Instagram has become a powerhouse for event promotion. With over 2 billion active users, 70% of whom regularly follow brands, Instagram offers a uniquely visual, highly engaging platform to build momentum before your event even begins.
Why Instagram Ads Work So Well for Events
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58% of users say they become more interested in an event or brand after seeing it in Instagram Stories.
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Instagram's algorithm prioritizes content with engagement, making it ideal for promotions tied to excitement, exclusivity, and interaction.
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With placements across Reels, Stories, Feed, and Explore, your ad can appear where users are actively discovering new content.
Instagram Stories Boost Event Interest: Over half of users say Stories increase their likelihood to attend
For guidance on turning awareness into attendance, read Top Strategies to Retarget Competitor Audiences.
Best Types of Instagram Ads for Events
1. Stories Ads
Use countdown stickers, polls, and swipe-up CTAs to build urgency and direct users to register.
2. Reels Ads
Quick, authentic, and optimized for attention. Use them for teaser videos, behind-the-scenes clips, or influencer shoutouts.
3. Carousel Ads
Perfect for multi-day events or showcasing different speakers, venues, or event highlights.
4. Explore Page Ads
Capture the attention of users browsing new content and trends. Great for festivals, pop-ups, and live experiences.
Popular Instagram Ad Formats for Event Promotion: Use each one strategically to increase engagement and RSVPs
How to Set Up an Instagram Ad Campaign for Events
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Go to Facebook Ads Manager (Meta Business Suite)
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Choose your campaign objective: Event Responses, Engagement, or Conversions
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Set your audience (use lookalikes, custom audiences, or retargeting)
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Select Manual Placements and choose Instagram-only, or let Advantage+ handle cross-platform delivery
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Use vertical formats (9:16), high-energy visuals, and event-relevant CTAs like “RSVP Now” or “Join the Countdown”
Learn how to maximize targeting in Step-by-Step Guide to Hyperlocal Facebook Targeting.
Keywords to Boost Performance
Use these high-performing interest and audience-based keywords in your targeting and ad copy:
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"event near me"
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"live music fans"
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"upcoming webinars"
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"free networking event"
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"local social event"
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"RSVP now"
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"pop-up experience"
Want help building the right audience? Start with How to Create Lookalike Audiences from Competitor Pages.
Instagram Ad Tips for Better Engagement
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Add interactive features (polls, sliders, questions) in Stories to boost reach
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Feature user-generated content from past events for credibility
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Use early bird deadlines and exclusive access CTAs to increase urgency
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Launch a multi-day reminder sequence leading up to the event
LeadEnforce + Instagram = Full-Funnel Strategy
With LeadEnforce, you can:
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Find hidden audiences based on event and location interest
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Retarget warm leads from Instagram engagement
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Build lookalikes from past attendees and competitor followers
Then retarget cross-platform to seal the deal. For advanced techniques, visit Build Lookalike Audiences That Actually Convert.
Final Thoughts
Instagram Ads are a natural fit for modern event promotion. They're immersive, mobile-first, and designed for sharing. Pair them with smart targeting and full-funnel remarketing through LeadEnforce to ensure your event doesn't just get seen—it gets packed.
