy effectively (from one centralized dashboard), all our paid plans have a 14-day free trial.

3. Connect your TikTok account to Buffer. You’ll be prompted to add a new channel as soon as you sign up, but you can also find the Add Channel button on the menu.

⚡️ Pro tip: Log in to your TikTok account from the same browser to make the process even simpler. Buffer will automatically choose to connect to the TikTok account already logged in on your desktop browser.

Once you click on Finish Connection, you’re all set to start scheduling TikTok posts using Buffer.

There are two ways to schedule TikTok posts on Buffer:

• Automatic publishing: Your videos will be automatically published on your chosen date and time. This is the most hands-off option — great for when you're using original audio and want everything to go live without lifting a finger.
• Notification publishing: You’ll get a notification on your phone when it’s time to publish your TikTok content. Tap on that notification to finish posting on the TikTok app. This is the best option if you want to add trending sounds or music, since auto-published posts can only use original audio.

Notification publishing is an excellent option when you want to add some last touches to your TikTok posts (like trending sounds). You follow the same steps to schedule TikTok content on Buffer, regardless of which route you choose:

1. Click on your TikTok channel on the left.

2. Click on the + New Post button in the right-hand corner.

3. Select your TikTok account at the top of the post composer. (You can select more channels here to crosspost your TikTok content elsewhere, too.)

3. Upload your TikTok video and add your caption in the Buffer composer. If you’re in a creative rut, try Buffer’s AI assistant to brainstorm and/or refine your video caption. You also have the option to add relevant TikTok hashtags right from the composer.

Buffer also shows your video preview on the right side so you can see what your TikTok content will look like live. After uploading your video, you can customize your cover image by clicking on Edit Thumbnail.

4. You’ll find the option to auto-publish at the bottom right corner of the Buffer composer. By default, the option is set to Automatic. You can tap and choose Notify Me if you want to get a notification when the time comes to post.

5. Click on the Next Available button to post your video in the next available queue slot. Choose the Prioritize option to bump your video to the top of the queue or select the Set Date and Time option to choose a specific day and time. Clicking on the Now button will post the video right away.

6. If you’ve chosen the Notify Me option, you will get a push notification on your phone (remember to enable them if your default setting doesn’t allow push notifications) when the time comes to post.

Once you tap on it, you’ll be taken to the Buffer composer with the caption and video you added earlier. Double-check everything looks good, make any changes you need, and post your TikTok content.

Scheduling via a desktop is a great way to plan TikTok videos in advance. But sometimes, you need the flexibility of scheduling content using your phone.

It’s super handy if you need to schedule a post while you’re on the go, post time-sensitive trending content, or even edit a scheduled post. 

The next section will cover two ways to schedule TikTok posts using a mobile device.

How to schedule TikTok posts on mobile

You can schedule TikTok posts using your mobile in two ways:

• Schedule your posts via the TikTok Studio app
• Schedule your posts using Buffer

How to schedule TikTok posts on mobile using the TikTok Studio app

The TikTok mobile app doesn’t currently allow you to schedule posts, but that doesn’t mean you can’t schedule TikTok posts on your phone — you’ll just need the companion TikTok Studio app for now.

1. Download and open the TikTok Studio app, then log in to your TikTok account.

2. Click on the Upload button and add your video.

3. You’ll find the option to Schedule post, where you can select a specific date and time for your post to go live.

Keep in mind that TikTok Studio has the same limitations as scheduling on the web — you can't schedule more than 30 days in advance, you can't edit a post after scheduling it, and auto-published posts can only use original audio. If you need more flexibility, the Buffer mobile app. is a good alternative.

How to schedule TikTok posts on mobile using Buffer

Here’s how you can use the Buffer mobile app as a TikTok scheduler:

1. Log in with your Buffer account and click the + icon.

2. Upload your video, write your caption, edit the thumbnail, and add relevant hashtags. You can also choose between automatic and notification publishing here.

3. Click on Next and find similar options to schedule your post for a specific time, add/prioritize it in your queue, or share it right now.

3 best practices for scheduling TikTok posts

Here are a few TikTok scheduling best practices to help your posts reach the right people at the right time:

1. Post when your audience is online

Your TikTok analytics can help you understand when your target audience is the most active.

If you’re new to TikTok, you might not have this data handy in your TikTok analytics just yet — which is why we did a little digging into Buffer data.

According to our data, the best time to post on TikTok is Sunday at 9 a.m., followed by Monday at 1 p.m., and Sunday at 1 p.m. In general, engagement tends to pick up in the evening hours, with peak time slots between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m.

2. Reply to TikTok comments

Social media is a two-way street. Engage with your audience using TikTok comments once your posts go live. This will also improve the reach of your post as the TikTok algorithm loves early engagement.

When you schedule posts in advance, you might not be around when they go live. Tools like Buffer's Community feature pull all your TikTok comments into one place, so you can reply quickly, spot trends in what people are saying, and keep the conversation going — even when you've got multiple posts publishing throughout the week.

3. Double-check video formatting

Before your scheduled post goes live, make sure it meets TikTok's formatting requirements. Here's a quick checklist:

• Video format: Vertical (9:16 aspect ratio) works best for TikTok.
• Video length: TikTok supports videos up to 60 minutes, but scheduled videos through third-party tools (like Buffer) are typically capped due to API limitations. If your video is longer, consider posting it manually on TikTok desktop.
• File size: Keep videos under 30GB.
• Photo posts: If you're scheduling a TikTok carousel, images should be under 20 MB each and a maximum of 1080 x 1920 pixels in JPG, JPEG, PNG, or WebP format.

Double-checking these details before you schedule helps avoid any surprises when your content is set to go live.

⚡️ Pro tip: If you’re using the native TikTok scheduler, be sure to keep a backup of your videos and captions, because you can’t edit them once scheduled.

FAQ about scheduling posts on TikTok

Can you schedule posts on TikTok?

Yes, but with some limits. TikTok's native tool lets you schedule posts up to 30 days in advance — but only through a web browser or PC app, and only on a creator or business account. If you need to schedule further out, post across multiple platforms, or edit a scheduled post without deleting it, a tool like Buffer gives you more flexibility.

Why can't you schedule TikTok posts from the mobile app?

The main TikTok app only supports real-time uploads — there's no built-in schedule option. To schedule from your phone, use the TikTok Studio app, which has a Schedule post option in the upload flow. You can also use Buffer's mobile app to schedule TikTok posts with automatic publishing, so you don't have to be online when your video goes live.

Where is the schedule button on TikTok?

You'll find it in the desktop upload flow. After uploading your video and filling in your caption and cover photo, scroll down to Settings and toggle on Schedule. Then pick your date and time. This option is only available on the TikTok web browser or PC app — it doesn't appear in the main mobile app.

Is there a free tool to schedule TikTok posts?

Yes. Buffer's free plan lets you connect up to three social media channels — TikTok included — and schedule posts with automatic publishing. You can also crosspost to other platforms like Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts from the same composer.

More TikTok resources to help you grow

• 13 Trending Songs on TikTok (+ How to Use Them)
• The Best Time to Post on TikTok — New Data from 7M Posts
• 14 Ways to Get More Followers on TikTok — Tried and Tested
• How to Create Your Own Influencer Media Kit (+ Examples from Creators)
• TikTok Algorithm Guide: Everything We Know About How Videos Are Ranked
• Top 250 TikTok Hashtags + How to Use Them for Growth
• How to Make Money on TikTok: 10 Ways to Earn in 2026 (With or Without a Huge Following)

Pinterest is one of my most used social media sites. While I love the buzz of TikTok, the inspiration I find on Instagram, and the opportunities for learning on LinkedIn, I often need to take breaks from the major platforms. But never Pinterest. No matter where I'm at in my life, there's always something I need from the visual search engine.

I’ll often hop onto the app or website with a specific query in mind — “living room decor,” “capsule wardrobe,” and “productivity tools” are some of my most recent searches. As you’ll have guessed from those examples, I usually open up the Pinterest app with one of three goals: 

• Find inspiration
• Figure out how to do something
• Buy something

And I’m not unique in this, either — according to data from Pinterest, more than 85% of users have made a purchase based on pins from brands. 

Pinterest boasts 619 million global active users, making it one of the most popular social networking platforms in the world. But it’s how those Pinterest lovers use the app that’s worth paying attention to. According to a 2024 report by DataReportal, 36.6% of active users are on the app to follow or research brands and products, making it the main reason they use Pinterest. 

So, if you’re a business or a creator looking to monetize, using Pinterest as part of your marketing efforts is well worth exploring. 

Convinced yet? Good — because learning to use Pinterest is straightforward, even if you've never opened the app. In short: to use Pinterest, you create an account, build themed boards, save the ideas you find (or make) as pins, and — if you're a creator or business — optimize those pins with keywords so they show up when people search.

Below, I'll walk you through setting up your account, creating pins and boards, growing an audience, and measuring what's working.

Key takeaways

• Pinterest has 619 million active users, and 85% of them have made a purchase based on pins from brands.
• 36.6% of active Pinterest users are there to research brands and products — more than YouTube, X, or LinkedIn.
• Business accounts unlock analytics, advertising, product catalogs, and the business/creator hub — switch from personal if you're marketing, selling, or creating.
• Pinterest is a long-game platform — a pin can keep getting attention and driving traffic for months or years after it's published.
• The ideal pin is vertical — 2:3 aspect ratio at 600 x 900 pixels — with a strong keyword in the title, a clear call to action in the description, and a link back to the source.
• Pinterest's best-performing niches include home decor, beauty, wellness, fashion, food, DIY and crafts, parenting, weddings, travel, and education.
• Focus Pinterest analytics on four metrics — impressions, pin clicks, saves, and outbound clicks.
• Plan for trends around early — Pinterest users come to the app well before the season, holiday, or event they're planning for.

What is Pinterest?

Pinterest is a visual discovery engine — a social media platform that works like a virtual pinboard, where users save and organize ideas as visual cards (pins) on collections (boards). Pinterest describes itself as "a visual discovery engine for finding ideas like recipes, home and style inspiration, and more."

Brands, creators, and private users can create pins by uploading an image or video from their devices. Each pin can have its own title and description and a website link (important for brands and creators looking to drive traffic elsewhere). Users can also save pins of images they find online with Pinterest's browser extension.

All Pinterest users, whether they have a business or personal account, have a profile where others can see their Pinterest boards and pins (unless they choose to make a board private).

Beyond the mechanics, I love this definition Pinterest marketing expert and agency owner Heather Farris shared with Buffer: “If Google Images and Instagram were to have a baby, you’d land on Pinterest.”    

Before we get into strategy, let’s cover a few key terms.

Pinterest terms to know before you start

Before diving in, a quick glossary — you'll hear these terms across the rest of the guide:

• Pin — an image or video saved to Pinterest, usually with a title, description, and destination link.
• Board — a themed collection of pins (e.g., "Small kitchen inspo," "Q2 product launches").
• Pinboard — another word for a board; Pinterest uses it interchangeably.
• Rich pin — a pin that automatically pulls extra info from the linked website (used for recipes, products, and articles).
• Idea pin — a multi-page pin format designed for step-by-step content and stories.
• Save — when a user adds a pin to one of their boards.
• Repin — saving someone else's pin to your own board.
• Home feed — the personalized feed of pins Pinterest shows when you open the app.
• Pinterest Analytics — the native dashboard (business accounts only) with reach, engagement, and click data.
• Pinterest Trends — Pinterest's free tool for seeing what's gaining search momentum on the platform.

The benefits of Pinterest for businesses and creators

Like other social media platforms, Pinterest can be a powerful marketing tool for reaching new followers. It can help:

• Increase brand awareness
• Drive website traffic
• Increase sales and conversions 

Heather says Pinterest is like a search engine that drives new customers to businesses and creators. “It has allowed them to thrive,” she says. “Pinterest users are different from others because they have a higher intent to purchase and often spend more money per purchase.”

“Pinners are also planners, so they are very meticulous about how they use this platform, carefully organizing their Pinterest pins into curated boards they can refer back to later,” she adds.

Another point in Pinterest’s favor: because of how the algorithm (content ranking) on Pinterest works, users don’t have to follow you to discover your content, nor do your pins have to be very new for them to be recommended. “They can simply search for something, and if you’ve done your research and optimizations correctly, you have the chance to show up right when they search for you,” Heather says.

Unlike other social media sites, older content, if well-optimized, isn’t immediately excluded — that’s not how Pinterest works. This means your pins could continue gaining traction months or even years after you first publish them. “Pinterest will send you traffic for the long run,” Heather says. “I have personally made pins for my brands that, five, six, or seven years later, are still bringing people to my website.”

Who uses Pinterest? (And which niches perform best)

Pinterest tends to perform best for businesses and creators in visual, aspirational, or how-to niches. Heather says Pinterest is a must if you work in one of the categories below. "I have worked with brands across all these categories, and they have all seen success in some form or another."

• Home decor/interior design
• Beauty
• Wellness
• Fashion 
• Children’s activities
• Parenting
• Design 
• DIY and crafts
• Food
• Gardening
• Health
• Mindset
• Wedding
• Travel
• Education

Pinterest personal vs. business account: which one do you need?

Pinterest offers both personal and business (professional) accounts. There are some key differences between the two.

“Personal and business accounts on Pinterest are similar, but business accounts include features that are helpful to business owners and marketers,” the platform says.  Here's what each account type gives you:

A personal Pinterest account is great if you’re just using it to save ideas for later. If you’re using Pinterest as a creator, business, or marketer, a Pinterest business account is your best bet. 

Good news if you’re just exploring the platform or already have a personal account: you can switch to a business account or connect a business account to your existing personal profile.

How to create a Pinterest personal account

Here’s how to create a Pinterest personal account from scratch:

• Navigate to Pinterest.com.
• From the top-right of your screen, click Sign up.
• Enter your email and date of birth and create a password.
• Click Continue.
• Follow the prompts to enter your personal details.
• Click on the relevant tiles to choose your interests, then Continue to your feed.
• Start exploring pinning. The more you pin, the better the recommendations on your home feed will be. 

How to create a Pinterest business account

To create a new business account not tied to a personal account:

• Navigate to Pinterest.com.
• From the top-right of your screen, click Sign up.
• At the bottom of the pop-up, click Create a business account.
• Enter your email, create a password, and enter your date of birth.
• Click Create account.
• Follow the prompts to fill out your profile.
• Choose what you’d like to do first (create a pin, create an ad, or build your profile), and click Next.

How to create a pin

There are a few ways to create a pin — I'll walk you through all of them. (We'll cover boards in the next section; you can create pins first and organize them later, or build your boards first and pin into them. Totally up to you.)

On your computer

• Log in to Pinterest.com.
• If you have a personal profile, choose Create on the top left of your screen.
• If you have a business account, click the hamburger menu (three lines) on the top left, then Create Pin.

• Drag and drop an image or video from your computer or click the arrow icon to open your folders. You can also choose the Save from URL button under the image upload icon to grab an image or video from a web page. 

• Here, you can add information about your pin, like a title, description, related topics, the board you want to save it to, and a website link. Choose More options to turn comments and shopping recommendations on or off. 
• When you’re ready, click Publish.

On your mobile device

• Open the Pinterest app.
• Click the + button at the bottom of the app.
• Choose Pin.
• Select a photo or a video from your gallery and hit Next.
• Add a title, description, and link (optional).
• Choose a board to post on, add relevant tags, choose when you want to post, and hit Create.

Pinterest Save extension

One of the easiest ways to pin content to your boards from around the web is to pin it with the Pinterest Save extension or browser button. Here’s how to install and use it:

• Go to Pinterest’s Save extension page here and choose where to use the button (Chrome, Firefox, Safari, or Microsoft Edge).
• Navigate to the appropriate browser store and follow the prompts.
• Once installed, the Pinterest save icon will appear whenever you hover over an image on a website. Click on it to pin an image, then choose or create a board to save it to. 
• Click View on the pop-up that appears to edit the image title, description, and more. 

Create a pin with Buffer

The handy thing about scheduling a pin with Buffer is that you can cross-post it to other platforms in the same flow — so if you're already planning an Instagram post, you can send it to Pinterest, TikTok, or Facebook without reopening a new tab.

You can schedule the pin to automatically publish at a specific time or share immediately. To start pinning with Buffer:

• Make sure you’re logged into the Pinterest account you want to connect.
• Sign up or log in to Buffer. Click the +New button on the top left and click on Connect a New Channel.
• Scroll down and click on Pinterest. Click Give access. Congrats, your Pinterest account is all set up.
• Click the + New Post button and choose Pinterest.
• Upload your image or video with a title and destination link (optional).
• Select the board/s you want to save your new pin to. 

• Click Schedule Post button to set a specific publishing date and time, choose Next Available, or click the dropdown arrow for more options.
• If you want to cross-post this image or video to your other social media channels, click on the appropriate icons at the top of the window.

How to create a board

A well-organized Pinterest profile is one way to optimize your profile (more on this below) and make it more appealing to your target audience.

Create a board on desktop

• Log in to Pinterest.com.
• If you have a personal profile, choose Create on the top left of your screen.
• If you have a business account, click the hamburger menu (three lines) on the top left, then Create Board.
• Choose a name for your board, add collaborators, and toggle Make this board secret on to create a private board.

Create a board using the Pinterest mobile app

• Click the + button at the bottom of the app.
• Choose Board.
• Choose a name for your board, add collaborators, and toggle Make this board secret on to create a private board.
• Add suggested pins to your board (you can choose to add these later, too).

Your board is created, but you're not done yet (don't miss this step if you're a small business or creator). Choose the three dots to the top right of your new board, then Edit board. Here, you can edit each board's individual settings, including name, description, board cover, and more.

Tips for creating a Pinterest board

• Choose an eye-catching board cover image
• Add a description that features important keywords in your niche

Filling out these details for each board will help with SEO (search engine optimization) and provide users with additional context about your account content.

How to use Pinterest for business and creators: 13 tactics that work

You’ve created a new business account and started creating pins and boards, but there’s a whole lot more to using Pinterest for business. Be sure to include the tactics below in your social media marketing strategy for Pinterest to grow your following. 

Optimize your profile

Completing your profile is a key step in ensuring that your account is discoverable and looks appealing to users on Pinterest.

