7 Simple Steps for a Successful Instagram Takeover

A takeover lets influencers, creators, or even your team members temporarily "take over" your account, offering new perspectives and energizing your content.

Is your Instagram stuck with repetitive posts and declining engagement? Are you struggling to capture your audience's attention or grow your follower base? IG Takeover could be your lifesaver. 

But how do you ensure this strategy achieves your goals? Whether you're a seasoned social media manager or exploring new growth tactics, follow 7 simple steps for your next campaign and Instagram takeover examples!

What Is an IG Takeover?

An Instagram takeover is when someone temporarily takes over another account to create and share content. This could mean posting photos, Stories, Reels, or even hosting a live Q&A session. What do brands and influencers get out of it?‍

Recent research confirmed that influencer marketing yields 11x higher ROI than traditional marketing efforts! 

So, with the Instagram takeover strategy, both sides win - the brand gains visibility and trust, while the guest gets a platform to promote themself as creators. For a better understanding, here's an Instagram takeover example where wellness brand Goop collaborated with author Dr. Shauna Shapiro.

‍

‍

But here's the catch— this strategy can boost engagement rates by up to 20% ONLY when done right!

How Does It Work?

Brand's account lets the audience know who will take over and what to expect. 

For example, Beatport Next artist Nala took over Beatport's Instagram channel to promote her appearance at the 10th anniversary of the Shabang Live Music & Art Festival. 

Through her takeover, she gave followers an inside look into her preparation process, artistic inspirations, and snippets of her live set. In this way, Beatport's existing audience grew while Nala's fans were introduced to the brand.

https://www.instagram.com/reel/C6gCMG5o7cO/?utm_source=ig_embed&ig_rid=bd8c984a-7738-44ee-8430-4b7ad717e47f‍

How To Do An Instagram Takeover in 7 Steps?

Which step will make the biggest difference for your brand? From setting clear goals to promoting the event, each one is equally important because it keeps you organized and focused. 

Study them carefully and save them for later!

1. Define Your Goals

Remember, the better you define your goals, the more likely your Instagram takeover ideas will hit the mark. Therefore, set measurable key performance indicators (KPIs), such as gaining 1,000 new followers or achieving a 20% increase in story views.

Using measurable goals helps track success and indicates the need to adjust future strategies. 

And match the type of content to your audience. For example, younger followers might prefer playful Reels, while professionals may appreciate behind-the-scenes insights.

2. Choose the Right Host

Who's the perfect person to represent your brand in a takeover? It depends on your goals. Suppose you want a bigger audience; partner with influencers with loyal followers. 

• Hoping to build authenticity? Choose a real customer who loves your product because their honest experience will resonate with your audience. 

• If you want to educate or inform, collaborate with a subject-matter expert. Their insights add value to your account and establish credibility. 

• Don't forget to look at your employees! They can add a human and approachable touch to your content while showcasing your company culture.

3. Pick a Type of Takeover

Think about your goals and how your audience behaves on Instagram. Are they young and scrolling Reels all day, or are they professionals who value live interactions? 

Analyze their behavior and preferences to meet them where they are! Here's how to decide:

• Stories like quick, personal updates like behind-the-scenes moments or interactive polls are ideal for younger audiences who prefer bite-sized content.

• Live is better for professionals or engaged followers who appreciate real-time Q&As, tutorials, or product demos.

• Reels are highly shareable, keeping younger users hooked.
  

• Post provides lasting visibility and is perfect for showcasing collaborations or detailed insights. Plus, it's suitable for all age groups.
  
  
• Collaborative takeover shares content on both accounts for maximum reach and works across all demographics.

‍

4. Plan the Content Format

Once you've chosen the type of takeover, it's time to map out the content. What kind of posts will resonate most with your audience and meet your goals? Here's how to plan:

• For Stories Takeovers: Focus on real-time, authentic content like polls, behind-the-scenes clips, or interactive question stickers.
  

