Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Guides in 2023

Hey there, fellow Instagram enthusiasts! If you’re an avid user of the platform, you’ve probably noticed the introduction of a cool feature called Instagram Guides. Whether you’re a business owner, content creator, or just someone looking to explore new trends, Instagram Guides can take your engagement and content curation to the next level. In this article, we’ll dive deep into what Instagram Guides are, how they work, and how you can make the most out of them in 2023. So, grab your coffee and get ready to become an Instagram Guide pro!

What are Instagram Guides?

Instagram Guides are a relatively new feature introduced by the platform in 2020 to provide users with a unique way to share and discover content.

Originally designed for wellness and travel content, Guides have now expanded to cover a wide range of topics such as fashion, food, lifestyle, and more. Guides act as curated collections of posts, with a title, introduction, and a series of recommended posts that follow a specific theme or narrative.

How Do Instagram Guides Work?

Creating an Instagram Guide is as easy as pie. To get started, open your profile and tap on the “+” button. From the options presented, select “Guide” and choose the type of Guide you want to create: Places, Products, or Posts. Each type has its unique purpose and style, allowing you to tailor your Guide to suit your content.

Places Guide

This type is ideal for showcasing travel destinations, restaurants, or any location-based recommendations. You can add photos, captions, and descriptions to each place you feature, creating a visual itinerary for your audience.

Products Guide

If you’re a business owner or influencer, the Products Guide can be a game-changer. You can curate a collection of your favorite products, add descriptions, and even include links to purchase them directly through Instagram.

Posts Guide

The most versatile of the three, the Posts Guide lets you curate a collection of posts on a specific theme or topic. It’s perfect for creating step-by-step tutorials, sharing inspirational quotes, or highlighting your favorite content from other creators.

Why Should You Use Instagram Guides?

Instagram Guides offer several benefits that can elevate your Instagram game in 2023. Here are a few reasons why you should jump on the Guides bandwagon:

Enhanced Storytelling

Guides allow you to present your content in a more cohesive and narrative-driven manner. By curating posts, you can take your audience on a journey, telling a story that resonates with them and keeps them engaged.

Increased Visibility

Guides have a dedicated section on your profile, providing an opportunity for your curated content to gain more visibility. This can help you showcase your expertise, products, or favorite posts, and attract new followers who share similar interests.

Collaboration and Cross-promotion

Guides enable you to collaborate with other creators by featuring their posts in your Guides. This cross-promotion can help build relationships, expand your reach, and create a sense of community among your followers.

Evergreen Content

Unlike traditional Instagram Stories or feed posts that have a short lifespan, Guides have a longer shelf life. Once created, Guides can be continuously updated and remain accessible to your audience, providing a valuable resource they can refer back to.

How to Create Instagram Guides

Now that you understand the fundamentals of Instagram Guides, let’s explore the steps to create engaging and captivating Guides in 2023:

👉 Step 1: Open Instagram

Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and log in to your account.

👉 Step 2: Go to Your Profile

Tap on your profile picture or the profile icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen to access your profile.

👉 Step 3: Tap on the “+” Button

At the top-right corner of your profile, you will see a “+” button. Tap on it to create a new post.

👉 Step 4: Select “Guide”

From the options presented, select “Guide” located below the “Feed Post” and “Story” options. It will take you to the Guide creation screen.

👉 Step 5: Choose the Type of Guide

Instagram offers three types of Guides: Places, Products, and Posts. Choose the type that best suits your content and objectives.

👉 Step 6: Select the Content for Your Guide

Depending on the type of Guide you chose, follow the steps below:

Places Guide: Search for and select the places you want to feature in your Guide. You can add photos, captions, and descriptions to each place you include.

Products Guide: Search for and select the products you want to showcase. You can add descriptions, prices, and links to purchase the products directly through Instagram.

Posts Guide: Search for posts from your own or others’ accounts that you want to include in your Guide. You can select up to 30 posts.

👉 Step 7: Customize Your Guide

After selecting the content, you can customize your Guide to make it more engaging and informative. Add titles, and descriptions, and rearrange the order of the posts to create a cohesive narrative.

👉 Step 8: Preview and Publish

Once you’re satisfied with your Guide, tap on the preview button to see how it will appear to your audience. Make any necessary adjustments, and when you’re ready, tap on the “Next” button.

👉 Step 9: Add a Cover Photo and Title

Choose a captivating cover photo for your Guide that represents the theme or content. Add a catchy title that grabs attention and accurately reflects what your Guide is about.

👉 Step 10: Publish Your Guide

Tap on the “Share” button to publish your Guide. It will be added to the Guides section of your profile, where your followers and others can discover and explore it.

Congratulations! You have successfully created an Instagram Guide. Remember to promote your Guide across your other social media channels to increase its reach and engagement.

Best Practices for Instagram Guides

Ready to create the best Instagram Guides for your brand? Here are four tips to keep in mind:

Tip #1: Think About What Your Audience Wants

Using the Instagram Guide feature is a great way to curate and organize content for your followers — the creative opportunities are endless.

Think about what content your audience engages with the most, and use this information to influence your Guide’s content.

Tip #2: Share Instagram Guides in Stories

Since Instagram Guides aren’t shared on a user’s main profile feed, you may want to give them an extra boost on Instagram Stories.

Luckily, you can easily share Instagram Guides to Instagram Stories:

1. Open your Instagram Guide
2. Tap the paper airplane icon in the bottom-left corner
3. Select “Add guide to your story”

It’s that simple!

Tip #3: Highlight Your Community

If you’re a brand, this is a great way to show your products out in the world and provide valuable context.

You can find user-generated content (UGC) by manually scrolling through your tagged photos and branded hashtag page.

Tip #4: Use Guides to Build Strategic Relationships

Guides are a great way to shine a spotlight on brands, creators, or peers in your network — which can be huge for profile building.

If you’re a creator or brand in a specific niche, you could create an Instagram Guide that highlights 10 accounts relevant to your subject matter.

It makes for a great conversation starter and could even lead to a future partnership or collaboration.

And there you have it — all of the reasons you should experiment with Instagram Guides this year. It’s an underrated curation feature that opens up huge opportunities for storytelling and connecting on the app. We can’t wait to see yours.

Conclusion

Instagram Guides have quickly become a powerful tool for content creators and businesses alike. In 2023, take advantage of this feature to engage your audience, tell compelling stories, and showcase your expertise. By understanding how Guides work, why they’re beneficial, and following our tips for creating engaging Guides, you’ll be well on your way to becoming an Instagram Guide pro. So, go ahead and start curating your content, share your knowledge, and leave your mark on the Instagram community! Happy guiding!