Wondering which Instagram brands are worth following for top-notch content and strategies? This article highlights the best brands on Instagram, positioning them as benchmarks for excellence in branding and marketing. It lists 30 brands across industries like food, fashion, and travel, offering inspiration and insights into their success on Instagram. Understand what makes these best brands stand out and why you should follow them.

Introduction to Instagram

Instagram has become one of the most influential visual platforms in the world, boasting over 2 billion monthly active users. For brands, this means an unparalleled opportunity to connect with a vast and diverse audience. What started as a simple photo-sharing app has evolved into a dynamic hub for social commerce, marketing campaigns, and community building.

With features like the Instagram Feed, Stories, Reels, and IGTV, brands can showcase their products, services, and brand personality in creative and engaging ways. Success on Instagram isn’t just about posting pretty pictures—it’s about developing a content strategy that resonates with your target audience and encourages interaction. Leveraging user-generated content is key to building a loyal community, as it not only increases engagement but also fosters trust and authenticity.

To stand out, brands need to create a strong brand identity, consistently share engaging content, and actively participate in community building. Whether you’re a lifestyle brand, a beauty brand, or a tech innovator, Instagram offers the tools to tell your story, connect with your audience, and grow your business in a visually compelling way.

Key Takeaways

• Top brands across various sectors use Instagram effectively through engaging visuals, user-generated content, and relatable storytelling to build strong connections with their audiences.

• Food and fashion brands like Shake Shack and ASOS excel by leveraging mouth-watering imagery and influencer marketing, respectively, to attract and maintain customer interest.

• Home decor, travel, and tech brands such as IKEA, Airbnb, and GoPro showcase their offerings through innovative strategies that create engagement and foster active communities by prioritizing community engagement and user interaction on Instagram.

• Leading brands also focus on growing their Instagram followers to build brand awareness and loyalty, often leveraging follower counts for collaborations and creating Instagram-specific content to increase engagement.

Best Food & Restaurant Brands on Instagram

Food and restaurant brands have mastered the art of making our mouths water with their Instagram content. These brands excel at product promotion by blending it with engaging content such as enticing food photos, humorous memes, or behind-the-scenes insights. They also use Instagram to announce product releases, generating excitement and anticipation among their followers.

Here are some of the best food and restaurant brands making waves on Instagram.

Shake Shack

Shake Shack has quickly become a fan favorite on Instagram, thanks to its mouth-watering visuals of burgers, fries, and shakes. Their content not only highlights their classic menu items but also effectively introduces new offerings, keeping their audience engaged and craving more.

By consistently sharing engaging content, Shake Shack is able to expand and connect with their customer base on Instagram, reaching new followers while strengthening relationships with existing fans.

Shake Shack captivates followers and drives interaction with their delicious and visually appealing posts.

Taco Bell

Taco Bell is a master at using humor and vibrant imagery to connect with a younger demographic. Taco Bell uses memes, user-generated content, and colorful visuals to create a fun and relatable Instagram presence.

This strategy is highly effective in reaching a wide range of Instagram users and building brand awareness.

Their strategy of combining humor with mouth-watering food photos ensures that their followers are always entertained and engaged.

Domino's

Domino’s stands out on Instagram by offering a behind-the-scenes look into their operations through Instagram Stories. This transparency fosters a connection with their audience, building trust and enhancing customer interactions.

Domino’s also uses Instagram to engage and provide value to their existing customers by sharing updates, exclusive content, and special offers, which helps strengthen loyalty and keep their current user base informed.

Sharing insights into their processes and promoting offerings innovatively, Domino’s effectively engages followers and maintains their interest.

Top Fashion Brands on Instagram

Fashion brands have a unique advantage on Instagram, where visual appeal is paramount. Big brands in fashion are now adapting their strategies to be more inclusive and social media-driven, focusing on diversity and sustainability. By creating beautiful and engaging posts, these brands attract followers and drive sales, often setting themselves apart from other brands in the industry through innovative content and strategic partnerships.

Here are some top best fashion brands making waves on Instagram with stunning content, effective strategies, and sneak peeks.

ASOS

ASOS is a standout in the fashion industry, heavily utilizing influencer marketing to reach and engage a broader audience. Collaborating with influencers enhances ASOS’s brand visibility and authenticity, establishing it as a top fashion brand to follow.

ASOS’s Instagram page is carefully curated to reflect their brand identity, showcase inclusive and stylish content, and engage their audience through visually appealing posts.