Find your audience

Like many other social media networks, focusing on a niche group of highly engaged users will produce better results than targeting a broad, unspecified audience.

If you focus on sharing consistent content within your niche, people will start to look to you as a continual source of inspiration and information. Focusing on a niche audience will also produce favorable results within the Pinterest algorithm.

Use eye-catching, uncluttered images

Pinterest is a visual-first platform, so a good image can make all the difference in maximising results. I'll scroll right past a fuzzy stock photo — and so will your audience. Images that stand out, are colourful and unique, and say something specific about what you offer will give you a significant edge compared to other content on the platform.

You'll also want to steer clear of cluttered images. Many Pinterest users will be viewing your pins on the app, so make sure the message is easy to digest (and that text is legible in the desktop feed and on smaller, mobile formats).

Don’t forget about video

Video content on Pinterest can be an incredible way to bring your ideas to life. They’ll also auto-play and stand out in users’ feeds.

Our research showed that videos get more engagement on Pinterest than images, so consider testing a few video pins on your account.

Pinterest video tips

• To use up as much screen space as possible, ensure your videos are designed for mobile and exported in either square or portrait format.
• Shorter videos work best when you want users to discover you (if your goal is awareness or storytelling).
• Go longer when you want people to do something with your idea — great for education or tutorials.

Use a vertical aspect ratio

Pins in the home and search feed are organized into columns, so vertical images take up more space and stand out more in the feed. Recommended Pinterest image specs:

• Vertical pin (recommended): 2:3 ratio, 600 x 900 pixels
• Square pin: 1:1 ratio, 600 x 600 pixels

Consider adding a little copy

If your image doesn’t give enough context, add text to the image to help land your message. But try to keep the copy simple and not clutter the overall image. 

Provide helpful, detailed pin descriptions

Pins with descriptions drive more clicks to your site than those without. If your objective is to drive clicks, use the description to hint that there's more to see on your website — don't give everything away on Pinterest, just enough to pique a user's curiosity.

A strong call to action (CTA) — like "shop," "make," "find," or "buy" — will encourage people to take the next step.

Pinterest SEO: Use well-researched keywords

Leaning on keywords is a vital part of any good Pinterest strategy. “You cannot overlook keywords on Pinterest if you want to create a sustainable long-term Pinterest presence,” Heather says. 

Consider users’ search intent when they are looking for Pinterest content like yours. What are they likely to be looking for? What words and phrases are they typing into the search bar?

Pinterest's search function can help you find new keywords if you’re stuck. For example, if your pin is a roast chicken recipe, search for “roast chicken” on Pinterest. You’ll see suggested searches for “roast chicken whole” and “roast chicken oven,” and search guides like “simple” or “cast iron.” These free SEO tools can help, too.

These keywords should be used in your pin title and description, as well as titles and descriptions for your boards. The more information you give the Pinterest algorithm about your content, the better. 

That said, don’t simply dump keywords into the various fields and hope for the best. Keyword stuffing looks spammy and can be off-putting for your audience. 

Add relevant hashtags — carefully

Hashtags still exist on Pinterest — but they’re no longer a way to supercharge your reach. Pinterest functions more like a visual search engine, meaning keywords in your title, description, and boards matter far more than hashtags.

That said, hashtags can still play a supporting role when used sparingly and strategically.

• Stick to 2–5 highly relevant hashtags max.
• Place them at the end of your description, not in the middle.
• Choose clear, searchable terms that align with your keywords.
• Avoid overloading — too many hashtags can look spammy and dilute performance.

Most importantly, focus your effort on natural, keyword-rich descriptions first, and treat hashtags as optional add-ons.

Always include links

Many people save pins as their visual, digital bookmarks to help guide them back to a site they want to see again. So when they click on a pin, they expect to be taken to a landing page to learn more about the idea or information you shared on Pinterest.

That means making sure your Pinterest content includes a relevant link to the source every time — even if the link doesn't lead to your website.

A few quick best practices for the links themselves:

• Use the full URL rather than a link shortener. Pinterest can flag shortened URLs as spammy, and some have been blocked outright in the past.
• Match the pin image to the page it leads to. If someone clicks a pin of a living room and lands on a generic homepage, they'll bounce — and Pinterest notices.
• Add UTM parameters so you can see Pinterest traffic clearly in Google Analytics or your analytics tool of choice.

Get ahead of trends

People come to Pinterest well before the season, holiday, or event they’re planning for. Start saving pins about upcoming trends, seasonal events, or holidays in advance. Then keep adding more ideas daily and maintain a steady pace of content.

Repurpose the right way

Heather calls this “repurposing with purpose.” Sharing content across social media platforms is a great way to make it work harder for you. However, this doesn’t just mean downloading your TikToks and Instagram Reels and popping them on Pinterest. 

Watermarks from other platforms and copyrighted music could harm your content performance, she says. Before pinning, remove those (or, better yet, create videos outside Instagram and TikTok). 

Be patient, stick with it

Unlike many other social networks, where engagement and reach typically happen within the first 24 to 48 hours, content on Pinterest will continue to grow for days, weeks, months, and even years.

How to use Pinterest Analytics to track your performance

With a Pinterest business account, you have powerful analytics tools at your fingertips to help you understand if your content is resonating with your target audience. To find these metrics:

• Log in to your Pinterest business account.
• Click the hamburger icon (three lines) at the top-left of the page.
• Click Analytics overview.

Here, you’ll find a host of helpful metrics, like engagement, engagement rate, impressions, save rate, pin clicks, video views, and more. Pinterest has a handy guide to understanding all the Pinterest analytics terms.

All this data can be overwhelming initially, but Heather recommends focusing on a select few. “I’m going to say impressions, pin clicks, saves, and outbound clicks, in that order.

The four Pinterest analytics metrics that matter most, in priority order:

1. Impressions — the number of times your pin was viewed
2. Pin clicks — the total number of clicks on your pin or ad that open it in closeup
3. Saves — the number of times people saved your pin to a board
4. Outbound clicks — the number of times people take an action that leads them off Pinterest

“Without impressions or pin clicks, you’ll never get outbound clicks. Focus first on reach via impressions, then optimize for each phase of that customer journey to your website,” Heather says. 

I'd second this — when I first started looking at Pinterest Analytics, I got pulled in by save rate and engagement rate, but impressions are where the real diagnostics live. If your pins aren't getting impressions, no amount of optimisation downstream will fix it.

The long game of Pinterest

Remember, you won’t get incredible results right out of the gate with Pinterest. Pinterest growth takes time. Perhaps more than any other social network, Pinterest is a marathon, not a sprint. 

However, for many marketers, small business owners, and creators, this is a welcome change of pace — unlike TikTok and Instagram, your Pinterest content will not disappear from feeds after a couple of hours or days.  

As I’ve mentioned, users could stumble upon your content, finding exactly what they’ve been searching for weeks, months, and years after posting. If you’ve set your pins up for success by following the guidance above, your Pinterest content will have the longevity that makes this possible. 

Happy pinning.

FAQ about using Pinterest

How do I use Pinterest as a beginner?

Create a free Pinterest account (personal or business), set up a few themed boards, and start saving pins you love — either by uploading your own images and videos, or by saving pins you find on Pinterest and around the web. If you're using Pinterest for a business or creator brand, add keywords to your pin titles, descriptions, and board titles so your content shows up in search.

How does Pinterest actually work?

Pinterest works more like a search engine than a social feed. Users search for ideas ("small kitchen," "budget wedding," "productivity tools"), and Pinterest serves up the pins that best match — regardless of when those pins were published or whether the user follows the creator.

What's the difference between a Pinterest personal and business account?

Both account types can create pins and boards. Business accounts add Pinterest Analytics, advertising (idea ads, video ads, carousels, collection ads), product catalogs, and the Pinterest Business/Creator Hub. Personal accounts are suited for saving ideas for your own use. You can switch a personal account to business, or connect a business account to an existing personal profile.

What's the ideal Pinterest pin size?

The recommended aspect ratio for Pinterest pins is 2:3 (vertical), at 600 x 900 pixels. Square pins at 600 x 600 pixels also perform well. Vertical pins take up more space in Pinterest's column-based feed, which helps them stand out.

How long does it take to grow on Pinterest?

Pinterest rewards the slow build. Unlike Instagram or TikTok — where engagement usually happens within 24 to 48 hours — Pinterest content can keep gaining traction for months or even years.

Can I schedule Pinterest pins?

Yes. You can schedule pins natively in Pinterest from a business account, or use a social media scheduling tool like Buffer, which supports Pinterest for both personal and business accounts and lets you cross-post the same content to Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and other platforms at the same time.

More Pinterest resources

• How to Create Your Own Influencer Media Kit (+ Examples from Creators)
• How to Schedule Pinterest Posts (3 Easy Methods + 5 Quick Tips)
• Pinterest Marketing Strategy: A Step-By-Step Guide
• 5 Ways to Make Money on Pinterest: An In-depth Guide for Creators and Businesses

Keeping up with Instagram in 2026 feels like managing a live newsroom. There’s always something new, trends move fast, and maintaining consistency can be exhausting.

You don't have to tackle it alone — and you certainly don't have to spend a fortune. The right tools can save you hours every week and help you show up more consistently without the burnout.

In this article, I’ve rounded up 24 free Instagram tools for creators, marketers, and small businesses. Every tool here has a solid free plan or trial that's actually worth your time. And yes, there are plenty of AI-powered options to streamline your workflow.

Here's what you need to improve your Instagram strategy without breaking the bank.

Key takeaways

• Visuals and video: Canva and CapCut are great for free, high-quality Instagram design and reel editing.
• Efficiency: Tools like Buffer or Meta Business Suite can help you schedule content to stay consistent and save you hours on manual posting.
• Data-driven growth: Instagram’s native insights and SparkToro can help to understand audience behavior and niche trends.
• Automation: Tools like ManyChat can handle high volumes of DMs, automatically turning engagement into leads.
• Drive traffic elsewhere: A clean, well-organized link-in-bio page (like Buffer Start Page) makes it easy to send followers exactly where you want them — whether that's your website, shop, or newsletter.

Instagram content creation tools

Consistently creating polished posts, reels, or stories can be overwhelming. These free content creation tools simplify the process and save you time.

Before you dive in, consider what takes you the longest — is it designing visuals, editing video, or writing captions? Start with the tool that solves your biggest bottleneck, and layer in others as you go.

Canva

Best for: All-round visual content creation

Canva is a favorite among creators, small businesses, and marketers — especially if design isn't your thing. It offers thousands of free Instagram templates across all formats (reels, carousels, stories, you name it), all perfectly sized and ready to go for your Instagram posts.

With its intuitive drag-and-drop interface, you can quickly customize visuals even if you've never designed before.

Standout free features include:

• Access to a huge library of graphics, icons, and stock images
• Video editing capabilities, which work great for reels
• Pre-made and properly-sized templates for every Instagram format
• Canva AI, where you can go from the spark of an idea to complete, published work in one place

Not feeling Canva? Here are two other options worth trying:

1. Adobe Express: Formerly known as Adobe Spark, Adobe Express is a content creator’s dream, offering thousands of free templates for social graphics, reels, stories, and more. It’s especially helpful for quick actions like background removal, video trimming, or adding animations. Best for: Seamless integration with the Adobe ecosystem.
2. Unfold: If elegant, cohesive Instagram Stories or carousels are your thing, Unfold delivers hundreds of beautiful designer templates. With its elegant, minimalist templates, it’s loved by creators and brands for visual storytelling. Best for: Curated library of sleek, design-forward templates.

CapCut

Best for: Desktop and mobile video editing

CapCut is a popular free video editor for creators who want to craft professional-grade reels and stories.

This powerful app (created by ByteDance, which also owns TikTok) lets you edit videos directly from your phone, offering cuts, transitions, captions, effects, and filters — all completely free and without watermarks.

Standout features include:

• Full-featured mobile video editor with 4K export
• Built-in templates, transitions, filters, and effects
• Auto-captions, AI background removal, and trending sounds
• No watermarks on exports

Similar to CapCut, here are some other editors you might consider:

1. Edits: Instagram's own mobile editing app is smooth and slick, and features many of the things we love about CapCut. Best for: Folks who are exclusively focused on Instagram or Facebook.
2. Veed: A browser-based video editor that’s great for teams or creators working on desktop. Veed offers one-click subtitles, screen recordings, and templates for Instagram posts. Best for: Captioning videos quickly, editing on desktop, or repurposing long-form content into short clips.
3. InShot: InShot is a mobile editing classic — ideal for trimming clips, adding music, filters, or text overlays. It’s simple but powerful, especially for on-the-go edits. Best for: Quick cuts, montages, and reels with minimal fuss.

Dupe

Best for: Aesthetic stock images

Dupe offers high-quality images that actually look natural — not like the typical stock photos you've seen everywhere. It offers curated, high-quality imagery for modern brands and aesthetic feeds — all free to use, no attribution required.

The library leans toward lifestyle, fashion, tech, and minimalist vibes — perfect if you're building a modern, aesthetic feed. It's great for filling gaps in your content calendar — or for those days when you don't have access to a camera but still need something that looks good.

Standout free features:

• Curated library of trendy, editorial-style photos
• Categories designed for content creators (think: flat lays, tech, workspace, fashion)
• No login required, completely free to use

Similar to Dupe, here are some stock photo websites to check out:

1. Unsplash: A classic for a reason. Unsplash offers over 3 million high-resolution images contributed by photographers worldwide. It’s a go-to for everything from nature shots to editorial-style portraits — and the search functionality is top-tier.
2. Pexels: Pexels is ideal if you’re after vibrant, dynamic photos and videos. The Pexels collection leans modern and multicultural, and it includes both horizontal and vertical formats — great for Instagram Stories or carousels.

Grammarly's AI Instagram caption generator

Best for: Generating caption ideas fast when you hit a creative block.

Struggling to write engaging captions? Just describe your post and choose a tone (like witty, confident, or friendly), and Grammarly's free caption generator will suggest multiple caption options you can tweak or copy as-is.

Standout features include:

• Multiple AI-generated captions per prompt
• Customize tone, intent, and post type
• No login required to generate ideas

Some other free caption generators to try:

1. Copy.ai: Copy.ai’s social media caption tool helps you create short, catchy captions based on your product, post theme, or content goal. You can also choose a tone (like bold, friendly, or professional), making it easy to tailor content for different audiences. Best for: Caption ideas with a clear CTA or marketing angle.
2. Predis: Predis is an AI social media assistant that auto-generates post captions and visuals from a single prompt. While the full tool is more robust, its free caption generator is worth trying if you want short-form ideas with emojis, hashtags, and brand alignment. Best for: AI-generated posts that include visuals, captions, and hashtags together.

Now, let's simplify your posting schedule with some powerful (and free) scheduling tools.

Instagram scheduling tools

Posting regularly helps you grow on Instagram, but posting daily (or even weekly) can feel impossible without a system.

That's where scheduling tools come in. They let you plan ahead, see how your feed will look, and post when your audience is actually online — without having to set alarms or remember to post manually.

Yes, we're biased, but we think that Buffer is the best free tool to plan and schedule your Instagram posts and stories effortlessly.

Buffer

Best for: Managing and scheduling posts across accounts in one place.

Buffer makes scheduling straightforward — which is why a lot of creators and small businesses use it to stay consistent without the daily stress.

Its generous free plan lets you schedule up to 10 posts per Instagram profile, allowing you to pre-plan your content weeks in advance.

Plus, you can save hashtag groups and even schedule first comments to keep your captions tidy.

Standout features include:

• Connect multiple accounts — up to three Instagram accounts if that’s what you need
• Visual content calendar with drag-and-drop editing
• Preview and arrange your Instagram grid visually
• First comment scheduling and hashtag management included

Another free scheduler to try:

If you're already working within the Meta ecosystem, try Meta Creator Studio (now part of Meta Business Suite).

Meta’s official scheduler lets you plan Instagram posts, reels, carousels, and stories — with the peace of mind that comes from using a native tool. It’s ad-free and fully integrated with your business or creator account to post right to your Instagram feed. Best for: Those who want direct-to-Instagram scheduling and built-in analytics — no third-party apps needed.

Next up, let’s get into some free Instagram tools that unlock valuable insights — making data-driven growth simpler than ever.

Instagram analytics tools

Creating content is important, but understanding what resonates with your audience is what actually drives growth. That's where Instagram analytics tools come in.

Instead of guessing what works, these tools show you exactly which posts your audience loves, when they're most likely to be scrolling, and how healthy your account is overall. Whether you want to track engagement rates, audit your follower quality, or identify your top-performing reels, there's a free tool for that.

Instagram’s native insights

Best for: Getting built-in analytics directly from Instagram.

Instagram’s built-in analytics tool is the first place to start. If you have a creator or business account, you automatically get access to Instagram Insights — no setup required. It covers all the essentials: post reach, follower demographics, your most engaging content, and even breakdowns by format (reels, carousels, stories).

Standout free features:

• Track reach, impressions, and profile activity
• See your top-performing Instagram posts across reels, carousels and stories
• Understand follower growth and audience demographics
• No setup or third-party access required

If you want analytics built into the tool you're already using to schedule and manage your content, Buffer makes that easy. You get a clear picture of what's working on Instagram — without needing to jump between tabs or apps.

Now, let’s dive into audience research and hashtag discovery — essential for reaching exactly the right people.

Audience research and hashtag tools

Audience research and hashtag tools can help you understand who your followers are, what topics they care about, and how to surface your content through the right keywords, tags, and trends.

These tools take the guesswork out of reach and discovery — so you’re not just creating great posts, but making sure the right people see them.

SparkToro

Best for: Discovering what your audience reads, watches, and follows.

SparkToro helps you understand your audience in depth. Enter a keyword, topic, or Instagram handle, and you'll see what your audience reads, follows, listens to, and talks about — which can help you find collaboration opportunities, relevant hashtags, or content angles they're already interested in. You can use that insight to find creators to collaborate with, hashtags to include, or even content angles your audience is already engaging with elsewhere.

Standout free features:

• 5 free searches per month
• Discover what your audience watches, reads, and follows
• Identify niche hashtags and relevant creators for collabs

If you're looking for even more audience insight or competitor data, try Social Blade.

