Instagram Pricing & Strategy
Instagram is a bifurcated platform. Reels act like TikTok (reach to non-followers), while Stories act like an email list (high conversion to existing followers).
Stories vs. Reels Pricing
| Format | Avg CPM (Reach) | Primary Use Case |
|---|---|---|
| Stories (Set of 3) | $10 - $25 | Direct Conversion / Link Clicks |
| Reels (In-feed) | $8 - $15 | Brand Awareness / Top of Funnel |
| Static Post | $5 - $10 | Mostly dead. Avoid unless buying image rights. |
The Story Sequence
Never buy a single Story frame. It is too easy to skip. Always buy a minimum of 3 frames:
- Frame 1: The Hook (No branding).
- Frame 2: The Problem + Your Product.
- Frame 3: The CTA + Link sticker (Make sure they use UTM parameters, see Tracking).
Tool: IG Story Link Click Estimator
--
Negotiating Instagram Deals
Creators often bundle Reels + Stories. Ask them to unbundle it. If you want conversions, buy only the Stories. If you want to run paid ads, buy the Reel and secure whitelisting rights.