Their strategy of featuring real people wearing their products ensures that their engaging content is relatable and engaging to customers. This approach has created a strong connection with their audience.

Zara

Zara’s content strategy is focused on showcasing their products and telling their story through professional photography. Using static images that align with their brand identity, Zara attracts followers and maintains a strong online presence. Zara’s grid shows their products in a visually appealing and lifestyle-oriented context, reinforcing their brand aesthetic.

Their emphasis on high-quality visuals makes them a top fashion brand to follow on Instagram.

H&M

H&M leverages a mix of product shots, lifestyle content, and collaborations to create a vibrant Instagram presence. H&M keeps their Instagram feed fresh and appealing through influencer collaborations and diverse content types.

H&M's Instagram profile reinforces their brand identity and connects with their audience by showcasing visual storytelling, curated highlights, and interactive features.

Their strategy effectively engages their target audience and enhances their brand visibility, leading to overall business success.

Leading Beauty Brands on Instagram

Beauty brands are known for their innovative content strategies and strong visual branding on Instagram. By showcasing their products in creative and engaging ways, these brands captivate their audience and build a loyal following. Leading beauty brands also provide more value to their followers by sharing tutorials, tips, and exclusive content that enhance the overall experience.

Here are some leading top brands beauty brands on Instagram.

Glossier

Glossier’s approach to Instagram is community-first, creating products that reflect customer needs and reposting user-generated content to encourage engagement. Their Instagram presence feels human and relatable, akin to following a friend.

With their distinct millennial pink packaging designed for sharing, Glossier stands out as one of the best beauty brands on Instagram.

Fenty Beauty

Fenty Beauty’s commitment to inclusive beauty representation is evident in their Instagram content. Featuring models of various ethnicities and body types and promoting makeup tutorials, Fenty Beauty strengthens the emotional bond with consumers.

Their dedication to diversity makes them one of the best beauty brands to follow on Instagram.

Kylie Cosmetics

Kylie Cosmetics keeps their audience engaged with frequent product updates and scarcity marketing by releasing limited edition products. Their Instagram content is characterized by striking imagery and celebrity endorsements, making them one of the best beauty brands to follow.

Using high-quality images and engaging stories, Kylie Cosmetics maintains a strong connection with followers.

Innovative Fitness Brands on Instagram

Fitness brands on Instagram inspire and motivate their followers with visually appealing content that showcases fitness journeys and community engagement. Many of these brands highlight people living their best lives by sharing authentic wellness stories, personal achievements, and healthy food choices to engage and inspire their audience.

Here are some innovative fitness brands excelling on Instagram.

Nike

Nike’s Instagram strategy combines:

• Powerful storytelling

• High-quality professional photography to engage their audience

• Encouragement of user-generated content

• Fostering a community that shares personal fitness journeys

Through these elements, Nike conveys inspiration and empowerment.

Lululemon

Lululemon enhances product visibility by showcasing real-life usage and community-focused content. With a significant Instagram following of 2.9 million, Lululemon shares workout routines and motivational quotes to foster a sense of belonging among their audience.

Their strategy combines product visibility with community engagement, making them one of the best fitness brands to follow on Instagram.

Peloton

Peloton effectively utilizes influencer marketing and intertwines fitness with lifestyle and culture. Peloton’s social media strategy emphasizes direct audience engagement and high visual content, appealing to both fitness enthusiasts and a broader community.

Their approach ensures that content resonates with followers, making them one of the top fitness brands on Instagram.

Home Decor & Interior Design Brands on Instagram

Home decor and interior design brands use Instagram to showcase their creativity and engage with design enthusiasts. For these visually-driven brands, investing in professional photography and curated content makes sense, as it helps capture attention and boost audience engagement. By utilizing beautiful photography and inspirational design ideas, these brands have become popular on Instagram.

Here are some of the top furniture brand current trends home decor brands making waves on Instagram.

IKEA

IKEA incorporates links in their Instagram captions to allow followers to shop directly for featured products. Showcasing creative DIY ideas and room makeovers, IKEA inspires followers to see their products in real-life settings.

Collaborations with influencers further enhance their reach and demonstrate the versatility of their products, making them one of the best home decor brands on Instagram.

West Elm

West Elm leverages branded Story highlights to create a visually cohesive shopping experience for their audience. Incorporating beautiful home tours, vertical how-to videos, and swipe-up links in their Instagram Stories, West Elm provides home decor inspiration and drives sales.

Their use of vertical videos is a significant trend in Instagram Stories, making them one of the top home decor brands to follow.