Social Blade shows you follower growth trends, engagement stats, and performance data for any public Instagram account. It’s great for tracking what’s working for competitors or influencers in your niche. Best for: Benchmarking your own growth and seeing what's working for competitors or other creators in your niche.

Buffer’s free hashtag generator

Best for: Generating relevant Instagram hashtags quickly from a simple prompt.

If you want a quick, AI-powered way to generate Instagram hashtags based on your content, Buffer’s free hashtag generator is a great place to start. Just describe your post in a few words — like “Sunday beach yoga” or “remote work tips” — and it’ll instantly generate relevant hashtags tailored to your niche and audience.

Standout free features:

• No login required — generate hashtags in seconds
• Curates hashtags based on post description or keywords
• Built to suggest relevant, non-spammy tags that boost discoverability
• Unlock unlimited daily uses with a free Buffer account

It’s a solid option for creators, marketers, or small businesses who want to post consistently without overthinking their hashtag strategy. If you're already using Buffer for scheduling, it's even easier to plug these hashtags directly into your content workflow.

Let's explore tools that help you boost engagement and manage your growing community.

Engagement and community management tools

Growing your audience on Instagram requires more than great posts — you need to connect with your followers.

From managing comments and DMs to running giveaways and contests, these tools help you keep up with engagement as your account grows — without losing that one-on-one feel.

Buffer's Community

Best for: Keeping up with comments and DMs without switching apps.

Our research found that replying to your Instagram comments can boost engagement by 21%. Who wouldn't want to see a number like that on their analytics?

But if you've noticed your DMs and comments piling up as your account grows, you're not alone — it can get overwhelming fast.

Buffer's Community pulls all your Instagram comments (plus comments from other platforms) into a single dashboard.

Standout free features:

• See unanswered, newest, or oldest comments at a glance
• Get alerted the moment someone comments
• Manage Threads, LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and X all in one place
• Create a new post from a reply

Instead of juggling multiple apps or getting lost in distracting feeds, you can use Buffer's Community to reply, track, and grow all in one place.

ManyChat

Best for: Automating replies to comments and DMs.

ManyChat lets you automate responses in your Instagram inbox — like sending a welcome DM when someone comments a keyword, or instantly delivering a freebie link.

It’s great for lead generation and community building.

Standout features include:

• DM automation based on comments or keywords
• Create flows for FAQs, freebie delivery, or lead capture
• Up to 1,000 contacts on the free plan

If you don’t need full automation, Instagram’s built-in Quick Replies feature lets you create shortcuts for frequent responses in DMs. It’s best for manual but efficient DM replies for small accounts.

CommentGuard

Best for: Creators and businesses with growing comment volume or dealing with trolls or spam.

CommentGuard automatically hides spam, filters out toxic replies, and even flags potential customer inquiries — giving creators and brands more control without having to manually moderate every thread.

Standout features include:

• Auto-moderate comment sections (filter spam, block keywords)
• Real-time comment alerts for brand mentions
• Integrates with Instagram Business accounts

Up next, some tools that help you make the most of your Instagram bio link — your one shot to direct traffic where it matters most.

Link-in-bio and microsite tools

Instagram now lets you add up to five links in your bio, which is great — but they can still feel cluttered and hard for your audience to navigate. Link-in-bio tools solve this problem. They turn those links into a well-designed microsite or content hub that’s easy to update, brand, and organize.

Buffer Start Page

Best for: Sharing multiple links in one easy-to-navigate page.

Start Page is Buffer’s clean, customizable, and 100% free solution to the link-in-bio problem. You can build a mobile-optimized page in minutes — complete with your branding, unlimited links, social embeds, and even email signup blocks.

If you don’t have a full website yet, Start Page is a great way to establish a professional online presence in just a few clicks.

Standout free features:

• Unlimited links, sections, and custom layouts
• Add media like videos, podcast embeds, or product previews
• Email signup blocks to grow your list
• Fast, responsive design (no code required)

Some other tools you can try include:

1. Linktree: The OG link-in-bio tool, Linktree is simple, reliable, and used by millions of creators. Even on the free plan, you can add unlimited links, pick a theme, and view basic analytics on click performance. Best for: If you want a no-fuss solution, this one’s solid.
2. Beacons: Beacons takes the microsite further with built-in monetization. You can collect payments, sell digital products, or add donation links — all on a sleek, mobile-friendly microsite. Best for: Creators who want to turn traffic into income, but note that it’s not available globally.

Pick one or two tools to get started

With so many options, it's tempting to try everything at once. But you'll get more out of these tools if you start small and pick the ones that actually fit your workflow and goals.

The best approach? Start with one or two tools, use them consistently for a few weeks, and add more as you figure out what you actually need.

Here’s how to ease into it:

1. Pick one tool per category to start with. Instead of trying everything, choose one tool in each category that feels easy to use. For example: Buffer for scheduling, CapCut for video editing, and SparkToro for audience insights.
2. Keep your favorites organized. Save the tools you use most in a folder on your phone, or keep a running list in Notion or Google Docs. It'll save you time when you need them later.
3. Free doesn't mean limited. Many of these tools offer features that used to cost money — now powered by AI and easier to use than ever. Try the free versions first — you might find they're all you need.

Whether you're posting once a week or every day, the right tools can make it feel less like a chore and more like something you actually enjoy.

Ready to make Instagram feel more manageable? Pick one tool from this list to try this week and see how it goes. If you want to start with Buffer, you can create your free account here.

FAQ about free Instagram tools

Are free Instagram tools really free?

Yes. Each tool here has a genuine no-cost plan that covers its core features. You only pay if you want extras like larger quotas or premium templates.

Is it safe to connect my Instagram account to third-party tools?

Generally, yes. The tools listed here use Instagram’s official API, so they don’t store your password. You can remove their access at any time under Settings > Security > Apps and websites in Instagram.

Can I schedule Instagram posts for free?

Absolutely. Buffer’s free plan lets you connect one Instagram account and schedule up to 10 posts in advance, so you can map out about a week of daily content without spending a dime. Meta Business Suite is another free option for scheduling directly within Instagram's own ecosystem.

Can using these tools hurt my reach or get my account banned?

No, as long as the tool follows Instagram’s guidelines. Steer clear of any service that guarantees instant followers or likes — those shortcuts can violate Instagram’s terms and damage your reach.

Do I need a business or creator account to use these tools?

It depends on the tool. Some require a creator or business account to work; others work with any account type. In any case, changing to a creator or business account is free and takes under a minute in your Instagram settings. Doing so unlocks native analytics, reel and story scheduling, and access to most of the tools in this list, so it's often worth making the switch either way.

More Instagram resources 

• How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm When Your Feed Needs a Fresh Start
• 13 Trending Sounds on Instagram (+ How to Use Them)
• 13 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram (Tried & Tested)
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works
• Instagram Image Size Guide: Post, Story, and Reels Dimensions
• How to Make Money on Instagram: 12 Ideas for Creators and Small Businesses

You don't need millions of followers or superstar status to make money on Instagram. Micro and even nano-influencers on Instagram are supplementing — or even replacing — their income with content creation.

I now have over 15K followers on Instagram, but when I started experimenting with monetization, I had no idea what would actually work. And I tried everything. Affiliate links that made me a few bucks. Brand partnerships that fizzled out. And eventually, a couple of income streams that actually stacked up month after month.

One of the biggest things I've learned? There's no 'easy money' switch here — turning posts into paychecks still takes consistent, thoughtful work.

In this article, I'll share 12 of the most effective ways for you to make money on Instagram. What's really working right now, what's worth skipping, and how you can layer these streams no matter your follower count. Whether you're just starting on Instagram or already have a sizable following, there are options here for everyone.

Key takeaways

• Nano-influencers (1,000–10K followers) earn $10–$100 per sponsored post on Instagram, and rates scale to $10K+ for mega-influencers with 1M+ followers.
• Instagram's three monetization paths are: in-app features (subscriptions, gifts, badges, bonuses), brand partnerships (sponsored posts, user-generated content (UGC), affiliate links), and selling your own products or services.
• Diversifying across two to three income streams is more sustainable than relying on a single Instagram-native feature.
• Gifts only require 500 followers to unlock, making this the lowest-barrier native monetization feature on Instagram.
• Instagram bonuses are the only feature that pays creators directly, but they are invite-only.
• Affiliate marketing and UGC are the most beginner-friendly paths — both work without a large following because brands prioritize content quality over reach.

The three ways most creators make money on Instagram

• In-app monetization: Earn directly through Instagram's built-in features — subscriptions, gifts, badges, and bonuses.
• Self-promotion: Use Instagram as a sales channel for your own products, services, courses, memberships, or merch.
• Brand collaborations: Get paid by brands for sponsored posts, UGC, or affiliate promotions.

Monetization paths at a glance

The 12 monetization methods below fall into three broad paths. Here's how they compare on barrier to entry and payout model:

Instagram Shop is covered separately in section 8 — it has different eligibility (business account required).

Whichever route you pick, steady growth comes from showing up for a clearly defined audience and engaging with them consistently. You can always repurpose content across these streams to get more mileage out of each post.

Let's walk through the 12 monetization methods, starting with what I call Instagram native income — the features built right into the app that help you earn without ever leaving it.

1. Offer exclusive content via subscriptions

Instagram Subscriptions let creators with 10K+ followers charge a monthly fee for exclusive posts, reels, stories, and lives — a built-in recurring revenue stream inside the app. Think of it as having your own membership program right inside Instagram.

Your most engaged followers can become paid subscribers and get access to exclusive content you create just for them. When setting your price, think about the value you're offering while keeping it accessible enough that your followers can actually join in. Subscribers find the content easily on your Instagram feed in a new tab using the crown icon.

Subscriptions at a glance:

• Minimum followers: 10K
• Account type required: Professional (creator or business)
• Minimum age: 18
• Payout mechanism: Monthly recurring fee you set
• Country availability: Select countries only
• Policy requirements: Must meet Instagram's Content Monetization and Partner Monetization policies

When I tested subscriptions, I realized something very quickly. People don't pay for content. They pay for meaningful access. Things like your creative process, unfiltered behind-the-scenes thoughts, tutorials, or personal updates that don't always make it to your main feed. (The stuff that feels like being let into a group chat, basically.)

To turn subscriptions on, you'll need to:

• Be at least 18
• Have a professional Instagram account with at least 10K followers
• Reside in a country where the feature is available (here's a list for your reference)
• Have an Instagram profile that meets Instagram’s Content Monetization and Partner Monetization policies

2. Receive gifts from fans

Instagram Gifts let fans send virtual "stars" on your Instagram Reels that convert to cash at $0.01 per star — available to any professional account with 500+ followers. It's the lowest-barrier way to earn directly from your audience.

Gifts at a glance:

• Minimum followers: 500
• Account type required: Professional (creator or business)
• Minimum age: 18
• Currency: Fans purchase virtual "stars" to send as gifts
• Payout rate: $0.01 USD per star (100 stars = $1 USD)
• Minimum payout: $25 balance
• Availability: Select countries only

The key here is consistency. If you're creating content that makes people feel something — entertained, inspired, or educated — they'll want to give back. I know a few creators who mention gifts casually in their captions. Something like, "If you enjoyed this tip, send a gift to keep the series going." Subtle, human, and never salesy.

It starts small — really small. But the creators I know who treat gifts like a tip jar, not a goalpost, end up surprised by what a year of consistent posting adds up to.

3. Monetize live sessions with badges

Instagram Badges let viewers tip you during live sessions in increments of $0.99, $1.99, or $4.99 — the only native Instagram monetization feature tied to live broadcasts. It's like your audience buying a front-row ticket to your stream.

Badges at a glance:

• Minimum age: 18
• Account type required: Creator
• Payout mechanism: Viewers purchase badges in $0.99, $1.99, or $4.99 increments during your live
• Availability: Select countries only (check the eligibility list when you plan to go live)

The creators I've seen do this best make their lives feel like mini experiences. They pick a consistent day theme — think self-care chats, behind-the-brand Fridays, or community happy hours. You'll see a heart next to the names of people who've bought a badge.

To make the most of badges, let people know they're available at the start of your live — and again when new viewers join.

4. Qualify for Instagram bonuses

Right now, bonuses are the only way Instagram pays creators directly — no audience purchases or subscriptions required. You get these bonuses paid on rolling cycles — and they are available for reels, carousels, and single image posts.

Bonuses at a glance:

• Minimum age: 18
• Account type required: Professional (creator or business)
• Eligibility: Invite-only, varies by region
• Content counted: Up to 150 posts from activation to program end (reels, carousels, single image posts; replays not counted)
• Payout: Lump sums paid at rolling cycles
• Reported rate: ~$0.01–$0.05 per 1,000 views (varies)

These programs are usually invite-only and vary by region, but it's worth keeping an eye out in your professional dashboard. If you receive the invitation, you'll see it on your dashboard. Once you complete the onboarding flow, the platform will count up to 150 pieces of content shared from the week that you activate until the end of the bonus opportunity. The more views and/or plays (replays not included) your content receives, the more money you earn.

I like to think of bonuses as the cherry on top. They're not a core strategy, but when they appear, take them. If you're already consistent with your content, it's a welcome reward for the effort you're already putting in.

How much does Instagram pay per 1,000 views?

There isn't a single published rate, but creators in past bonus programs have reported earning roughly $0.01–$0.05 per 1,000 views, depending on the program, region, and content format. Reels bonuses have historically paid more than image posts — which is one reason short-form video is worth prioritizing if you're chasing bonus income.

Right now, earning money solely through Instagram's built-in features works best if you already have a large following and strong personal brand.

As Instagram's Head Adam Mosseri explains: "If you have a few thousand followers, it doesn’t make sense to focus on trying to monetize that audience," Mosseri says. "You should instead focus on growing that audience or using Instagram in other ways."

Even so, there are good reasons to explore these features:

• Become an early adopter of Instagram’s monetizing features
• Supplement your income from other sources (which includes the other ways to earn on Instagram, below)

Honestly? The next three methods — brand partnerships, UGC, and affiliate marketing — are where most creators start seeing real money, especially if you're under 10K followers.

5. Earn from sponsored posts and brand partnerships

The most common setup: sponsored posts. You create content for a brand, post it on your own page, and get paid for the spot on your feed. This partnership between creator Jade Beason and Adobe Express shows how it works:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Jade | Creator, Consultant & Speaker (@jadebeason)

Sponsored content usually includes a "paid partnership" tag or an #ad hashtag. Brands pay Instagram creators for a spot in their feed because they can build brand awareness and earn money by reaching the creator’s audience.

How much can you earn from sponsored posts? It varies based on your niche, location, content quality, follower count, engagement rate, and negotiation skills.

According to Influencer Marketing Hub’s benchmark study, nano-influencers (Instagram influencers with 1,000 – 10k followers) earn between $10 and $100 per post — it only goes up from there.

The numbers vary a lot, sometimes with little changes in the scope of work. For example, a brand will pay more to get usage rights for your sponsored posts.

Buffer's own analysis of social engagement across millions of posts — see our State of Social Engagement report — shows engagement rate, not raw follower count, is the strongest predictor of brand interest, which is why nano- and micro-creators with tight niches often out-earn larger accounts per post.

How to find brands to partner with on Instagram

Many brands — those that actively practice influencer marketing — might reach out to you proactively when they notice you have an engaged social media community that overlaps with their target audience. They might use third-party tools (like influencer discovery software) for this, but you can also grab their attention by tagging them in your posts whenever you create content about them. This can also be an excellent way to showcase your content creation abilities.

If you are in an eligible country, it’s also worth joining Instagram’s creator marketplace. It’s a hub for helping brands connect with the right Instagram influencers for their customers.

Lastly, it’s also worth directly reaching out to the influencer marketers of your favorite brands or even popping them a DM.

One thing to keep in mind: Don’t overload your feed with brand-related posts. It can make your account feel less authentic to your followers.

Annie-Mai Hodge, founder of Girl Power Marketing, says an overload of brand collabs (especially inauthentic ones) can be harmful to growing your Instagram following and engagement long term.

"If your feed starts to feel like a media kit, people stop engaging, and that hurts your chances of monetizing in the long run," she says. "Brands want creators who have influence, not just reach. That means your content should always be designed to serve, entertain, or connect with your audience first."

In general, the most profitable influencer partnerships come from creators who serve their audience first and treat brand deals as a secondary layer — not the main event.

One of my top tips

When you partner with a brand you already love, it doesn't feel like selling. It feels like natural storytelling. At 15K followers, I've had brands pay me hundreds of dollars per post because my audience fits their target perfectly.

One of my earliest partnerships with Etihad Airways came from me tagging a brand I already trusted and was a frequent flyer with in a casual reel. They saw the post, reached out, and it turned into a long-term collaboration. (The ROI on one lazy Instagram tag still surprises me.)

If you're highlighting a brand you love, tag them. It's free visibility for them, and it plants the seed for future paid work for you.

6. Create user-generated content for brands

User-generated content (UGC) deals pay creators to produce branded video or photo content that brands post on their own accounts or use in ads — no follower threshold required. You create the content, hand it over, and the brand publishes it.

For example, hair care brand Fix My Curls often reshares videos by creators who mention their products and credits them in post captions.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Fix My Curls ➰ Curly and Wavy Hair Care (@fiixmycurls)

UGC is a great way to earn money while keeping your own feed focused on your own content. Plus, you don't need a large following to create UGC — brands care more about your creation skills and style.

How to get your first UGC deal on Instagram

Many creators find brands by pitching via DMs on Instagram, responding to comments from brand accounts, or reaching out through email with a few simple videos and a clear offer.

7. Share affiliate links and codes

Affiliate income is one of the most beginner-friendly monetization paths. You earn a commission every time someone buys through your link or code.

Companies will share promo codes or a trackable link (with a UTM code) to calculate how many sales you bring in. These links or promo codes usually include discounts, which give your followers an extra reason to check out the product. Buffer has a free UTM builder that can help you create these unique links in a few steps.

When I started, I promoted products I was already obsessed with — skincare, coffee, a kitchen appliance or two. The stuff I'd recommend to a friend anyway. (My first affiliate payout was small enough to be embarrassing — we're talking single digits.) If your followers trust you, they'll trust your suggestions — and that's what actually converts.

