With Instagram’s growing influence in digital marketing, many wonder if it’s possible to advertise effectively on the platform without using Facebook’s advertising tools.
This guide delves into the feasibility and methods of running Instagram ads independently, offering practical advice for marketers looking to directly target Instagram’s unique audience.
Understanding Instagram’s Advertising Ecosystem
Traditionally, Instagram ads are managed through Facebook’s Ads Manager, given that Facebook owns Instagram.
However, marketers aiming to capitalise on Instagram’s distinct user engagement patterns are increasingly seeking strategies that do not rely on Facebook.
Independent Advertising Strategies on Instagram
- Direct Promotion on Instagram: You can post content directly on Instagram and promote these posts using Instagram’s own promotion tools. This approach does not require using Facebook’s Ads Manager and keeps your advertising activities contained within Instagram.
- Using Third-Party Tools: Some third-party platforms offer specialised tools for managing Instagram campaigns. These tools can help create and track Instagram-specific ad campaigns without interfacing with Facebook, providing analytics and performance metrics directly.
- Influencer Partnerships: Collaborating with Instagram influencers is an effective way to reach audiences. This method leverages the influencers' creativity and follower base to promote products in a way that feels more organic and less like conventional advertising.
- Instagram Shopping Features: Instagram allows brands to integrate shopping features directly into their profiles and posts. By setting up a shop on Instagram, you can directly sell products and manage promotions within the platform, thereby operating independently of Facebook.

Steps to Implement Independent Instagram Advertising
- Step 1: Identify your core Instagram audience, understanding their preferences and behaviours on the platform.
- Step 2: Develop content that aligns with the visual and interactive nature of Instagram. Ensure your content is engaging and suitable for the format, whether it's photos, stories, or videos.
- Step 3: Utilise Instagram’s native tools to promote your posts, track engagement, and adjust your strategy based on the analytics provided.
- Step 4: Consider integrating Instagram’s shopping capabilities if you’re in a retail or e-commerce sector, to streamline the conversion process directly on the platform.
While integrating with Facebook provides powerful tools for ad management, it is possible to conduct successful advertising campaigns on Instagram independently.
Marketers can achieve targeted engagement and effective campaign outcomes by focusing directly on Instagram’s tools and the unique characteristics of its audience.
Ready to Enhance Your Instagram Strategy?
If you’re interested in exploring independent advertising strategies on Instagram, our team at Kola Digital can help you tailor your approach to harness the full potential of Instagram’s marketing power.
Contact us today to learn more about our dedicated Instagram marketing solutions and start transforming your social media strategy!