What should I consider when boosting a post on Instagram?

The short answer is: always boost your Instagram posts from your web browser instead of from your iPhone. This simple action can help you avoid paying an extra 15 to 20% on your advertising costs due to Apple’s added taxes on ads purchased through their devices.

Full Explanation

When you decide to boost a post on Instagram, the platform offers various ways to do so. However, it’s important to understand that boosting directly from your iPhone can lead to higher costs. Apple’s ecosystem applies additional taxes on purchases made through their devices, often resulting in a 15 to 20 percent increase in the price you pay for ads. This means that although boosting on iPhone might seem convenient, it ends up being more expensive.

Step-by-Step Breakdown

1. Access Instagram on your web browser: Instead of using the Instagram app on your iPhone, open Instagram through a web browser like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox on your computer or mobile browser.
2. Find the post to boost: Navigate to the post you want to promote.
3. Boost the post from the web: Use Instagram’s Boost Post option available in the web interface to set up your ad campaign.
4. Review costs carefully: Because you’re bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system, you avoid the extra 15 to 20% tax.

Real Examples

For example, a post that costs $100 to boost on Instagram via the iPhone app might actually cost $115 to $120 due to Apple’s added fees. However, if the same post is boosted via the Instagram website, the $100 budget is the actual amount spent on ads, providing better value for your advertising investment.

Common Mistakes

• Boosting posts only through the iPhone app without realizing that it increases your ad spending.
• Assuming the boost costs are the same regardless of platform or device.
• Ignoring alternative ways to set up and manage Instagram ads that could save money.

FAQs

Q: Why does Apple charge extra fees for ads purchased through the iPhone app?
Apple has a policy of taking a percentage cut (tax) on digital transactions made within apps on their devices, which increases the cost of boosting ads directly from the iPhone.

Q: Can I still boost posts on Instagram using other devices?
Yes, boosting through the Instagram website or other devices not running Apple’s ecosystem will avoid the extra tax.

Q: Does this apply to all Instagram ads?
This primarily affects ads purchased via Apple’s in-app purchase system, typically when boosting posts directly from the Instagram iPhone app.

Key Takeaways

• Always opt to boost Instagram posts from your web browser to avoid extra costs.
• Avoid using the iPhone app for boosting posts to prevent paying Apple’s 15 to 20% tax on ads.
• Saving on ad costs means more of your budget goes directly to reaching your audience.