This post by creator Hitika Sachdev is a perfect example of an affiliate partnership. The brand can use the code "Hitika94" to track every sale coming via her.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by ʕ•̫͡•ʔ (@hitikasachdv)

If you're working with promo codes instead of trackable links, you've got options too. Use a link in bio tool like Buffer’s Start Page where you can customize the text associated with the link — add your discount code in the text and link to the brand’s website.

Often, affiliate relationships grow out of existing brand partnerships. A brand might collaborate with you a few times for sponsored content and then offer a performance-based incentive to transition to affiliate marketing.

You can also join affiliate programs that are open to all creators, like Amazon Associates or Pura Vida, which has an affiliate program offering a 15% commission on each sale you bring in. You can apply through their form, and if you meet their requirements, you're in.

With programs like these, you won't have a dedicated brand contact. You’ll probably have a dashboard that will calculate all your earnings, and you’ll have to buy the brand’s products on your own. It's still a solid way to earn from your content — especially when you're promoting products that genuinely fit your audience.

One of the biggest advantages of branded content is that you can start without a huge following or your own product to sell. Plus, you've got multiple ways to work with brands, depending on what fits your style.

Monetizing beyond the app is where Instagram becomes more than just a content platform. It turns into your business engine. Next up, we'll take a look at some ways to do just that.

8. Set up an Instagram shop and shoppable posts

Instagram Shop turns your profile into a digital storefront with tappable product tags that link directly to a catalog — available only to Instagram business accounts in select countries. If you sell physical products, it's your in-app checkout.

You can post a picture or a reel of your product with a tappable link that goes directly to your product catalog. When users click through, they'll see all the info about the product, including prices.

If Instagram Shop isn't available in your region, Buffer's Shop Grid is a perfect workaround. It creates a clickable, shoppable feed experience that still feels native to Instagram. When someone taps your bio link, they'll see exactly what you want them to — your bestsellers, latest posts, or anything else you choose to highlight. You'll also be able to track clicks on each link, so you can see what your audience is most interested in.

9. Promote your own products or services

Promoting your own products or services on Instagram converts followers into customers at higher margins than brand deals, because you keep 100% of the revenue. You can do this by creating a brand account and forming an Instagram strategy. You might not sell products right away, but you'll educate people about your brand and its products.

From digital templates to handmade jewelry to coaching services, what matters most is storytelling. Show people why you created your product and what problem it solves.

Creators like Modern Millie have built strong value around their content. Millie teaches creators how to grow on social and monetize their platforms, and she uses Instagram to promote everything from digital courses to free templates to YouTube tutorials. It's a great example of how clear positioning plus consistent content can lead to real revenue without needing a huge team or a complicated setup.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Camille Adrian | Content Creator Tips (@itsmodernmillie)

10. Sell courses or membership programs

If you’re a creator, you can also earn money by sharing an online course or a membership program that teaches your audience to do something you’re an expert in.

Adriana Blanc often promotes her fitness membership program using her Instagram account.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Adriana Blanc (@adrianatblanc)

Promoting courses, memberships, or exclusive communities is not much different from selling products or services. Focus on highlighting the value of your offer and hitting the pain points of your target audience.

11. Run Instagram ads to drive sales

Running Instagram ads with a $50–$100 test budget lets you identify which organic posts convert best, then amplify the winners to new audiences. If you're selling a digital product or service, Instagram advertising can meaningfully expand your reach.

Running Instagram ads means boosting some content on your feed, so it reaches a broader audience. Ideally, this boosted content helps you sell products and earn more money than you are spending.

Advertising can help you reach new users and build your audience — in turn, helping you sell more products — but that doesn't mean hitting 'boost' and hoping for the best. Start with around $50 to $100 and test which videos or messages actually land. Use what you learn to refine your organic content too — the hooks, visuals, and topics that pull in your ideal audience. You can analyze performance along the way to see which creatives earn their keep.

Think of that first $100 as tuition, not a launch budget.

12. Design and sell merch

Sometimes your brand becomes your product. If you've built a strong personal brand on Instagram, you can monetize it by designing unique merchandise.

Maybe it's a phrase you repeat often, an aesthetic your followers love, or an inside joke your community enjoys.

Sabrina Zohar, a dating coach and influencer, did this brilliantly. She turned repeat phrases she uses in her podcast, The Sabrina Zohar Show, into a recognizable brand that her audience already felt ownership over.

Convert your posts to paychecks

Remember that monetization on Instagram isn't about chasing every single income stream. It's about finding what feels authentic to you and your audience. Start small. Pick one or two ideas from this list and test them for at least a few months. See what feels sustainable, what excites you, and what naturally fits your content rhythm.

No matter which route you take, applying a few timeless principles — solving a real problem for your audience and standing out with a clear, differentiated niche — will boost your chances of success.

The not-so-glamorous reality? The more your audience grows, the more admin comes with it — comments to reply to, DMs to juggle, performance to analyze, and a content calendar that won't fill itself.

That's the bit Buffer quietly handles for me. Scheduling, engaging, analyzing, a custom bio link — all in one place, so I can actually spend my time making the content that earned me the audience in the first place. You can try it free if that sounds like your kind of help.

Now I'd love to hear from you — which of these 12 ideas are you going to try first? Come find me on Instagram and tell me what's working.

FAQ about making money on Instagram

Do Instagram users get paid directly by the app?

Sometimes. Instagram can pay creators through in-app tools like subscriptions, gifts, badges, and (in some cases) bonuses. But many creators earn most of their income outside the app through brand partnerships (like sponsored posts and UGC), affiliate marketing, and selling their own products or services.

How much does Instagram pay for 1,000 views?

There isn’t a single guaranteed rate. In practice, creators often see rough ranges around $0.01–$0.05 per 1,000 views, but it varies a lot based on the specific program, your eligibility, your audience, and what Instagram is offering at the time. Reels bonuses have historically paid more per view than carousels or single image posts.

How many views on Instagram do you need to make money?

There's no universal view threshold — bonuses are invitation-only and tied to content performance, not raw views. For brand deals, views and engagement together usually matter more than any single number. For reels specifically, Instagram's bonus programs have historically focused on creators whose reels consistently earn 10K+ plays, but eligibility varies by region and program.

How many followers do I need to get paid on Instagram?

You don't need a fixed follower count. Instagram's in-app monetization features have specific thresholds — 500 followers for gifts, 10K for subscriptions (although requirements may vary by region and over time) — but brand deals, UGC work, and affiliate marketing have no minimum.

How much do nano-influencers make on Instagram?

Nano-influencers (creators with 1,000–10K Instagram followers) typically earn $10–$100 per sponsored post, according to Influencer Marketing Hub. Rates vary based on niche, engagement rate, content quality, and usage rights — for example, a brand will pay more for permission to repurpose your post as a paid ad. Many nano-creators stack multiple income streams (sponsored posts plus affiliate links plus UGC) to reach a sustainable monthly income rather than relying on post fees alone.

Can you make money on Instagram without a lot of followers?

Yes. The three lowest-barrier paths are UGC (no minimum), affiliate links (no minimum), and selling your own products via an Instagram Shop or link-in-bio page. Nano-influencers often out-earn macro accounts on engagement-based deals because brands prioritize niche fit and engagement rate over raw reach.

Can you make money on Instagram without showing your face?

Yes. User-generated content is the most common path for creators who prefer to stay off-camera — brands hire you to produce product demos, unboxings, or voiceover videos that they post on their own accounts. Affiliate marketing, running an Instagram Shop for physical or digital products, and selling courses or templates also work without a personal brand tied to your face. Faceless accounts in niches like finance tips, book reviews, recipe reels, and aesthetic aggregator pages routinely monetize through these paths.

What do I need to qualify for Instagram’s money-making tools?

Depending on the feature, there are a couple of requirements you need to meet, like being at least 18, using a professional account, following Instagram’s Content Monetization and Partner Monetization policies, meeting any follower or engagement thresholds, living in a country where the feature is available, and setting up payouts so Instagram can send you earnings.

How do I start earning money on Instagram if I’m new?

Start by choosing a clear niche, posting consistently, and engaging with the people who comment or reply to your stories. Then pick one income path to focus on first (like UGC, affiliate links, or promoting a small offer), and build from there. Tools like Buffer can help you stay consistent by scheduling posts ahead of time.

More Instagram resources

• How to Get Verified on Instagram: 2 Ways to Get Your Blue Check
• 13 Trending Sounds on Instagram (+ How to Use Them)
• Replying to Your Instagram Comments Can Boost Engagement by 21%
• Best Time to Post on Instagram: New Data from 9.6 Million Posts
• How to Use Instagram for Business: The Complete Guide
• Instagram Stories: The Complete Guide to Using Stories to Boost
• How to Share Instagram Feed Posts to Stories: 3 Simple Steps
  

A video I posted to Instagram on a whim hit 110,000 views this month.

I originally made it for LinkedIn as part of my content pillars: a simple video on where to find remote jobs. Somewhere in the middle of exporting it, I thought, why not just post it everywhere? So I did.

And Instagram was where it really took off. Which was strange, because I've been on Instagram since 2016. That's 10 years of birthday carousels and travel photo dumps, and never once treating it like somewhere I could actually grow.

If you've been following my Proof of Concept series, you know I've spent the last few months trying to grow on Threads. I had a plan, complete with a follower goal, a deadline, and the results of applying all the rules I recommend to other people.

I didn’t get to 1,000 on Threads by December 15, 2025. And after one accidental crosspost, I'm not sure Threads is where I should have been trying to grow in the first place.

So here's what has changed.

A quick recap on Proof of Concept

If you're new to the Proof of Concept series, here's what you need to know: after hitting 20,000 followers on LinkedIn, I wanted to get back to experimenting with content the way I used to, before I knew what "worked."

The first platform I tested was Threads. My goal was to grow from 366 followers to 1,000 by December 15, 2025, organically, through consistency and curiosity.

I'm at 824 today. Not quite 1,000, but close enough that I'd probably have gotten there if I kept going. But I'm not trying to close that gap anymore because I'm no longer sure it's the right platform to test this on.

So why am I pivoting? A few things happened at once.

The first was that Threads is faster than I'm used to from LinkedIn. On LinkedIn, I'm writing for people scrolling between meetings. The pacing is slower, and a post can afford to wind up before it lands. Threads is the opposite: the posts that travel there are reactive and short. I was constantly translating my thinking into a format I hadn't built real muscle for yet, which meant I was figuring out what good looked like in real time while also trying to grow.

The second was that I didn't have enough fluency with the platform to form a good hypothesis in the first place, never mind test one. A Proof of Concept works best when you already have enough intuition for a platform that you can actually test something. I was still learning Threads. That's a different project.

And then the third thing happened, which I didn't expect: Instagram started working. One of my cross-posted videos hit 110K views, and suddenly I had an actual recipe for virality on a platform I could play with. That got me excited about Instagram in a way I hadn't been about Threads in a while. And at some point, I had to be honest with myself that the energy was pulling me somewhere else.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tami Oladipo (@tamioladipo)

I'm not done with Threads. I still have a profile, I still post, and I'm still curious about it. But it's time for a pivot.

Why I'm pivoting to Instagram (the platform I've avoided for 10 years)

For years, there was a voice in the back of my head going, "Whoa, the people who actually know you are going to see this."

That's a bit embarrassing to type. But it's the truth.

I made my Instagram in 2016, back when the platform was still mostly doing what it originally promised: a place to stay in touch with friends and family and keep your people updated on your life. That's how I used it, and for a long time, that's all I wanted it to be.

When people started turning Instagram into a creator platform, I felt a lot of resistance. I couldn't fully explain it at first, but I recently figured it out.

My LinkedIn, TikTok, and Threads accounts all came after I was deep into my career and already sold on the idea of becoming a creator. Those were creator accounts from day one. Instagram was the only profile I had from before any of that, and the people who followed me there were people who actually knew me: friends, family, people from school, old coworkers, the girl I met in the bathroom at a bar, and so on.

So the thought of posting creator content into that feed made me shy, in a genuine way I didn't expect.

I also had a mental block about what starting on Instagram would have to look like. I assumed I'd need to build a whole new profile, or if I kept this one, I'd have to unroot ten years of personal history to make it "on-brand." Either way, it had to be a production.

Turns out, it didn't.

What actually happened

I made a couple of videos for LinkedIn: one for my Buffer work anniversary, a couple about what I do at Buffer, and one about where to find remote jobs. I was experimenting with hooks on screen, different video styles, all the things I'd been telling other people to try. Then I thought, why not crosspost them to Instagram and TikTok? So I did.

Cross-posting the videos on TikTok helped me pass 1,000 followers, which was nice. But Instagram was where something actually happened. One of the videos hit 110,000 views, and I grew from about 1,200-ish to 2,319 followers in a matter of weeks.

And it all happened because I was finally applying all the advice I had been sharing with other people.

I'm Instagram-native, I just haven’t been acting on it

I've been on Instagram for a decade. I know what a good reel looks like, how to identify trending sounds, and what to put in a photo dump to make it nonchalant. None of that came from (just) observing and studying creators, but from being a regular user for ten years, building intuition I never thought of as a skill.

That's different from where I was on Threads. On Threads, I was still figuring out the language. On Instagram, I already speak it. I just hadn't been using it to say anything.

Which changes what this next Proof of Concept is testing. The Threads hypothesis was whether consistency and curiosity could get me to 1,000 followers organically. The Instagram hypothesis is more interesting to me: what happens when you lean into a platform you're already fluent in?

For other creators reading this: the platform you're avoiding might be the one you'd grow on fastest. The resistance you feel toward it is probably what's kept you from noticing how much you already know.

My plan for Instagram

I've set some rules for this pivot to Instagram that are purposefully looser than the ones I had for Threads. I'm leaning on intuition for the creative calls and on the proven tactics from Sabreen's growth playbook for the mechanics.

Speaking of, you can check out Sabreen's full list of recommendations here — she's grown her own account past 15K followers and Buffer's past 100K, so she knows what she's talking about. I'm borrowing from it liberally.

The goal

I want to grow from 2,319 followers to 5,000 by the end of Q2 2026. That's about 10 weeks from the day this article publishes, and yes, it's a bigger jump than my Threads goal of 1,000 (from 366), but if I'm right about the Instagram-native thing, the growth rate should reflect that.

The posting cadence

Sabreen's data-backed recommendation is 3–5 posts per week, which grows followers 2x faster than posting 1–2 times. That's the cadence I'm aiming for. But I'm not setting a daily minimum, and I'm not going to feel bad about skipping days. I want this round to feel like play, not a checklist. If I hit 3 posts a week while staying in play mode, I'll take it.

The approach

If I see a trend I want to try, I'll try it the same day. If I have an idea, I'll create it in whatever format feels right and figure out after the fact what landed.

I'm using the full format mix Sabreen recommends: Reels for reach (they get 36% more reach than other post types), carousels for engagement (they drive 12% more engagement), and photo dumps when the mood strikes. Kirsti, who's also been growing on Instagram, gave me one more recommendation I'm taking to heart:

"I now always create two slightly different versions of the same content and post them as trial reels 24 hours before I want them to go live. Then I see which one performs the best. My theory is that trial reels force Instagram to push your content to people who may actually be interested in the specific reel, rather than just your followers. It's a great way to help you reach the audience you want rather than the audience you have."

I'm definitely going to try her approach, which she's also expanded on in this article. Trial reels also let me experiment without committing a post to my main grid, which fits the "treat this like play" energy I want.

The content pillars (for now)

The topics I'm leading with: what I've learned growing on LinkedIn, how I've landed brand partnerships there, remote work advice, and my career journey. I'm leaning on what I already know works. These are topics my existing audience trusts me on, so they're my on-ramp to Instagram.

I know I can't lean on them forever. Instagram is not LinkedIn, and eventually, I want to figure out what my pillars are native to the platform. But right now, this is what's resonating, so I'm going to ride it until something more Instagram-specific clicks into place.

Engagement as a growth tactic

One more from Sabreen's list that I'm making a real habit: replying to comments. Her data shows it boosts engagement by 21%, and more importantly, it's how you turn first-time viewers into people who actually stick around. For an account that's been mostly passive for 10 years, this is the shift that will feel the most different.

What success looks like (beyond the follower count)

Hitting 5,000 would be great. But I'm defining a few other wins for myself too:

Building Instagram-native fluency while my topics still lean LinkedIn-adjacent

Most of what I talk about, i.e., remote work, job hunting, career stuff for early-to-mid career professionals, doesn't look or feel like the Instagram content in my feed. It's not the fashion, food, or wellness content that dominates my feed. I want to see if I can make my topics Instagram-shaped without stripping the substance out of them. If the 110K-view video is any indication, the answer might be yes. But one video isn't a pattern, so we’ll see.

Build visual taste as a skill

On LinkedIn and Threads, the craft is mostly writing. Instagram is a different craft. Pacing, framing, color, sound, all things I haven't had to think much about on the other platforms. I've always had a good eye for aesthetics, I just didn't point it at my own content. I'm curious whether leaning into that changes how I think about my content on the other platforms, too.

How much of this is the platform, and how much of it is me finally trying?

This is the one I don't have a clear answer for. I've been on Instagram for 10 years and never tried. It's possible that any platform would start to work once I actually showed up for it, but I'll know for sure in a few months.

And then there's the thing I'm not going to hype up just yet, so let’s keep this between us: if I hit 5,000 followers, the next Proof of Concept is probably about turning an Instagram audience into income. Brand partnerships, specifically. I've done a handful of paid partnerships on LinkedIn over the last two years, but Instagram is where the real brand partnership money lives. I want to see what it looks like to build it intentionally, as a smaller creator, and share the numbers.

But that's a story for another article.

More resources

• Everything I’m Trying to Grow to 1,000 Followers on Threads
• I Reached 20,000 Followers on LinkedIn and I Feel Weird About It

Instagram Stories are always the first thing I tap on when I open the app. I love seeing the more personal, in-the-moment updates — the kind of content that’s less polished and more like a window into someone’s day, like a short clip of a creator’s workspace, a sneak peek at a product photoshoot, or a casual poll asking what color to restock.

Stories appear right at the top of the app, which means your audience sees them before they even start scrolling. They offer a low-pressure way to show up consistently when your followers open Instagram.

