Creating engaging content for social media platforms requires an approach that truly impacts and influences the audience. It can be tricky sometimes, especially when you’re trying to grab the attention of Instagram’s visually-driven audience while still appealing to the professionals on LinkedIn. Thankfully, there are some content ideas that work beautifully on both the platforms.
Here are four straightforward ideas to help you maximize engagement and reach on Instagram and LinkedIn:
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Carousels: Captivating Storytelling
Carousels are one of the most engaging formats on social media. They allow you to break down complex ideas into organized, easily readable slides, making them perfect for storytelling or sharing tips.
- Why they work on LinkedIn: LinkedIn posts with images receive two times higher engagement than text-only posts. Carousels simplify detailed topics, making them useful for professionals who value clarity and actionable insights.
- Why they work on Instagram: Instagram users spend 70% more time on carousel posts compared to single image posts. The swipe feature keeps them hooked, encouraging a deeper level interaction.
Quick tips for great Carousels:
- Start with a bold headline that grabs attention.
- Use the first slide to “hook” your audience.
- End with clear, practical takeaways.
- Keep fonts readable and visuals clean for mobile-friendly design.
As Seth Godin famously said, “Why waste a sentence saying nothing?” Carousels let every slide say something meaningful.
Q&A Videos & Static Posts: Develop Thought Leadership
One of the easiest ways to connect with your audience is answering the questions they are already asking. It shows you understand their needs and are ready to help.
- Why they work on LinkedIn: LinkedIn is the top platform for B2B marketers, with 80% of leads generated through LinkedIn which means providing clear, actionable answers can set you apart as a reliable voice in your field.
- Why they work on Instagram: 78% of Instagram users prefer short videos to know about products or services, so a 30 second Q&A video can have a surprisingly big impact.
Static Q&A posts can work wonders too, especially when they are paired with clean visuals and bite sized answers.
How to make it work:
- Choose questions that genuinely matter to your audience.
- Keep your answers short and clear.
- Add captions to your videos, ensuring that your content is accessible to everyone.
- Encourage discussion and comments from your audience to keep them interested.
Live Interviews: Authenticity & Real-Time Engagement
Live interviews are a great way to engage in real-time, share real stories, and address audience questions on the spot.
- Why it works on LinkedIn: LinkedIn users value genuine discussions. Live sessions featuring experts or team members can maximize the engagement by 24%.
- Why it works on Instagram: Instagram Live videos generate 10 times more comments than regular posts. Casual, behind-the-scenes chats or product demos resonate well with the viewers.
Advice for Achieving Success in Live Interviews:
- Use teasers and countdowns to advertise the event in advance.
- Respond to queries from the audience to keep the session engaging.
- Turn highlights into carousel posts or little video snippets.
- For a polished appearance, make sure the lighting and audio are of the highest caliber.
As Maya Angelou once said, “The desire to reach hearts is wise.” Live sessions are your chance to connect on a more meaningful level with your audience.
Opinion Posts: Promote Discussions & Foster a Community
Opinion-based posts encourage interaction and conversations by allowing experts and companies to exchange distinctive viewpoints on market developments.
- Why It Works on LinkedIn: Posts that spark important discussions and arguments are more likely to be shared and commented on.
- Why It Works on Instagram: People react favorably to brief captions or videos that express relatable or divisive viewpoints.
How to create opinion posts:
- Pick a topic that’s trending or relevant to your industry.
- Use an approachable, conversational tone.
- Ask for audience opinion to encourage engagement.
- Pair your post with a relevant visual or quote graphic.
Creating content that works on both LinkedIn and Instagram doesn’t have to be overly complicated. Focus on what your audience finds useful, keep it simple, and make it relatable. From carousels to live sessions, these content ideas are designed to help you connect, share, and grow in meaningful ways.
The Key to a Winning Content Strategy
- Carousels: Perfect for narrating and simplifying complex topics.
- Q&A Static Posts & Videos: Establish yourself as an authority in the field.
- Live Interviews: Build trust and engage your audience in real time.
- Opinion Posts: Promote conversations and raise awareness.
Are you ready to try out these ideas? We would love to know how they worked for you.