In 2012, Facebook bought out Instagram for a staggering $1 billion. Fast-forward to 2015, you can now create ads for Instagram using the Facebook Power Editor, and today I’m going to show you how.
Before Instagram Ads… Install Power Editor
Some things you should know before we begin. The Facebook Power Editor can only be accessed through Google Chrome (doesn’t work on any other web browser yet). You can download Google Chrome for free by clicking here.
Being able to create Instagram ads on Facebook is being rolled out gradually, so there may be a possibility that you cannot create ads at this moment in time.
Adding your Instagram account to Business Manager
Before you can take advantage of the Power Editor to create ads on Instagram, you must link your Instagram Page to your Facebook Business Manager.
Hover to the left hand side of your account and click Business Settings and then Instagram Accounts:
Click Claim New Instagram Account and follow the on-screen instructions to link your Page to your Business Manager. You can add as many Instagram Pages as you like.
Getting Started With Instagram Ads
With your account linked, login into the Facebook Power Editor by clicking here (on Google Chrome). From the dashboard click on Manage Ads:
Click the Adverts icon on left hand side then click Create Ad which is highlighted below in red:
Setting Up a New Instagram Ad
A popup box will appear where you’ll be asked to setup a new advert or use an existing campaign. Click Create New, enter your advert name and select your Buying Type And Objective:
When selecting your objective, you must select an ad objective that is also supported on Instagram. Instagram currently supports:
- Clicks to Website
- Mobile App Installs
- Video Views
Uncheck the Choose An Advert Set checkbox and click Create.
You’ll now have the option to create your advert just like you normally would on Facebook. Create the copy, set your targeting options, budget and scheduling. To ensure your ad is shown on your Instagram account, you must check the Instagram placement option for your ad to be served on Instagram too.
That’s it. Your advert will now be displayed on your linked Instagram Page and your Facebook Page.
Summary Of Instagram Ads
Centralizing your advertising command center makes it easier to keep track of your budget and marketing efforts. Using the Power Editor you can create identical adverts on Instagram and Facebook through a single advert or campaign.
Facebook has stated that they are gradually rolling out these features and they are not available to everyone at the moment. If you cannot see the option to link your Instagram Page to your Business Manager, it means the option for you to create ads is not yet available.
Facebook has not stated when the roll out will be complete, I suggest to keep checking your Business Manager every few days until the option appears.
Nick Bridges
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3 Comments
Muhsin
October 5, 2015Hi Mr. Tom Bukacek
Thank you for great article.
Could you please clarify my below questions?
1) Which power editor should i use? Power Editor from Normal Facebook Ads Manager or Power Editor from Business Facebook!
2) Where i can find Instagram Placement Options?
Thank you very much.
Tom Bukacek
October 21, 2015Hi Muhsin,
Thank you for your questions!
1) Which ever power editor will allow you to get to the page in which you want to upload ads. The way our agency was set up, we used power editor in Business Manager.
2) Instagram placement options are under ‘ad sets’, in the same area as the other placement options (like newsfeed, mobile, rhc).
roy
October 22, 2015Hey Tom!
I’ve literally done everything you’ve stated (trust me ive spent 3 hours trying every option. When i create an ad-set, there’s no instagram placement checkmark while the rest (newsfeed, mobile, etc) are.. Super frustrating!
I double checked that my facebook page is connected via business manager…so whats my next step?
please let me know asap!