Key takeaways

• Visibility: Stories appear at the top of the app, ensuring your content is seen before users start scrolling.
• Engagement: Use interactive stickers like polls, quizzes, and 'Add Yours' to turn passive viewers into active participants.
• Strategy: Aim to post one to seven stories daily to stay top of mind, and make sure followers tap through them all.
• Conversion: The link sticker is available to all accounts, making it a great way to drive traffic to external sites.
• Longevity: Use highlights to save important stories permanently on your profile for new followers to discover.

What is an Instagram Story?

An Instagram Story is a feature that allows users to post photos or videos that automatically disappear within 24 hours. They appear in a vertical format and are fast, memorable, and fun by design. 

When you post a story, a colorful ring appears around your Instagram profile picture, telling your followers they can tap on your profile photo to see what you've just posted.

Followers can also reply to your stories through DMs or interact with them using stickers like polls and questions, making stories feel more like a two-way conversation than a one-way broadcast.

Your profile picture with the colorful ring around it also gets added to the top row of your followers’ home screens — known as the stories tray— making it the first thing they see when they open the Instagram app.

Instagram Stories are an ideal way for creators and brands to experiment with different kinds of content because, unlike your permanent curated feed, stories disappear in 24 hours.

You can also limit who sees a story by sharing it only with your Close Friends list — handy for behind-the-scenes peeks, client-only updates, or anything you’d rather keep to a smaller circle.

Small business owners use their stories to post everything from unedited videos at work to photos of their new products and short clips of them answering FAQs.

If you're a creator, stories are a great place to be a little more relaxed — taking followers along for a day, sharing behind-the-scenes moments, or talking with your audience about something you're both going through.

Why post Instagram Stories?

Stories aren’t designed to bring in new followers. They help you stay close to the ones you already have.

Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, described them as “a way to reach your most passionate audience.”

Instagram adds built-in interactive tools that make stories so effective. You can run polls, add questions, or link directly to a product if you sell on Instagram.

Instagram launched stories in 2016, and it didn’t take long for the feature to catch on. Within two years, more than 500 million people were creating and watching stories daily.

In short, stories can help you:

• Stay visible and top of mind with followers — stories appear at the top of the app, making them one of the most visible placements.
• Increase engagement and build loyalty over time through interactive features like polls, questions, and quizzes.
• Drive traffic and conversions — half of Instagram users have visited a website to make a purchase after seeing it in stories.

How to post an Instagram Story

Ready to post your first (or next) story? Here's exactly how to do it.

1. Open the camera: Tap the + button, and select Story.
2. Capture or upload: Tap the white circle to take a photo/video, or tap the album icon to upload media (Dimensions: 1080px x 1920px; Max length: 60s).
3. Select story type: Choose from Standard, Create, Boomerang, AI Images, Layout, or Hands-free modes.
4. Add interactive elements: Use the sticker icon to add polls, links, mentions, or music.
5. Share: Tap Your story or Close Friends to publish.

⚡ Pro tip: If you want to create stories even faster, you can create your content in bulk and schedule those stories ahead of time with Buffer's planning and scheduling tools. Buffer’s story tools will show you what your story is going to look like when it's live and let you schedule it ahead of time, too.

You’ve also got a few lightweight options for adding other kinds of posts to your stories that work a bit differently:

• As of late 2025, you can add someone else’s story to yours, even if you weren’t tagged in the original post.
• You can also share your own feed posts, reels, and carousels to your stories. Tap the paper airplane icon below the post and then Add to story to create it.
• You can share posts from a few other apps to your stories as well. If a happy customer gives you a shoutout on Threads, or your podcast’s new episode drops on Spotify, tap on Stories or Story in the share menu for that app.

⚡ Pro tip: Prefer to keep your feed posts for your followers only? If your account is public, head to Settings → Sharing and reuse and toggle off Posts and reels to stories. That prevents anyone from adding your content to their own story.

Different types of Instagram Stories

Instagram offers a couple of different Instagram Story types to play with. For more variety, scroll down to our section on stickers.

Standard

What is it? A regular photo or video — the default Instagram Story option. In this mode, you can add filters, which appear at the bottom of the app.

When to use it: This is your go-to for quick, everyday content — a product shot, a short clip from your workspace, or a selfie with a text overlay sharing a thought or update.

Create

What is it? Text or stickers on a solid background. Accounts usually use text stories to pose a question, tell a story, or create mini-blogs within their Instagram Stories.

When to use it: Great for sharing a quick thought, hot take, or announcement when you don't have (or need) a photo or video to go with it.

Boomerang

What is it? A really short video that plays forward and backward on a loop.

When to use it: Perfect for adding a playful, eye-catching moment — like clinking glasses, unwrapping a package, or a confetti toss.

Layout

What is it? A collage of different photos, with a few preset collage options.

When to use it: Ideal for before-and-after shots, showing off multiple product colors, or recapping an event in a single story frame.

Hands-free

What is it? Video mode where you can record video without tapping and holding the record button.

When to use it: Handy when you need both hands free — like demonstrating a recipe, styling an outfit, or giving a walkthrough of your space.

How to use Instagram Story stickers to boost engagement

Instagram Stories are so powerful because they help you build loyalty and boost engagement by showing the human side of your business. Stickers are one of the best tools Instagram has built into stories to help you connect with your audience — and they're a lot of fun to use.

What are Instagram Story stickers?

Instagram Story stickers are creative elements you can place on your stories to make them more engaging and interactive.

You can add more than one sticker to a story. To add stickers, take or upload a photo or video, and then tap the stickers button (a smiley face on the top of the screen) to find customizable stickers for the weather, the current time, location, and more.

You can move stickers by dragging them across your screen and resizing them by pinching or expanding them with two fingers.

Here are some of my favorites.

1. Add Yours sticker

Instagram's Add Yours sticker lets creators start public threads to connect content with a similar theme. When more users add their stories to the sticker, it creates a content chain that brings different users — including those who don’t follow you — into the conversation.

Try it: Create an Add Yours prompt related to your niche — like "Show us your desk setup" or "Your go-to morning drink" — to encourage followers (and their followers) to participate and spread your content organically.

2. Captions sticker

You can add automated subtitles or transcripts to your stories by simply adding this sticker.

Keep in mind that this feature isn't available everywhere yet — it's currently rolling out in select languages and locations.

3. Shopping sticker

If you have Instagram Shopping set up for your business account, you can use the shopping sticker to add clickable product icons to your story.

4. Donation sticker

The donation sticker is an interactive sticker Instagrammers use to encourage donations to a specific cause. People who tap the sticker can donate within Instagram to the linked cause.

5. Quiz sticker

The quiz sticker lets you add an interactive, multiple-choice-type question to your stories so you can ask your followers fun questions and see which ones get the right answer.

6. Question sticker

You can use the question sticker to ask your followers a question. It can help you gather some insights into what your followers or customers love, what they're interested in, what they'd like to see, and more.

You can also flip it — use the question sticker to let your followers ask you a question, and create new stories where you answer them.

7. Poll sticker

The poll sticker allows you to ask your followers a question, giving them four poll options to choose from. All the sections are fully customizable, and you can easily share the results to your story, too.

Try it: Use polls to involve your audience in real decisions — like "Which packaging do you prefer?" or "What topic should I cover next?" It's a low-effort way to boost interaction and gather useful feedback at the same time.

8. Countdown sticker

If you want to build anticipation around a product launch or event, include the countdown sticker so they can quickly tap to get a reminder for the date.

Some other fun stickers you can use are:

1. Location sticker: Tag the location of your story
2. Music sticker: Add a song as a soundtrack for your story
3. Hashtag sticker: Tap into a trending Instagram hashtag or create your own
4. Time and/or weather sticker: Personalize your content
5. GIF sticker: Adds a fun, interactive element
6. Mention sticker: Tag other Instagram accounts

The Instagram Story link sticker

The link sticker technically belongs in the sticker category above, but I’m giving it its own shoutout because of just how useful this one is. The link sticker allows you to place strategic links anywhere on your story.

Here are some ways you can use the link sticker:

• Send people to a product page during a launch or restock
• Link to a new blog post or newsletter signup form
• Share your latest YouTube video or lead magnet like a free download
• Direct followers to a booking calendar or inquiry form
• Highlight a press feature or media mention

How to add a link to your Instagram Story

1. Go to your Instagram Stories sticker tray and tap the sticker that reads Link.
2. Paste your link into the link field.
3. If you have a long or unwieldy URL, tap the “Customize sticker text” button to type in any text you'd like and tap Done.
4. You can change the color of your sticker by tapping on it, pinch to resize, and drag it to where you'd like it to appear on the story.

What are Instagram Story highlights?

Instagram Story highlights are collections of Instagram Stories that you curate to stay on your profile even after they expire. They're located at the top of your profile in the form of tappable circles.

Think of highlights as a way to extend the life of your best story content. Instead of disappearing after 24 hours, your most useful or popular stories live on your profile permanently — right above your regular feed.

A few ideas for organizing your highlights:

• FAQs — Answer common questions so new visitors can get up to speed fast
• Reviews or testimonials — Social proof that sticks around
• Product or service categories — Make it easy for potential customers to browse what you offer
• Behind the scenes — Give people a reason to feel connected to your brand

How to create a highlight:

1. Open a current story and tap the Highlight icon at the bottom of the screen, or go to your profile and tap the + button under your bio.
2. Select the stories you want to include from your archive.
3. Name your highlight and choose a cover image.

Once you're done, your Instagram Stories highlight will appear as a bubble on your profile. You can have as many highlights as you like, and they will stay on your profile until you remove them. To edit or remove a highlight, just tap and hold that highlight on your profile.

You can add stories to highlights at any time. Go to Archive in your app settings, open the story, and tap the Highlight button at the bottom of the screen. Choose the highlights you want to add to (you can choose more than one), and you’re done.

Instagram Story analytics

Tracking how your stories perform helps you figure out what resonates and what to do more of. If you have an Instagram creator or business account, you can access analytics in the app.

To check analytics for a specific story, tap the story, then the Activity icon in the lower-left corner of your screen.

⚡ Pro tip: If you want to track story performance over time, a tool like Buffer can help you monitor trends and compare results across your content.

From your analytics, you will see:

• How many followers and non-followers your story has reached
• How people interacted with your story (tap for the next story, finish the story, go back, exit)
• How many Instagram Story views you received
• How many people followed you after viewing that story

Check story analytics from Instagram Insights

You'll be able to access all this data and more via Instagram Insights, where all the metrics for your Instagram posts — stories, carousels, reels, and more. Yes, you'll even find stats for Instagram Stories that have already expired.

To get to your insights:

• Tap the Professional dashboard button beneath your bio.
• For metrics specific to your Instagram Stories, tap on Content you shared.
• Tap the All button on the top left, then tap Stories.
• Your stories will automatically be arranged by reach, from highest to lowest. Tap on a specific story to get more data, such as reach, likes, replies, shares, and more.

Building an Instagram Story strategy that works

The Instagram Stories algorithm decides where you appear in each follower's stories tray — and it's based on a few key signals. How often someone views or interacts with your stories, whether they DM you, and how recently you posted all play a role.

Stories appear at the top of the feed, giving you prime visibility. And the more consistently you show up with content people engage with, the higher you'll rank in their tray.

Here are five ways to make that work in your favor.

1. Post Instagram Stories daily

Our Instagram Stories research suggests that posting between one and seven Instagram Stories per day will yield the best results. Over 70% of accounts that posted within this range had a high stories completion rate.

2. Post stories consistently and at optimal times

Showing up regularly is what keeps you visible and at the top of your followers' trays. Given that stories only last for 24 hours, you want to maximize their reach by posting when your followers are most active.

You can check when your audience is online through Instagram's native insights (under New Followers > Most Active Times).

If you're managing multiple accounts or want to plan your story schedule alongside your other content, a scheduling tool like Buffer lets you queue up stories in advance so you never miss your window.

3. Take advantage of creative features and tools

As you'll have seen above, Instagram has plenty of fun features to help you get creative with. You can create your stories right on the Instagram app or use other tools to create and prep them ahead of time.

Worth knowing: Instagram's algorithm can limit the reach of stories that have visible watermarks from other apps (like TikTok). Posting natively or using a clean version of your video is an easy fix that keeps your reach intact.

4. Use Instagram Story ads to boost reach, engagement, and conversions

Stories created for ad placements help small business owners reach a targeted audience. Because they take up the whole screen, your audience won’t see content from other brands — just your ad.

To save you time on content creation, make use of existing stories saved in your highlights. If you have an Instagram shop, you can use product links so users can purchase your products directly through the ad.

5. Use Instagram Story templates to make your story pop

There are perks to tapping into templates to create visually appealing Instagram Stories. For one thing, you can batch create them (making it oh-so-much easier to schedule your stories in advance).

It's also a great way to maintain brand consistency that you can even carry across your Instagram Reels and carousel posts.

Take your Instagram Stories to the next level with Buffer

Stories have become an incredibly important part of brand awareness and should absolutely be included in your Instagram marketing strategy.

With Buffer, you can plan, preview, and schedule your Instagram Stories ahead of time, so you have everything ready to post with a single push notification. Get started for free now →

FAQ about Instagram Stories

What’s the difference between an Instagram Story and a regular post?

The big difference is lifespan and intent. Stories disappear after 24 hours, sit at the top of the app, and are great for quick, interactive moments with your existing followers. Feed posts stick around permanently, can appear in Explore, and are better for reaching new audiences over time. Think of stories as the conversation, and your feed as the portfolio.

How long do Instagram Stories last?

Each story stays visible for 24 hours after posting. After that, it moves to your story archive (if you have archiving enabled), where you can revisit it or add it to a highlight at any time.

How many Instagram Stories can you post in a day?

There's no official daily limit. You can post as many stories as you'd like, though our research suggests that one to seven stories per day tends to hit the sweet spot for completion rates. After that, viewers are more likely to tap through or drop off.

How do I find someone's Instagram story?

Stories appear at the top of your home screen in the stories tray. Look for a profile picture with a colorful ring around it — that means they have an active story. Tap the ring to watch it.

If you don't see them in the tray, go to their profile directly and tap their profile photo. If the ring is there, their story is still live.

How do I see who viewed my Instagram Story?

Tap your story to open it, then tap the Activity icon in the lower-left corner. You'll see a list of everyone who watched. Instagram keeps viewer data available for 48 hours after the story expires.

Can people see if I view their Instagram Story?

Yes. When you watch a story, Instagram adds your username to the viewer list that only the story owner can see. They won’t know how many times you viewed it — just that you did.

However, Instagram is reportedly testing a feature that would let premium users view stories without showing up on the viewer list.

Can someone see if I screenshot their Instagram Story?

No. Instagram does not notify users when someone takes a screenshot of their story. The one exception is vanish-mode DMs — but for regular stories, screenshots are completely private.

More Instagram resources

• How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm When Your Feed Needs a Fresh Start
• 13 Trending Sounds on Instagram (+ How to Use Them)
• 13 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram (Tried & Tested)
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works
• Instagram Image Size Guide: Post, Story, and Reels Dimensions
• 26 Free Instagram Tools to Help Grow Your Account

As a type A perfectionist, there are few things that give me more satisfaction than a good old spring clean. Come change of seasons, I’m always overcome with the urge to clear out drawers, declutter cupboards, and rearrange shelves.

Doing it is a bit of a slog, of course — but that feeling you get after a good tidy-up? Worth every second.

Now, wouldn’t it be neat if we could do the same for our online spaces?

(You see where I’m going with this) As it happens, you can — on Instagram, at least. And, unlike spring cleaning, it won’t do a number on your back.

In late 2024, the social media platform introduced a way for you to hit the reset button on their Instagram algorithm — completely wiping the slate clean on their home, reels, and explore feeds. The feature started as a test and has since rolled out globally.

Instagram launched this feature with teens in mind (more on this below), but honestly, it’s a wildly underrated new tool for anyone looking to refresh their social media experience without starting from scratch with a new account.

Here’s everything you need to know about this handy feature. Bye-bye, sad late-night doom-scroll. It's time for a fresh start.

Key takeaways

• Fresh start: Instagram allows users to completely wipe their recommendation algorithm for explore, reels, and the home feed.
• User control: The feature is available to all users (not just teens) to help better match content with current interests or protect mental health.
• What stays: Resetting does not unfollow accounts, remove ads, or delete your existing posts and messages.
• Retraining: After a reset, your initial interactions (likes, shares, watch time) are critical for training the new algorithm.
• Manual review: During the reset process, you have the option to review and unfollow accounts to further refine your experience.

What exactly is an Instagram algorithm reset?

An Instagram algorithm reset is a feature that lets you clear your recommended content across explore, reels, and feeds to start fresh.

To understand this, it’s helpful to know a little bit about how the Instagram algorithm works. Over time, you’ve given Instagram hundreds of thousands of signals about the kinds of content you want to see more of. Likes, comments, and shares are the obvious ones, but even the more subtle, passive signals can shape your feed. Think, time spent lingering on a shocking video you just can’t turn away from — all of those little moments can add up.

Best case scenario, you might find your feeds are no longer helpful for where you’re at in your life (for example, videos about wedding dresses that keep popping up after your wedding). In other cases, your feed might have drifted somewhere that just doesn't feel good anymore — content that upsets you or that you simply don't want to see.

So resetting your algorithm isn't just about decluttering your feed. It's about taking control of your Instagram experience. I'd argue it's a really necessary feature as Instagram leans more and more into recommended content — and a genuinely useful way to make sure your feed is working for you, not against you.

As Instagram puts it, they want to give users "new ways to shape their Instagram experience, so it can continue to reflect their passions and interests as they evolve."

Why would you want to reset your algorithm?

There are plenty of reasons you might want to hit the reset button:

• Your interests have changed (so long, sourdough)
• You've been getting too much content on sensitive topics, which may cause distress
• You're tired of seeing the same types of posts over and over
• You accidentally fell down a rabbit hole of content you're not actually interested in
• You want to discover new creators and fresh perspectives

And if you're a creator or manage social media professionally, a reset can be a surprisingly useful research tool. Starting fresh gives you a cleaner look at what Instagram surfaces organically in your niche — without the noise of your own browsing history getting in the way.

The reset feature was developed as part of the platform’s evolving protections for Teen Accounts, which Instagram wants to help cultivate "safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences."

