How to launch an Instagram Ad without posting? (Dark Post)

Creating an Instagram ad without posting it organically on your feed is a common approach for advertisers who want their ads to be separate from their regular content, and this is often referred to as running a Dark Post. Here's how you can do it using Meta Ads Manager (since Instagram ads are managed through it):

1. Access Meta Ads Manager:

   • Go to Meta Ads Manager. Ensure you're using an account that has access to the Instagram account you want to advertise with.

2. Create a New Campaign:

   • Click on the "+ Create" button.

   • Choose your campaign objective based on what you want to achieve (e.g., Brand Awareness, Traffic, Conversions).

3. Set Up Ad Set:

   • Choose the Instagram account you'll be advertising with.

   • Define your target audience, placements, budget, and schedule. Under "Placements," you can select "Edit Placements" and specify that you want your ad to appear only on Instagram.

4. Create Your Ad:

   • You'll have the option to choose the format of your ad, such as a single image or video, carousel, or slideshow.

   • Upload your chosen image or video.

   • Fill out the text fields, such as the primary text, headline, and description. Add a call-to-action button if needed.

   • On this same page, you'll see a section to "Use Existing Post." Since you want to create an ad without posting, ignore this section and proceed with the ad creation.

5. Review and Submit:

   • Once you've set everything up, review your settings to ensure everything looks correct.

   • Click the "Submit" or "Publish" button to send your ad for review.

Once approved by Facebook/Instagram, your ad will start running on Instagram based on your selected placements and target audience. This ad will not appear as an organic post on your Instagram profile, but it will be shown to the users you've targeted in their feeds or stories.