• For Live Sessions: Coordinate topics that will spark engagement, such as Q&As, product demos, or expert discussions. A live format works best with clear schedules and promotional posts to ensure your audience tunes in.
  

• For Reels: Work with your guest to create short, visually appealing videos with trending sounds or creative edits. For example, a guest could make a fun "how-to" video featuring your product.
  

• For Static Posts: Plan for high-quality, engaging visuals or carousels. These posts can remain on your feed, serving as a long-term representation of the takeover.
  
  

5. Set Clear Guidelines

• What tone of voice should they use?

• Which hashtags or tags are non-negotiable?

• Should they focus on specific themes or products?
  

Providing these details upfront helps your guest create content that aligns with your brand while staying authentic to their style. For example, tell your guests to keep things light and fun if your brand values humor. 

Also, outline posting schedules and whether the content needs prior approval. With clear guidelines, you'll avoid confusion and ensure a successful takeover that resonates with your audience.

6. Promote It

How do you get people excited about your IG takeover? Promotion is key to ensuring it reaches as many followers as possible. Here's how to build anticipation and buzz:

• Announce Early: Tell your audience about the takeover a few days before. Share who the guest is, what to expect, and why they shouldn't miss it.

• Use Teasers: Post sneak peeks or hints about the content your guest will share. This builds curiosity and engagement before the takeover even begins.

• Collaborate on Promotion: Ask your guest to promote the takeover to their followers. This cross-promotion introduces your brand to its audience.

• Highlight Key Details: Share the takeover schedule and include reminders so your followers know when and where to tune in.

7. Execute the Takeover

The big day is here! How can you make sure everything goes in the right direction? Start by ensuring your guests have the tools they need to work. So, do the double checking:

‍

• Do they have access to your account or the content approval process?
  
  

• Are they clear on your expectations? 

‍

If you didn't do it, use tools like Instagram's Collaboration settings or Meta's Business Manager to grant temporary permissions without sharing passwords. 

And be available for help! Stay in touch during the takeover to troubleshoot issues or provide quick feedback.

Encourage your guest to engage with your audience in real-time—responding to comments, answering questions, and creating authentic moments. ‍

Why Run an Instagram Takeover?

Whether you're looking to build a stronger connection with your audience or grow your follower base, takeovers offer measurable benefits that are hard to ignore.

• New Followers: When guests take over your account, they bring their community along. It's not just about sharing a post; it's about opening a door to fresh connections.

Instead of spending months growing your audience, the right guest can make it happen in just a few hours.

• Content Improvement: The guest's style and perspective will keep your account fresh. Imagine giving your followers a behind-the-scenes pass to your brand. Innovative, right?
  Whether it's an influencer sharing a day in their life or an employee offering an insider look, this change in perspective makes your content relatable, and followers love that type of content!

• Brand Credibility: When someone trusted by their followers takes over your account, it's like a friend saying, "You can trust this brand."
  Their audience already believes in them, so it feels honest when they recommend your brand. This builds your reputation, stronger audience loyalty, and a more positive brand image.
  

• Click-Through Traffic: When a guest shares a story with a "Swipe Up" link or updates the bio with your product page, their followers take notice. Those clicks can quickly turn into real actions, whether sales, sign-ups, or downloads.

Ready for Instagram Takeovers?

We've covered all the essential questions, so you're set to start it! But exploring all your options is key if you're a beginner or seeking bigger goals.

With our extensive network of creators, we've helped DTC brands produce 50,000+ UGC ads that have driven over $100 million in sales. Want to see how we can help you? Schedule your call today for a personalized quote!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Instagram takeovers still a thing?

Yes, they remain a highly effective and popular social media strategy.

How to organize a social media takeover?

Plan goals, select the right host, set guidelines, and promote the event for maximum impact.

Can you do a takeover without giving out your password?

Yes, use tools like Meta's Business Manager to grant secure access without sharing login details.

‍