That said, the content reset feature is available for all users who feel that their feeds no longer reflect who they are.

How to reset your Instagram algorithm in 5 steps

Ready for that fresh start? Here's how to reset your Instagram recommendations:

1. From your profile, tap the three bars in the top right
2. Scroll down to the What you see section, and tap Content preferences
3. Tap Reset suggested content
4. Follow the on-screen instructions and tap Next
5. Tap Reset suggested content to confirm

Pro tip: Before you finalize the reset (at step 5 above), Instagram will give you the option to review the accounts you're following.

If you’re not sure you want a full reset and would prefer to remove certain accounts or add different ad topics, you can do that here, too.

What happens after you reset your Instagram algorithm?

Once you hit that reset button, Instagram essentially treats your account like a new user when it comes to recommendations. Your feeds won't be empty, though — Instagram will serve you a mix of content to explore in your explore, reels, and other recommended feeds.

As you interact with content by liking, sharing, or engaging with it, Instagram will begin personalizing your recommendations again based on these new signals.

Here’s a helpful way to visualize what it will be like: think moving to a new neighborhood while keeping all your furniture and friends.

Other ways to shape your Instagram experience

If you don’t fancy a full reset, there are still plenty of tools on Instagram that will help you be more intentional about curating your feeds.

Here are some other features you might want to try:

• Select Hide for content you'd rather skip (as above, you’ll find the option by tapping the three dots on a post in your feeds).
• Use Hidden Words to filter out posts with specific phrases (found in the same menu above, but under the How others can interact with you section).

• Switch to your Following feed to see posts chronologically (tap the Instagram logo on your home feed to switch).
• Create a Favorites list to prioritize content from accounts you love (found in the What you see section). Currently, you're able to curate a list of 50 favorites.

• Topic selection (for teens): If you're a teen (or a parent helping one), look into topic selection — Instagram lets teens in select countries choose topics they want to see more of, from books and travel to cooking and sports. It's a great way to shape recommendations without a full reset.

Ready for a reset?

Let’s go back to my spring cleaning analogy: you know how, when you clear out your closet, you rediscover clothes you love and haven’t worn in ages, or make space for a new style you’re thinking of trying.

It’s a bit like that. Sometimes, you don’t quite know what you need until you’ve taken stock of what you have.

That said, you'll need to be intentional about how you engage after the reset. Those first few days are important for training the algorithm on what you actually want to see. A few things to keep in mind:

• Like and comment on posts that genuinely interest you
• Skip past content you don't want more of — lingering sends a signal, even if you don't engage
• Follow new accounts that match the kind of content you want in your feed
• Use the favorites and hide options early on to give the algorithm a head start

Ready for that fresh start? Hit reset, be intentional about what you engage with in those first few days, and watch your feed rebuild into something that actually works for you.

The, it’s time to shape what comes next. With Buffer, you can plan and schedule content that aligns with your goals, so your Instagram works for you. Create your free account.

FAQ about the Instagram algorithm reset

What is an Instagram algorithm reset, in simple terms?

It’s a way to clear out your recommended content on Instagram so you can start fresh. Your explore page, reels, and home recommendations get reset, like you’re a brand-new user. It doesn’t delete anything — it just gives you a clean slate for what you see next.

What actually changes when you reset your Instagram algorithm?

Your recommendations are wiped and reset to default. That means explore, reels, and suggested posts will feel new again. Everything else — your followers, posts, messages, and ads — stays exactly the same.

Will I lose followers or posts if I reset my Instagram algorithm?

Nope, nothing like that. Your account stays intact, including your followers, content, and DMs. The reset only affects what Instagram shows you, not what you’ve already built.

Why would someone want to reset their Instagram feed?

Usually, it’s because their feed just doesn’t feel right anymore. Maybe your interests have changed, or you’ve fallen into a content rabbit hole you didn’t mean to. It’s a simple way to take back control and make your feed feel useful (and enjoyable) again.

How long does it take for Instagram to relearn your preferences?

Pretty quickly, actually. Within a few days of liking, skipping, and engaging with content, Instagram starts rebuilding your feed. The more intentional you are early on, the better your recommendations will get.

What should I do right after resetting my algorithm?

Be a little picky (in a good way). Engage with content you genuinely enjoy, and scroll past anything you don’t. Those first interactions send strong signals, so they really shape what your new feed becomes.

Can I reset my Instagram algorithm more than once?

Yes, you can. There’s no one-time limit on using the feature. That said, you probably won’t need to do it often if you’re actively shaping your feed as you go.

Does resetting help with mental health or screen habits?

It can. If your feed is filled with content that feels overwhelming or negative, a reset gives you a chance to start fresh. From there, you can intentionally build a space that feels more positive and aligned with what you need.

More Instagram resources

• 13 Ways to Get More Followers on Instagram (Tried & Tested)
• How the Instagram Algorithm Works
• Instagram Image Size Guide: Post, Story, and Reels Dimensions
• 26 Free Instagram Tools to Help Grow Your Account
• How to Make Money on Instagram: 12 Ideas for Creators and Small Businesses
• How to Get Verified on Instagram: 2 Ways to Get Your Blue Check
• Replying to Your Instagram Comments Can Boost Engagement by 21%
• Best Time to Post on Instagram: New Data from 9.6 Million Posts

Tap, tap. Hello, is anyone there? 🎤 Getting views on YouTube can feel like talking to an empty room — especially when you’re just starting out. But that feeling is more common than you’d think, and it doesn’t have to stick around.

And, with the right approach, getting more views on YouTube in 2026 is achievable — even if you’re just getting started.

In this article, I’ll share 13 tried-and-tested tips on how to get more views on YouTube. Whether you’re someone who just created their channel or you’ve been stuck on the same average viewership numbers for a while, there’s something here for everyone.

Key takeaways

• Prioritize ideas: Focus on topics that solve specific problems for your audience.
• Promote binge-watching: Organize videos into episodic series and playlists to create a TV show experience.
• Master the hook: Spend time on thumbnails, titles, and the first 30 seconds of the video to encourage people to actually click and watch
• Optimize for search engines: Use keywords in titles, descriptions, tags, and spoken dialogue.
• Use YouTube Shorts: Test new concepts and funnel viewers to long-form content.

1. Focus on your idea first 

It’s easy to get swept up in filming, editing, and thumbnails, without really spending much time and energy on your video idea itself. But beautiful sets, fancy thumbnails, and slick editing can’t make up for a weak video topic. 

You want to find video ideas that are familiar and unexpected. In other words, something they’re already interested in (familiar) but also something they want to learn more about (unexpected).

Great video ideas start with a deep understanding of your audience.  “You need to understand your ideal viewer,” says YouTube creator Cara Nicole.

“Ask yourself: What are they already interested in? How do they want to be talked to? What news and cultural trends are they paying attention to? That gives you a starting point for making videos that resonate.” 

There are plenty of ways to find content ideas for YouTube, but here are my three favorite ones (all beginner-friendly):

How to find great YouTube ideas

Good ol' Google

Search for a question your audience would look for on Google. If you’re a productivity creator, try searching ‘how to be productive’ on Google.”

Look for the ‘People also ask’ and ‘People also search for’ sections. These are real audience questions — and you might even find a ready-made title in them. 

You can take this further by searching for more specific questions your audience is asking.  For example, if you’re making videos for someone struggling to be productive while working from home, search for “how to be productive while working from home.” You’ll find plenty of ideas in the ‘People also ask’ and ‘People also search for’ sections. 

YouTube Trends 

In YouTube Studio, you’ll find a Trends tab under the Analytics section. Here, you’ll find ideas based on what your audience watches and what you’ve already posted.  Some of them might be a hit and miss, but you can find some inspiration, directly from YouTube.

Try typing a basic query into the YouTube search bar to see top keywords and how popular they are. You’ll also find some videos similar to the ones you’ve searched for below.

Comments and YouTube Community posts

This one’s simple: Listen to your audience and see what follow-up questions they have left on your videos. You can try this on other platforms too — not just YouTube.

If you’re new to YouTube and don’t have a lot of comments from your audience, do a competitor analysis and check the comment section of creators in your niche. What are the follow-up questions people have? These can be your future video ideas.

To find breakout ideas, go to a competitor’s profile, click Videos, then click on the Popular tab. These are the videos that outperformed the others. If it’s a topic you can make your own, it could be a winning idea for your channel.

Jade Beason, founder at Social People Agency, also suggests doing the same exercise using YouTube’s search bar: “Search broad topics around your niche and then filter it based on content shared within the last month or year (depending on how popular and time-sensitive your niche is),” she recommends.

“Then, look for any videos that received more views than the number of subscribers that the creator has. That’s a clear sign that it was pushed out by YouTube’s algorithm,” Jade says 

“Repeat this process to see if you can find any inspiration or patterns for your future video topics. But remember to use other creators’ videos for inspiration, not imitation.”

Similarly, if you have a tiny audience on YouTube already, you can also use the YouTube Community Posts to communicate with your audience and test content ideas.

For example, YouTuber Alina tested the waters about a topic with a community post on YouTube. Once there was enough interest, she turned it into a video.

How to make your YouTube ideas stand out

Of course, almost every niche on YouTube has a lot of creators in it — so standing out takes a little more intention.

“Analyze the market and then find your competitive edge,” recommends YouTuber Ali Abdaal. “Think in which domains can you stand out — for example, depth of research, storytelling, editing, relatability, or authenticity.”

This is consistent with what YouTube employee, Rene Ritchie, recommends, too: “What makes you different? What makes you interesting? If you're just going to copy what somebody else does — unless you can do it so significantly better that people will just rush to you — it's probably gonna be really hard,” he says. 

“But if you can figure out what makes you unique, I think there are just unlimited possibilities.”

A great example of this is Cleo Abrams. Her YouTube videos are all about optimistic tech. But her standout quality is the depth of research on every topic and the stunning animations.

Another way to stand out is to adapt a format from a different or adjacent niche into your YouTube videos.

“You can kind of take things over from different niches. Let's say it's golf. Are there any other niches that have a certain level of adjacency to golf? You can apply [similar] formats in so many niches,” says YouTuber Paddy Galloway. 

“It sounds simple, but so much of our success through my consulting company is by seeing what is working in different niches. What is a format that other people are not doing yet that we could bring over and adapt?”

For example, I spotted this video titled “the 1-page business plan that made me $200K+ in 2024” on my homepage. Here’s how creators from different niches could adapt this idea:

• Food creator: the 1 easy breakfast recipe that helped me reach my protein goal
• Productivity creator: the 1 productivity technique that saved me 5 hours a week
• Finance creator: the 1 financial advice that helped me save $10K in 2025

Your video ideas are the foundation of your YouTube channel. Before you worry about thumbnails or SEO (search engine optimization) tweaks, make sure your ideas are solid, and your unique edge is clear.

2. Think of your YouTube channel like a TV show

YouTube’s playlist feature is one of the best ways to encourage viewers to binge-watch your videos. But to use playlists, you have to think strategically and lay video topics on top of one another.

“I think people underestimate the power of viewer journeys. Someone comes in to watch your video. They should be able to watch 2, 3, or 4 videos immediately after that. Binging is probably the fastest way to grow a channel,” says Rene.

“If you start giving them a bunch of things that don't really relate to them, it's the equivalent of a TV show that doesn't have consistent episodes; it's always a different show.”

“If you create a video about how to fix your washing machine one day and how to fix your refrigerator the next week, it's very unlikely people are going to have those two problems back to back,” he explains with an example.

 “But if you create a series about how to fix your dishwasher, best parts to fix your dishwasher, how to make sure you don't need to fix your dishwasher, then people who watch those videos are going to have three, four videos to keep watching.”

Content series are an excellent way to keep your audience coming back for more on many social media platforms. And YouTube is no different. 

Take Cara Nicole’s financial audit series — I keep coming back to these because I want to know which character she’ll pick next, which concepts are consistent across multiple characters, etc. The arc builds and continues. I finish one and immediately want to watch the next.

“Once you’re publishing regularly, you can use analytics and comments to see what’s actually hitting. That’s how most of my series came about. I noticed one video concept was performing really well, and I expanded it into a playlist or recurring theme,” says Cara.

“Don’t expect to have a perfect content strategy from day one. Instead, start by making things your ideal viewer would care about. Then pay close attention to what’s working. Over time, you’ll find patterns that can evolve into signature series.”

Another great example is Makari Espe. She has multiple YouTube playlists on her channel, all of which are about different challenges she has undertaken to make her life better. 

Once you start watching, it’s hard not to click the next video — you want to see how she fares. It also helps that her video ideas are in that ‘familiar but unexpected’ category we talked about earlier.

So, while forming your YouTube strategy, think of related video topics that you can convert into an episodic series.

This will help you create a domino effect and get more views on your videos — especially if a single one in the series goes viral. It’s also a great strategy to build a loyal community and gain more subscribers on your channel.

3. Treat your thumbnails and titles like hooks

YouTube is a click-and-watch social media platform (except for YouTube Shorts). Unlike Facebook, Instagram, or TikTok, a video doesn’t automatically pop up in your feed while you’re scrolling. Instead, you have to make a decision to click the thumbnail and title that looks enticing to you.

“Your titles and thumbnails and concepts need to be sufficiently intriguing that someone actually clicks on the video,” says Ali.

Your video content could be excellent, but if the thumbnail and title don’t stop someone mid-scroll, they’ll never know. Every view — whether it comes from the homepage, suggested feed, or search — starts with that click.  Someone checks the thumbnail and the title to decide whether or not they want to watch your video.

“Most teams first make a video that they think is going to be great, then scramble to find a title and thumbnail. That’s completely backwards,” says Ryan Hashemi, who has managed many YouTube channels via his agency and led Jubilee’s YouTube channel to five billion views.

“If you don’t have a must-click title and thumbnail before you shoot, don’t make that video. 40% of your effort should just be focused on this one step, up-front.”

Take the case of one of Paddy’s clients, Tim Gabe. Paddy’s team tweaked the thumbnail of one of his most popular videos, and that video ended up getting 40 times more views per day.

Your video titles should include relevant keywords (more on that in a bit) — and use classic hooks to spark curiosity. 

Take a relatively newer channel, Smart Adjacent. All titles that Jonathan Huynh (creator behind the channel) uses are keywords people search for and tap into the curiosity gap.

(Also: Notice how he’s also leveraging the ‘think of it like a TV show’ tip we discussed earlier? When you watch one, you’re likely to watch another.)

The short of it: Making excellent YouTube videos isn’t enough to get more views. If you want to reach a broader audience, you must also pay equal attention to creating scroll-stopping thumbnails and curiosity-driven titles.

4. Add keywords in your title, description, tags, and subtitles

Viewers find your videos in search, home feed, or suggested videos. Your YouTube views can come from any of these places. But if you’re a new YouTube creator, it’s best to focus your efforts on search.

“It’s quite difficult to rank in YouTube’s algorithm on the homepage when you’re new,” says Jade. “If you’re answering a question and optimizing videos for search, you can still get a lot of views even if you don’t have a large audience.”

Now, to push your videos to rank higher, you need to do keyword research to understand what your audience is searching for and then add relevant keywords in your video.

How do you practice keyword research? First: Think like your audience. What keywords would you type in the search bar if you were in their shoes? What problems does your target audience face?

Next, use free SEO tools (or paid if you can!) to help you refine these keywords. YouTube’s own search bar can help, too. Type in a question and look at the auto-fill suggestions — those are long-tail keywords people are searching.” 

Try to find more long-tail keywords in your keyword research for YouTube — especially if you’re a new channel and/or in a competitive niche. Creating videos about niche problems your audience faces will help your videos rank higher and rack up more YouTube views.

Now, once you’ve done your keyword research, sprinkle relevant keywords in four places to rank higher in search results:

5. Hop on niche and platform-related trends

Trending content can act like a springboard to get more YouTube views, especially if you’re a new channel. YouTube, like any other social channel, pushes trending content at the front of viewers’ feeds.

“Trends are one of the best ways to get people in the door. When you’re new, audiences don’t know who you are yet, so attaching your content to something already getting attention (whether that’s a trending product, news story, or keyword people are searching for) gives you a natural boost,” says Cara.

“For me now, trends are still very helpful — I hear about a lot of them directly from my viewers in comments and DMs — but once you’ve built some trust with your audience, you also have more freedom to explore. You can experiment with topics that are a little less “searchable” but more original or aligned with your voice, because people are clicking for you and not just the topic.”

Use Google Trends to find trending keywords and create a new video targeting that term. People are likely searching for it, too, so don’t forget to optimize your video for SEO.

On Google Trends, you can select “YouTube Search” specifically to also see which keywords are seeing a rise on the platform.

There are also certain formats that become popular on YouTube.

 “Right now, very popular on YouTube is the ‘I tried it.’ I tried every hamburger. I tried every French fry. I tried every airplane. I tried every video game. There's someone who has some expertise in that topic, tries a variety of things, and rates them,” says Rene. 

“There's a variety of popular formats and you see those by just looking at popular videos on YouTube. See if any of those relate to you. Don't copy them, but see what inspiration they can give.”

You can spot these platform-centric trends by spending time on YouTube and monitoring content creators in the same niche — especially the mega-successful ones. The established creators often not only jump on trends early, but also sometimes create them for their respective niches.

But remember that doesn’t mean you should copy the big creators — only choose trends you can make your own. This is especially true if you’re in a lifestyle niche category.

“The biggest mistake I see creators making is that they copy other creators who are already big and have an audience. You can’t look at Emma Chamberlin and think you can create vlogs like ‘day in my life’ that aren’t wrapped in value,” Jade says. 

“If you’re starting out, you have to convince people to care about what you have to say and why they should watch your videos. Viewers don’t trust that your video content is valuable enough (yet) to just click on your video without any context.”

Another note when it comes to trending video content: Don’t rely too much on them to increase views on your videos. Yes, they’ll likely get more engagement, but your YouTube presence should have a mix of evergreen and trending videos.

“We usually think of trending content as the ‘entry point’ and evergreen videos as the ‘library’ that keeps viewers coming back. When a parenting trend spikes or a baby product launches, we create a timely video to capture search and suggested traffic. However, we always pair that with an evergreen topic we know will remain relevant several years later, such as developmental milestone guides or sleep training tips,” says co-founder of the Fathercraft channel, Paul Zalewski.

