In the past couple of years, many brand and influencers have used ‘giveaways’ on Instagram. These giveaways aim to boost the creators following while simultaneously promoting products. Although these giveaways can help businesses and influencers gain a following, they can have negative effects. Continue reading to learn more about promotional giveaways to see if one could benefit your account or business!

What is an Instagram giveaway?

An Instagram giveaway is a short-term promotion which followers enter with hopes of winning a product or experience. For example, a hotel could giveaway a free night at their property to a follower who reposts and likes their content. These promotions encourage follower engagement, which in turn can lead to an increase in sales or profit in the future.

In the picture below, you can se Shea moistures 2018 giveaway in collaboration with the New Voices Fund. This giveaway aimed to promote new holiday themed products while also teaming up with Melissa Butler.

What are the pros of Instagram giveaways?

• Increased amount of followers: many giveaways require anyone who enters to follow the account in order to win.
• More follower engagement: followers will like and share the post.
• Brand awareness: more people can come into contact with giveaway promotional posts because others share them.

And, the cons?

• Increased amount of short term followers: many people will unfollow accounts after the giveaway ends.
• Upset followers: in some cases followers will become upset if they do not win.