You can add a collaborator to a post after you publish it, but only if you're the original poster
Instagram lets you tag another account as a collaborator on a post you've already shared. When you do this, the post appears on both your profile and theirs, and both of you can see the engagement metrics. The collaborator doesn't have to approve the tag — it goes live immediately. This is different from tagging someone in a caption or comment, which just links to their profile without making them a co-owner of the post.
The catch: you can only add a collaborator if you created the post. If someone else posted it and tagged you, you cannot add additional collaborators to it. Also, Instagram only lets you add one collaborator per post, so you cannot create a group post with three or more people.
Key Takeaways
- Open the post you want to add a collaborator to, tap the three dots in the corner, and select "Add collaborator" from the menu.
- Search for the account you want to add by username, then tap their name to confirm — they do not need to accept the invitation.
- Both accounts will see the post on their profiles, and both can view likes, comments, and shares from the same analytics screen.
- You can remove a collaborator at any time by going back to the same menu and selecting "Remove collaborator."
Step-by-step: adding a collaborator to a published post
Open Instagram and go to the post you want to add a collaborator to. This must be a post you created — you cannot add collaborators to posts made by other people.
Tap the three dots (•••) in the top right corner of the post. A menu will appear with several options. Look for "Add collaborator" and tap it. If you do not see this option, make sure you are the original poster and that you are using the latest version of Instagram.
A search screen will open. Type the username of the account you want to add. Instagram will show you matching results as you type. Tap the account name when you find the right person. That account is now tagged as a collaborator, and the post will appear on their profile immediately.
The collaborator will receive a notification that they have been added to the post, but they cannot decline or remove themselves — only you can remove them. If you want to undo this, go back to the three dots menu and tap "Remove collaborator."
What happens when you add a collaborator
Once someone is added as a collaborator, the post shows up on both profiles. On your profile, it looks like a normal post. On their profile, it also appears as a normal post, but with a small label showing your username to indicate it is a collaboration. Visitors to either profile will see the post in both places.
Both you and the collaborator can see the same analytics for the post. If you tap "Insights" on the post, you will see likes, comments, shares, and reach. The collaborator sees the exact same numbers when they view the post's insights. This is useful if you are working with another creator and want to track performance together.
The collaborator cannot edit the post, delete it, or add more collaborators to it. Only the original poster has those permissions. If the original poster deletes the post, it disappears from both profiles.
Common reasons the "Add collaborator" option does not appear
If you tap the three dots on a post and do not see "Add collaborator," check whether you are the original poster. You cannot add collaborators to posts made by other accounts, even if you are tagged in them. If you are the poster and the option still does not show, your Instagram app may be out of date — go to your phone's app store and install any available updates.
Some business accounts and creator accounts have different settings. If you use a business or creator account, make sure the post is not scheduled or archived. You can only add collaborators to posts that are currently live on your profile. Archived posts cannot have collaborators added to them.
Instagram also does not allow collaborators on Reels, Stories, or carousel posts in some regions. If you are trying to add a collaborator to a Reel or carousel and the option does not appear, this feature may not be available in your country yet. Single-image posts are the most reliable format for adding collaborators.
How to remove a collaborator from a post
Open the post and tap the three dots in the top right corner. Select "Remove collaborator" from the menu. The post will stay on your profile, but it will disappear from the collaborator's profile. They will not receive a notification that they have been removed — the post will simply vanish from their feed and profile.
You can remove a collaborator at any time, even if the post is weeks or months old. There is no limit to how many times you can add and remove collaborators from the same post, though Instagram may rate-limit you if you do this repeatedly in a short time.
Adding collaborators versus tagging someone in a caption
Tagging someone in a caption (by typing @ and their username) is different from adding them as a collaborator. When you tag someone in a caption, it creates a link to their profile, but the post only appears on your profile. They get a notification that you mentioned them, but they are not a co-owner of the post.
Adding a collaborator makes the post appear on both profiles and gives both accounts access to the same analytics. Use collaborator tags when you want to share credit for creating the post or when you are working with another creator on a joint project. Use caption tags when you just want to mention someone or link to their profile.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a collaborator remove themselves from a post?
No. Only the original poster can remove a collaborator. If you have been added as a collaborator and want to be removed, you will need to ask the original poster to do it. There is no way for you to remove yourself.
What if I add a collaborator by mistake?
Go back to the post, tap the three dots, and select "Remove collaborator." The post will disappear from their profile immediately. They will see that the post is gone, but Instagram does not send them a notification explaining why.
Can I add a collaborator to an old post from months ago?
Yes. You can add a collaborator to any post on your profile, no matter how old it is. The post will then appear on the collaborator's profile as well, even though it was originally posted long ago.
Do collaborators need a business or creator account?
No. You can add any type of account as a collaborator — personal, business, or creator accounts all work the same way. The collaborator does not need any special account type to be tagged.
Will the collaborator see my DMs or follower list?
No. Adding someone as a collaborator on a post does not give them access to your private messages, followers, or any other account information. They only see the post itself and its analytics.