“This mix means we benefit from short-term spikes without creating a boom-and-bust cycle. Over the years, our evergreen videos have become a steady traffic backbone, with trending ones acting as growth accelerators.”

Long-form video content on YouTube has one of the highest shelf life in the social media world. You want to capitalize on this fact to get YouTube views not just today, but for years. If you create videos on evergreen topics, people will reference them for months (if not years).

6. Cross-promote your YouTube videos on other channels

If you already have a social presence on other social platforms — like Instagram or TikTok — use it to promote your channel and get more YouTube views. Cross-promoting is one of the easiest ways to reach more people who already like your content and are likely to subscribe to your channel.

For example, Bibi-Jane Angelica often promotes her YouTube channel by posting teasers from the full video as Instagram Reels.

And cross-promotion isn’t limited to social media. You can also promote your video via other digital marketing channels, such as blogs and email newsletters. At Buffer, we often promote relevant videos from our YouTube channel within our long-form blog content.

💡 Pro tip: A tool like Buffer can make this easier by letting you schedule and manage posts across multiple social platforms from one dashboard — so you can share teasers, behind-the-scenes clips, or links to your latest video without jumping between apps.

7. Repurpose your long-form videos for YouTube Shorts

Viewers on YouTube today enjoy YouTube Shorts as much as long-form video content. Shorts present an excellent opportunity to convert short-form video viewers into loyal subscribers.

“If you want to bring viewers to your long-form video, remember people won’t click through just because you want them to. You have to make them want to,” says Rene. “It’s a big deal for a viewer to move from a shorts video to a long video, so you have to make it worth it."

Some viewers just prefer to watch YouTube Shorts, so to make them switch, you have to work extra hard to tempt them. Many podcasts on YouTube do this by teasing snippets of the conversation in a YouTube Short, which makes viewers keen to know more.

You can also use these repurposed YouTube Shorts to promote your channel on  Instagram, TikTok, and other short-form video channels. 

And you can schedule all these short-form videos in one go using Buffer. It’s your all-in-one scheduler, so you can keep promoting your videos across an extended timeline instead of giving it a shout-out once and letting it collect dust.

YouTube Shorts are a great way to test ideas, too. “We are experimenting with ideas that could be long-form. It takes us at least a month to create a long-form video. The question is: Which idea should you spend your time on?” says creator Cleo. 

“One of the ways is exploring the idea as a short and then maybe make a long video [if it’s successful].”

Apart from the quantitative aspects of testing a short’s performance, pay attention to the comments. Are people engaging with the topic? Are they asking more questions? That might be a positive signal that it’s a good topic to explore with long-form videos.

If you can, edit your short clips to add a custom call-to-action — like “watch the full video to learn more” or “would you like to learn more on this topic?” — to give even more power to your YouTube Shorts.

Here are a few ways to turn your long-form videos into effective shorts

• Pull out a single, compelling moment. Look for a surprising fact, a funny reaction, or a strong opinion that stands on its own.
• Add a hook that points back to the full video. Something like 'This is just one of five mistakes — the full breakdown is on my channel' gives people a reason to click through.
• Don't just clip — reframe. A short works best when it feels intentional, not like a leftover. Re-edit the clip so it has its own beginning, middle, and end.

YouTube Shorts can attract more viewers and help you monetize via the Creator Pool and YouTube Partner Program (learn more about it in our guide to monetizing YouTube Shorts).

8. Collaborate with other creators in your niche

Collaborations are an easy way to get in front of more relevant viewers. Collaborating helps you reach new subscribers — and injects freshness into your content.

“We keep collaborations highly targeted, only appearing on channels where the audience closely matches ours. The primary objective is to ensure that the subscriber conversion rate is high,” says Paul. 

“I have realized that cross-promotion works best when we each create unique-value-driven content for the other's audience rather than just swapping shout-outs.”

I agree: I’ve watched some plain shout-out videos that feel more like barter YouTube ads than authentic collaborations.

My favorite example of how to do creator partnerships right is the collaboration between booktubers Haley Pham, Sara Carrolli, and Destiny Sidwell. They met in person to swap their five-star reads, and each creator posted a unique video to their channel, helping them reach new viewers.

Now, you don’t need to meet in person to collaborate with another creator — it’s difficult if you want to partner with creators across the world and reach a global audience. Instead, each of you can shoot your segments and stitch them together. The goal is to make the collab feel fun, authentic, and creative.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few ways to find collaboration partners

• Look for creators with a similar audience size. You don't need to pitch a creator with millions of subscribers. Creators around your level are more likely to say yes — and the audience crossover tends to be stronger.
• Start in the comments. Engage genuinely on other creators' videos in your niche. Building a real connection first makes a collab pitch feel natural, not transactional.
• Pitch a clear concept. Instead of a vague 'we should collab,' come with a specific video idea that benefits both audiences. It shows you've thought it through and makes it easier for them to say yes.

9. Use YouTube cards and end screens

Cards are the videos recommended midway to viewers, and end screens are videos recommended at the end of a video.

These are excellent places to promote other videos in your channel. It goes back to the TV show concept we talked about — redirect viewers to what they should watch next in your channel and help them easily find related videos.

10. Analyze your YouTube analytics

Your YouTube analytics are a goldmine of ways to improve performance. Pay attention to your:

• Click-through rate: A lower click-through rate (but higher impressions) suggests that your title and thumbnail need improvement.
• Watch time: Check where exactly viewers drop off the most — analyze what you can improve to keep people hooked in that moment and implement what you learn in future videos.
• Where people find your videos: See the traffic source to understand where most of your YouTube views come from — homepage, search results, suggested videos.
• Audience: See the demographics of your subscribers, returning viewers, unique new monthly viewers, and a lot more.

💡 Pro tip: If you manage multiple platforms alongside YouTube, tools like Buffer can pull your analytics into one place so you're not jumping between tabs to piece the picture together.

11. Engage your audience early on

The first 30 or so seconds of your video have a significant influence on your overall video’s performance. YouTube typically counts a view after a viewer watches for a "legitimate" amount of time, often estimated to be around 30 seconds. If you're like most viewers, you'll also decide whether or not you want to keep watching after just a few seconds.

“For us, one of the turning points was refining the first 30 seconds of each video. We mainly focused on scripting concise, empathetic intros that immediately addressed the viewer's pain point,” says Paul. 

Note that this only applies to long-form YouTube videos; shorts views count the number of times your short starts to play or replay with no minimum watch time requirement.

Here are a few tried-and-tested ways to hook viewers right from the start

• Lead with the payoff. Tell viewers exactly what they'll get from watching, and why it matters to them. Skip lengthy introductions about yourself.
• Open with a bold statement or question. Something like 'Most productivity advice is wrong — here's why' immediately creates a reason to keep watching.
• Show a preview of the best moment. A quick flash of the most exciting or surprising part of your video can build enough curiosity to keep people around.
• Acknowledge the viewer's problem. Starting with 'If you've ever struggled with…' signals that the video is made for them.

While the first 30 seconds are crucial, don’t forget to edit your complete videos with great care and attention to keep viewers hooked till the end.

“The single most important thing for me has been respecting my audience’s time. That means getting to the point quickly (don’t bury your main idea three minutes in) and cutting the fluff (avoid repeating yourself or dragging out tangents),” says Cara.

“I write all of my videos as full scripts. It’s basically like writing an essay: I start with a hook and thesis, then break it into three main points or “body paragraphs,” and finish with a conclusion. That structure makes sure everything feels tight and purposeful, rather than rambling. On top of that, I weave in my own voice — humor, commentary, little asides — because personality keeps people engaged just as much as information does.”

12. Post when your viewers are online

Sharing a video right when your audience is online is an easy way to collect more YouTube views.

When it comes to the best time to post on YouTube, the data becomes a little more interesting when we compare the best time to post long-form content vs. YouTube Short. Get this: YouTube long-form videos and YouTube Shorts have almost opposite peak times — morning hours for long-form; and evenings for shorts.

You can see how this plays out in the heatmaps below:

While long-form videos perform best in the mornings between around 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. , YouTube Shorts engagement peaks in the evenings — generally between 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. 

The best day of the week to post long-form YouTube videos is Sunday, followed by Tuesday and then Monday. The best day to post YouTube Shorts is Friday, followed by Saturday and then Thursday.

The key takeaway here is that audiences generally engage with long-form videos and shorts at different times, which makes sense considering how different the formats and functionality are.

Of course, your ideal posting time will depend on your specific audience. Click on YouTube Studio's Analytics, click the Audience tab, then check out the section on When your viewers are on YouTube.

💡 Pro tip: If you want to make sure you never miss that window, a scheduling tool like Buffer lets you plan and queue your YouTube uploads ahead of time.

13. Remember, YouTube is a long game

Honestly, YouTube might be one of the most difficult channels to grow on, simply because long-form video content requires more effort to create, edit, and promote. Comparatively, Instagram and TikTok offer quick(er) wins.

But YouTube is also one of the best social networks to grow on because it’s been around for ages and it’s not going anywhere either. It’s a social platform and search engine rolled into one, and the content you create here garners views for much longer than other platforms.

“YouTube isn’t something you dip a toe into. It rewards consistency and compounds significantly over time, ” says Ryan.

YouTube is one of those platforms that demands real patience — but what you build here compounds in a way most other platforms can't match. The key is consistency, not perfection. Keep showing up.

And if it feels a little too overwhelming, grab some quick wins and lessons by posting consistently on YouTube Shorts. Use Buffer to plan, repurpose, and schedule your videos. Start for free.

FAQ about YouTube views

How do I get more views on YouTube?

The best-performing videos solve a specific problem your audience actually cares about, packaged with a strong title and thumbnail that earns the click. From there, focus on keeping people watching — especially in the first 30 seconds — and guiding them to more of your videos through playlists and end screens.

How do I get more views on YouTube Shorts?

Think of shorts as a discovery tool. Hook attention immediately, focus on one clear idea, and give viewers a reason to care within the first few seconds. The real magic happens when you connect shorts to your longer videos — teasing just enough to make people curious to click through.

How much does YouTube pay per view?

There’s no fixed rate per view — it depends on factors like your niche, audience location, and how many viewers actually see ads. Most creators earn through ad revenue tied to 1,000 views (called RPM), rather than individual views. That’s why two channels with the same views can earn very different amounts. Here's how to make money on YouTube as a creator.

How much do 1,000 YouTube views pay?

“Estimates vary widely depending on niche, audience, and ad rates, but many creators report RPMs ranging from a few cents to several dollars. Your actual earnings depend on your niche, audience, content type, and how many ads are shown.

Keep in mind you need to qualify for the YouTube Partner Program before you can earn from ads. That means hitting 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the past 12 months, or 10 million YouTube Shorts views in the last 90 days.

How many YouTube views per day is considered good?

Good is relative to where you are right now. What matters most is whether your views are trending upward over time. Progress beats comparison here, every time.

More YouTube resources

• How to Create Scroll-stopping YouTube Thumbnails (+ Tips from Top
• 25 Creative YouTube Shorts Ideas for Your Next Video
• 2 Ways to Schedule YouTube Shorts — For Free
• The 11 Best AI Video Editors for Creators and Marketers, Tried and Tested (+ Bonus AI Tool)
• Guide to the YouTube Algorithm (+ 7 Ways to Boost Your Content)

I don't use AI image generators in my creative process — or at least, I didn't before writing this article. Every time I tried to think of a reason to generate an image, my brain went straight to photorealism.

And then I'd think: why wouldn't I just pick up my phone and take a picture of the thing? But it turns out, I was only considering one slice of what these tools can do.

I'm not particularly artistic. Here's the evidence:

I can write. I can build a (pretty good, if I do say so myself) carousel in Canva or even Figma. But I can't draw, and I can't create the kind of illustrations I see other creators using across their content. That turned out to be exactly the gap where AI image generators are most useful — not replacing photography, but creating visuals I couldn't make on my own.

So I tested nine of them through that lens, focusing on the use cases where these tools actually solve a problem. Everything I learned about writing prompts that work, which tools performed best, and the AI image generators worth knowing about in 2026 is here.

Key Takeaways

• Nano Banana 2 (Google) was the most consistent performer overall. It nailed illustration accuracy, came closest to photorealism, and handled typography well. If you only try one model, start there.
• Every tool struggled with photorealism in some way. None produced an image I'd confidently pass off as a real photo without editing, especially when the prompt included brand names or device screens.
• Typography was the biggest divider. Seedream and Ideogram 3.0 were the most reliable at spelling and placing text. Others, like Midjourney and GPT Image, garbled words or skipped them entirely.
• Your prompt structure matters more than your tool choice. Leading with the subject (not the style), using photography language for realism, and describing colors in plain words instead of hex codes made a noticeable difference across every model.
• I ran most of my tests inside Leonardo.ai because it gives you access to multiple models in one place and integrates directly with Canva — which is where I do all my visual design work.
• AI-generated images are commercially usable, but they're not copyrightable yet. If you're building a brand around original visuals, that's worth factoring in.

What makes a good AI image prompt?

When I first sat down to test every tool in this article, I blanked completely. The generators have gotten absurdly good, especially in the past year. But I couldn't think of a single image I needed.

I think that's where most people get stuck. The tools aren't the bottleneck anymore. Knowing what to ask for is.

So I spent time researching before I started testing. I read through creator communities on Reddit (r/midjourney and r/StableDiffusion are goldmines for this), studied prompt breakdowns on Instagram, and went through Envato's illustration prompt guide. Then I ran dozens of prompt variations across every tool on this list. A clear pattern emerged in what works and what doesn't.

Start with the subject, not the style

The first few words of your prompt carry the most weight. Every tool I tested responded better when I led with what's in the image before describing how it should look. "A woman sitting at a desk with a laptop open" before "editorial lifestyle photography, warm natural light."

When I flipped the order and led with style, the results lost focus. The model seemed to treat the style as the priority and get vague about the actual content.

Use camera language for photorealism

"Shallow depth of field." "Shot from a slight angle." "Soft golden hour lighting." "35mm film photography."

Photography terms are the single most effective way to get photorealistic results, because these models were trained on image captions and photography descriptions. They understand camera vocabulary natively. Vague descriptors like "beautiful" or "high quality" do almost nothing.

Describe colors in words, not codes

I tested the same prompt with hex codes and with plain descriptions ("light blue," "butter yellow"). The descriptive version was more accurate in the majority of tools I tested.

This one has some nuance, though. The Envato guide recommends hex codes for brand accuracy, and some tools (particularly ones built for designers, like Recraft) handle them better than others. If you're not sure, start with descriptive color names. If you're working with a specific brand palette and a design-focused tool, try the hex codes and see what you get.

Anchor your illustration style or the tool will choose for you

This was the biggest lesson from the illustration tests. When I prompted for photorealism, the tools mostly knew what I meant. When I switched to illustration, the results fell apart until I got specific about what kind.

"Hand-drawn doodle, light blue ink, single color, simple line art with slightly wobbly quality, outlines only" gave me something usable. Without those anchors, most tools defaulted to either photorealism or something that looked like free clip art from 2008.

The Envato guide breaks illustration styles into specific technique language: "ink hatching, gouache blocks, flat vector shapes, stipple shading, gestural linework." The more precise you are about the medium and technique, the closer the output gets to what you actually pictured.

Tell the tool what you don't want

Negative prompts are underrated. Adding "no watermark," "no text," "no photorealism" to my illustration prompts cleaned up the outputs noticeably. But they only work when the core prompt is already solid. You can't subtract your way to a good image from a vague starting point.

Put your most important exclusions early in the negative prompt. "No photorealism, no watermarks, no text" performed better than burying those instructions at the end.

A template you can steal

Here's the structure that worked consistently across the tools I tested:

[Subject and what they're doing] + [setting or context] + [2 or more specific details] + [style]

And here are the prompts I came up with.

For illustration:

A sticker sheet of hand-drawn doodle illustrations on a butter yellow background, with generous spacing between every object so each can be cropped as an individual sticker. Exactly these objects and nothing else: 1) a structured clutch bag with clasp hardware, 2) a tall oval perfume bottle with a label reading "Orpheon", 3) chunky lace-up trail running sneakers, 4) wireless square transparent over-ear headphones with absolutely no wire and no earbud attached completely standalone, 5) angular rectangular sunglasses, 6) a leather zip-up moto biker jacket with zippered pockets, 7) an anthurium plant with large waxy leaves and a spadix, 8) an open laptop computer, 9) a smartphone with a screen, 10) a single hot steaming cup of tea in a teacup on a saucer no iced drinks, no straws, no second cup, 11) an open journal with handwritten lines on the pages, 12) a flat neat stack of magazines with spines reading Kinfolk, Dazed, i-D, 13) a plain simple canvas tote bag with handles not mesh, not net. Light blue line art on butter yellow background, single color, simple wobbly hand-drawn line art, outlines only, zero shading, zero fill, zero color blocks. Flat lay arrangement.

For photorealism:

A photorealistic image of an iPhone resting on a light marble surface, screen facing up, showing a colorful Instagram feed. A small iced coffee in a clear cup and a sprig of eucalyptus beside it. Three-quarter overhead angle, soft natural window light from the right, gentle shadows. Clean, styled, editorial product photography. No people, no hands, no text overlays, no watermarks.

For typography as design:

Square graphic. The phrase 'Brand Partnerships 101' rendered as colorful embroidery stitching on light blue linen fabric background. Letters in butter yellow thread with visible stitch texture, cross-stitch style. Small decorative floral embroidery accents in coral and white thread flanking the 📸text. Fabric has subtle woven texture. Warm, tactile, handcrafted feel. No photographs of real objects, no watermarks.

You'll see how each model handled these prompts (and where they fell apart) in the reviews below.

The nine best AI image generators

I tested nine AI image generation models across three prompts: a hand-drawn doodle sticker sheet, a styled product flat lay, and an embroidered typography graphic.

Some of these are models (the AI that generates the image), and some are platforms (where you access the model). Rather than trying multiple tools across different websites, I used Leonardo.ai as my testing hub for the models available there, testing the most recent version of each. Then I tested Midjourney, Recraft, and Adobe Firefly as standalone tools.

I picked Leonardo.ai because of its Canva integration — I can seamlessly add the images into my Canva and edit them from there, so this is a plus for my workflow. You don’t have to use it, go for any all-in-one image generator of your choice that suits your workflow (Recraft is another great option).

If you only try one or two models: Nano Banana 2 delivered the most accurate results across all three test categories. For text-heavy graphics, start with Seedream. For the most artistic, visually rich outputs, Recraft’s models have a quality that other tools can't match.

Now, the results.

Midjourney

Best for: Creators who want artistic, mood-driven visuals and don't need precise text or highly specific object rendering.

Midjourney has a reputation as the "artistic" AI image generator, and the visual richness of its outputs backs that up. The editing experience is button-based: you can vary elements to be subtle or strong, lean more creative, and even animate your results without leaving the tool.

How it handled illustration: Of the four images Midjourney generated from my sticker sheet prompt, only one was close to usable. Midjourney struggles with this level of detail and specificity. When you're listing 13 distinct objects with particular characteristics (a clutch with clasp hardware, transparent over-ear headphones, magazines with specific spine text), it can't keep up. The objects it did render looked good individually, but it missed the brief.

How it handled photorealism: The overall composition and photography feel were strong. The layout, the lighting, the general mood of the image landed well. But the details fell apart: the "iced coffee" had no ice (just an ambiguous glass of something), and the Instagram feed on the phone screen was warped beyond recognition. Midjourney builds a beautiful scene and then fumbles the specifics inside it.

How it handled typography: This is where Midjourney hit a wall. It spelled "brand" correctly and got "101" right, but "partnerships" was garbled. The embroidery stitching itself looked genuinely handcrafted, maybe even the best texture of the bunch. But when your competitor tools are nailing the text on the first try, beautiful stitching on misspelled words doesn't cut it.

Adobe Firefly 5

Best for: Creators already in the Adobe ecosystem who want clean commercial licensing and don't mind working around brand-name restrictions.

Adobe Firefly 5 is the latest image-generation model from Adobe, and its biggest selling point is its workflow integration. If you're already in Photoshop or Illustrator, you can generate an image and move it straight into your editing workspace. Adobe has also been vocal about training Firefly on licensed and public-domain content, which means you get cleaner commercial-use rights than most competitors.

I don't use Photoshop or Illustrator in my day-to-day, but if they're part of your workflow, the direct handoff alone might make Firefly worth trying.

How it handled illustration: The hand-drawn illustrations had a whimsical quality to them and felt truly hand-drawn. There were some attempts at making things feel "human-generated," like scribbles on the page, which was a nice touch. But the accuracy wasn't there: the leather jacket had zipper placements at the collar and bottom that were visibly wrong, and a few other objects felt approximated rather than intentional.

How it handled photorealism: This is where Firefly's copyright-conscious training showed up in a way I wasn't expecting.

It declined the words "iPhone" and "Instagram" in the prompt, which aligns with how Adobe avoids potential trademark issues. That's worth knowing upfront: if your prompt references specific brand names or products, Firefly might push back.

How it handled typography: The embroidery prompt was one of Firefly's better results. The fabric behind the text looked realistically aged and worn, the text itself was legible and well-generated, and there was genuine depth to the stitching. You could see the texture in a way that some of the other tools didn't quite achieve.

Recraft V4 Pro

Best for: Creators and designers who want serious control over visual style and want access to Recraft's reference and refinement features.

Recraft is another tool I tested as a standalone platform. It has a massive library of existing designs from real designers that you can use as reference images. You can assign a color palette, select from a wide range of visual styles, and work with its agentic chat to refine your images through conversation rather than re-prompting from scratch.

If you're not tied to Canva for your design workflow, Recraft is a genuinely solid all-in-one option. The ability to pull from its existing design library as reference images could save you a lot of back-and-forth if you already have a visual direction in mind.

I chose not to use any reference images from Recraft's library for this experiment, but it's something that could get you to better results faster.

How it handled illustration (using the Vector Pro model): The images had that hand-drawn quality I was going for. Objects like the plant and the coffee cup looked right. But inconsistencies crept in: the sneakers felt generic, and the laptop suddenly introduced a color that nothing else in the image had. Because Recraft lets you layer in visual styles and references, I think the gap between "first attempt" and "polished result" is smaller here than with other tools. I just didn't take those extra steps for this test.

How it handled photorealism (using the V4 Pro model): At a glance, the image looked photorealistic. The objects cast very realistic shadows and the condensation detail on the iced coffee caught my attention. But zooming in told a different story: the phone dimensions looked off, the camera was on the front of the device, the on-screen images were gibberish, and the table was sinking into the wall.

How it handled typography: Recraft went its own direction here. It didn't deliver the embroidery realism I asked for, but what it did produce had a clear aesthetic vision and a handcrafted feel that I could actually see myself using. I'd dock points for not following the brief, but then I’d have to add them back for creativity. Sometimes a tool that ignores your prompt gives you something better than what you asked for.

GPT Image 1.5 (OpenAI)

Best for: People already using ChatGPT who want quick image generation without switching tools. For more control, access the same model via an all-in-one image generator tool such as Leonardo.ai or Recraft.

If you've used image generation inside ChatGPT recently, you've likely used a version of this model. I tested GPT Image 1.5 inside Leonardo.ai, the first of the models on this list where I did this. You can dig deeper into style selection (illustration, photography, etc.), adjust quality settings, and control image dimensions. The model itself is the same underlying technology, but tools like Leonardo give you more knobs to turn.

How it handled illustration: This was not GPT Image's strongest showing. The sticker images looked almost compressed, probably because the spacing I requested between objects resulted in a lot of empty space that the model didn't know how to handle. The whole image also had that yellowish tinge that's become a recognizable "this is AI" tell. Other tools rendered the butter yellow background without that filter-like quality.

How it handled photorealism: It came closer than the illustration prompt, but the Instagram feed on the phone screen was missing the visible branding and layout cues that make it recognizable as Instagram.

How it handled typography: GPT Image leaned hard into the cross-stitch texture, which was technically what I asked for. It followed the prompt more faithfully than several other tools, and the execution was accurate. But the result wasn't something I'd use in my content. If prompt adherence matters more than aesthetics for your use case, GPT Image delivers on that.

Nano Banana 2 (Google)

Best for: Creators who want the most accurate rendering of specific real-world objects and styles, particularly for illustration work.

Nano Banana 2 is a Google model, and I have a theory about why it outperformed several competitors: Google has the search engine. It has image search, Google Shopping, and years of indexed visual data. When I asked for a "Diptyque Orphéon" perfume bottle or "chunky trail running sneakers from Salomon," Nano Banana seemed to actually know what those things look like. Other tools freestyled the details. This one got the closest to reality.

How it handled illustration: This was my top pick for the illustration prompt. The hand-drawn style landed, the proportions were correct, and nothing felt off. It got the style of the perfume bottle right, matched the sneaker aesthetic I was going for, and even rendered the magazine spines with fonts and imagery that felt close to the real publications. With reference images, I think this would get even closer, but even without them, Nano Banana 2 delivered the most complete sticker sheet of the group.

How it handled photorealism: Nano Banana came closest to generating a realistic Instagram feed, and the phone itself felt more believable than other tools' attempts. It did something interesting, though: it added elements I hadn't asked for (a small notebook, a pair of earbuds near the edge of the frame) that made the scene feel lived-in. That instinct for "what would actually be on this desk" pushed the image past the sterile quality that plagued other results.

How it handled typography: The embroidery text came out whimsical and stylized, with visible texture on both the fabric and the stitching. The overall feel was one of my preferred outputs from the group. The flowers and surrounding design elements had a cohesive quality that matched the text treatment, which not every tool managed.

Seedream (ByteDance)

Best for: Creators who need reliable text generation in their images and access within CapCut.

Seedream is ByteDance's image generation model and bonus: you can use it if you have CapCut Pro. It had some interesting strengths and some familiar weaknesses.

How it handled illustration: Seedream produced the most sticker-like effect of any tool, which was exactly the brief. But accuracy issues showed up on closer inspection: a phone appeared on the magazine stack (not requested), the headphones were transparent (not requested), and the perfume bottle didn't quite match the description. But text generation was spot-on. Every label, every spelling, every piece of text in the image was correct. It also correctly rendered an anthurium instead of defaulting to a monstera, which tripped up several other tools.

How it handled photorealism: The phone was the weak point: it was clearly not a real device. But the surrounding elements held up. The shadows were well-placed, the coffee cup was good (it even looked like a latte, more specific than what I asked for), and the overall scene had decent styling.

How it handled typography: Seedream did well here. The fabric texture behind the text looked realistic, and it got most of the prompt elements right. The font weight felt slightly cartoonish compared to the fabric realism, and it rendered "partnerships" across two lines, which didn't come up with other tools. But I could see myself using this in my content, which is more than I can say for some of the other outputs.

Ideogram 3.0

Best for: Creators who want accurate text in their generated images and are willing to trade visual personality for spelling precision.

Ideogram 3.0 is the latest model from Ideogram that is positioned as being great at generating images with text, but I found that it only got 75% of the way there in some of my requests.

How it handled illustration: The colors were off: the yellow was deeper than requested and there was no blue in the image. The illustrations themselves were generic, with very little of the hand-drawn personality I was going for. It gave me something closer to a monstera when I asked for an anthurium, which is a specific enough request that getting it wrong felt like the model was pattern-matching to "houseplant" rather than following the prompt. With reference images, this probably improves. Without them, the first-pass results were underwhelming.

How it handled photorealism: The image had that uncanny valley quality at a glance where other tools needed a bit more attention. The coffee looked slightly fake in a way that's easy to pinooint as AI. The shadows and lighting were actually good, with a nice play of light across the objects. But the overall impression was "almost real," which in photorealism is the same as "not real."

How it handled typography: Ideogram went for a cartoonish take on the embroidery, with an interesting attempt at making the fabric look like it was being pulled by the weight of the stitching. The effect didn't land for me. It felt tool-generated rather than handcrafted, which is the opposite of what this prompt was testing for. Other tools leaned into the realism of cross-stitch. Ideogram leaned into a stylized interpretation.

FLUX.2 Pro

Best for: Creators who want a model that takes creative liberties with prompts and produces outputs with a distinct point of view. Less predictable, but occasionally surprising in a good way.

FLUX.2 Pro is another model available inside Leonardo.ai. It's been gaining attention in the AI image generation space for its balance of quality and speed.

How it handled illustration: FLUX did something I wasn't expecting. Instead of generating flat sticker illustrations on a background, it created what looked like printed-out stickers that had been physically laid on a surface. Illustrated on a computer, printed, cut out, arranged, photographed. The model found its own middle ground between illustration and photorealism. The hand-drawn feel was there, but I wished the stickers sat flatter against the background so they'd look more natural when cropped. Some object details were off (the perfume bottle, the anthurium plant), but the overall approach was creative.

How it handled photorealism: FLUX handled shadows well and even added branding to the coffee cup (which I hadn't asked for, but it wasn't unwelcome). The phone was much closer to reality than the images from other models, but still not what I'd reach for if I needed a convincing flat lay image.

How it handled typography: When you zoom into FLUX's embroidery image, the stitching texture is genuinely impressive. It looks like real thread. But the text itself looked slightly glued on rather than stitched into the fabric, like someone had created embroidered letters separately and placed them on the background. The colors were also slightly more washed out than other models.

Lucid Origin

Best for: Creators who want quick generation with a distinctive dimensional quality and don't need pixel-perfect prompt adherence.

Lucid Origin offers both fast and ultra generation modes, plus a more limited set of style options compared to some other models on the platform. The ultra mode adds more detail but takes longer.

How it handled illustration: At first glance, the sticker sheet looked fine. On closer inspection, the text generation was poor compared to other models, and several requested objects didn't quite match the prompt. On the positive side, the stickers had an almost 3D quality that was visually interesting, like they had a slight embossed effect. If that dimensional look appeals to you, Lucid Origin delivers it naturally.

How it handled photorealism: This was one of the few tools that actually interpreted "flat lay" literally. Where other tools generated a three-quarter overhead shot, Lucid Origin went full top-down, which was closer to what the prompt language described. Points for reading comprehension. But the ice in the cup, phone content and on-screen images looked deeply unrealistic, more so than most competitors.

How it handled typography: I liked what Lucid Origin generated here. The colors were nice and the embroidery had a slightly raised quality that could work as a stylistic choice. It doesn't feel as grounded in physical reality as some of the other outputs, but for a creator who wants something that reads as "inspired by embroidery" rather than "trying to look like real embroidery," this is a viable option. It didn't nail every element (the white accents I asked for were missing), but the overall aesthetic was appealing.

FAQs

What is the best AI image generator overall?

Nano Banana 2 (Google's model) was the most consistent performer across all three of my test prompts. It handled illustration, photorealism, and typography well, and it seemed to understand the specific objects and brands I referenced better than other models.

I tested it inside Leonardo.ai, which I'd recommend as a starting point since it gives you access to multiple models in one platform. If you're already in the Adobe ecosystem, Firefly 5 is worth trying for the workflow integration and cleaner copyright positioning. And if you want the most artistic, visually rich outputs, Midjourney still has a distinct quality that other tools can't match, as long as you don't need accurate text.

How do AI image generators work?

Every AI image generator on this list works by turning text into pixels, but they don't all do it the same way. Understanding the basics helps explain why the same prompt can look completely different across two tools.

There are two main approaches powering the tools in this article.

Diffusion models start with visual noise (think: TV static) and gradually remove it, step by step, until an image forms. Each step, the model looks at your prompt and nudges the noise a little closer to what you described. FLUX, Stable Diffusion, and Midjourney all use variations of this approach. It's why these tools tend to produce images with a painterly or textured quality, and why they're often strong with artistic styles. They're building the whole image at once, refining it from chaos into clarity.

Autoregressive models work more like writing a sentence. They generate the image piece by piece, predicting what comes next based on what they've already created. Google's Imagen (the technology behind Nano Banana 2) and OpenAI's GPT Image models use this approach. These models tend to be better at following complex, detailed prompts because they process the image sequentially rather than all at once.

In practice, the line between these two categories is blurring. Some tools combine both approaches, and newer models like Seedream and Ideogram use hybrid architectures that are harder to categorize neatly. You don't need to know which approach a tool uses before you try it. But if you're wondering why Nano Banana 2 followed my 13-item sticker sheet more faithfully than FLUX did, or why Midjourney produces that distinctive artistic quality even when you ask for something simple, the underlying architecture is a big part of the answer.

One more thing worth knowing: these models learn from images and their descriptions. That's why photography terms work so well in prompts (the training data is full of photo captions) and why specific illustration vocabulary like "ink hatching" or "gouache blocks" gets better results than "make it look drawn." You're speaking the language the model was trained on.

Can I use AI images in my content?

You can use AI-generated images commercially. Every tool in this article allows it in their terms of service. But there are a few things worth knowing before you start publishing them.

AI-generated images aren't copyrightable (yet). The U.S. Copyright Office has ruled that typing a prompt doesn't make you the legal author of the output. In March 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to change this. For most creators, this won't affect your day-to-day. You're putting these in social posts and blog headers, not licensing them. But it means if someone else generates something similar, you can't claim ownership the way you would with a photo you took. The more you modify and integrate an AI image into your own design work, the stronger your position gets.

The tools are trained on other people's art. Most models in this article learned from large datasets of images scraped from the internet, and over 70 copyright lawsuits are currently making their way through the courts. The biggest one, which names both Stability AI and Midjourney, goes to trial in September 2026. Adobe Firefly is the exception: it's trained on licensed Adobe Stock content and public domain material, and Adobe offers IP indemnification for enterprise plans. If clean sourcing matters to you, Firefly has the strongest case.

Be careful with people. I chose not to generate images of human subjects for this article. These tools can produce convincing images of people who don't exist, and some can produce images that resemble real people. That opens up right-of-publicity risks and ethical questions that go beyond copyright. If your content involves AI-generated people, that's a decision worth thinking through.

Are AI image generators free?

Most tools on this list offer a free tier or free credits to start. Leonardo.ai gives you daily tokens that refresh, so you can test multiple models without paying. Recraft, Ideogram, and Meta AI all have free access. Midjourney requires a paid subscription (plans start at $10/month). Adobe Firefly is included with most Creative Cloud plans, and you can generate a limited number of images for free through Adobe's website. ChatGPT includes image generation on its free plan, though paid plans give you faster generation and higher limits.

If you're trying to figure out which tool works for you before spending anything, Leonardo.ai is the best starting point because you can test multiple models in one place without a subscription.

What's the best AI image generator for social media graphics?

It depends on what kind of graphics you're making. For illustrated elements you want to drop into Canva (stickers, doodles, branded illustrations), Nano Banana 2 and Recraft were the strongest in my testing. For photorealistic product shots or lifestyle flat lays, Nano Banana 2 and FLUX.2 Pro produced the most convincing results, though every tool in this list still struggles with fine details on zoom. For text-heavy graphics like quote cards or typography-based designs, Seedream and Ideogram 3.0 had the most reliable text generation, while Midjourney consistently misspelled words.

Can AI image generators put text on images?

Some can, some can't. This was one of the biggest dividers in my testing. Seedream and Ideogram 3.0 nailed the spelling and placement of text across all three prompts. Adobe Firefly 5 handled it well. Midjourney struggled badly with anything beyond short, simple words. If accurate text matters for your use case (and for most social media graphics, it does), check the typography results in each tool's review above before choosing.

Do AI-generated images look obviously AI?

It depends on the type of image. For illustration and stylized graphics like embroidery or sticker sheets, no. The best outputs from my tests were genuinely usable in content without any obvious AI tells. For photorealism, yes, usually on closer inspection. Phone screens, text within the image, and small product details are the giveaways. The gap is closing fast, but we're not at "indistinguishable from a real photo" yet.

More resources

• 14 AI tools for social media content creation: my workflow guide — the AI tools I actually use for creating social content, from ideation to publishing
• The 11 best AI video editors for creators and marketers — tried and tested video editing tools for creators who want to work faster
• The top 10 AI writing tools I recommend as a professional writer — writing tools that pair well with the visual assets you generate
• 8 of the best AI productivity tools — tools to optimize how you work across your whole content workflow

Ready to put your AI-generated visuals to work? Get started with Buffer for free and start scheduling your content today.