Crate & Barrel

Crate & Barrel effectively blends professional imagery with user-generated content to maintain a consistent aesthetic on their Instagram feed. Combining professional photography with user-generated content, they create a cohesive and visually appealing feed that boosts engagement.

This strategy makes Crate & Barrel one of the best home decor brands to follow on Instagram.

Travel Brands Making Waves on Instagram

Travel brands capture the essence of wanderlust and adventure through aspirational imagery and unique travel experiences. By engaging their audience with stunning visuals and relatable content, these brands make a significant impact on Instagram.

Here are some of the top travel brands making waves on Instagram.

Airbnb

Airbnb focuses on promoting unique experiences and leveraging influencer partnerships to highlight distinctive travel experiences. Showcasing diverse travel experiences that appeal to various audiences, Airbnb effectively engages followers and builds a strong community.

Their strategy of community building makes them one of the best travel communities brands to follow on Instagram.

National Geographic

National Geographic captivates its audience with wildlife content and fun facts about animals and the environment. Encouraging comments and sharing knowledge, they engage followers and foster a sense of community through evergreen content.

With an impressive following of 278 million on Instagram, National Geographic uses subtle branding to focus on the beauty of the world, making it one of the most engaging travel brands on the platform.

Expedia

Expedia shares beautiful travel photos, user-generated content, and stock photos to engage their audience. Promoting major giveaways and contests, Expedia encourages followers to share their own travel experiences, making their Instagram feed vibrant and interactive.

This strategy not only boosts engagement but also showcases stunning travel visuals, making Expedia one of the best travel brands to follow on Instagram.

Tech Brands Excelling on Instagram

Tech brands leverage Instagram to showcase their innovative products and engage their audience with visually appealing content. By highlighting their technological advancements and connecting with followers through creative posts, these brands excel on Instagram.

Here are some top tech brands making an impact on Instagram.

GoPro

GoPro features user-generated content, including pictures and videos taken using GoPro cameras to showcase real adventures. Engaging their audience with real user experiences and offering pro tips, GoPro creates genuine excitement among followers.

GoPro leverages video content extensively, using formats like Stories and reels to engage their audience, share tutorials, and highlight thrilling adventures, which enhances storytelling and community building.

With a strong presence of 20.7 million followers, GoPro’s adventure-packed content and stunning landscapes inspire purchases and solidify their position as a top tech brand on Instagram.

Tesla

Tesla utilizes Instagram to highlight its cutting-edge technologies and share educational insights about electric vehicle technology. Emphasizing futuristic designs and innovative features, Tesla’s Instagram content is engaging and informative.

Tesla also occasionally shares visually compelling updates related to rocket launches and technological milestones, engaging their audience with dynamic video content and images of these achievements.

This combination of educational content and stunning visuals makes Tesla a great example of one of the best tech brands to follow on Instagram.

Adobe

Adobe regularly features artists who use their tools for creative expression, showcasing the versatility and potential of their software. Offering educational content such as tutorials and workshops, Adobe inspires the creative community and encourages collaboration among artists.

This strategy of promoting user-generated content and supporting the creative community makes Adobe a top tech brand to follow on Instagram.

Unique Brands You Need to See

Some brands on Instagram go above and beyond, using the platform’s features to create a truly memorable and engaging experience for their followers. National Geographic’s Instagram account is a great example of how a brand can use visually stunning content to inspire and educate. Their feed is filled with breathtaking photos and videos of wildlife, landscapes, and cultures from around the world, reflecting a brand personality rooted in exploration and conservation. This approach not only attracts millions of followers but also builds a strong presence and engaged community that values learning and discovery.

Another standout is Liquid Death, a beverage brand that has taken Instagram by storm with its bold, humorous, and unconventional content. By creating content that perfectly aligns with their edgy brand personality, Liquid Death has built a massive following and a loyal community. Their Instagram account is filled with entertaining videos, memes, and creative campaigns that resonate with their target audience, proving that brands on Instagram can succeed by being authentic and daring. These brands are a great example of how creating content that reflects your unique voice and values can drive engagement and foster a passionate community.

Community Building: How Top Brands Foster Loyal Followings

Building a loyal community on Instagram is at the heart of every successful brand’s strategy. Top brands know that community building goes beyond just posting product photos—it’s about creating engaging content that resonates with their target audience and makes followers feel like part of something special. Fitness brands like Nike and GymShark are masters at this, using motivational quotes, behind-the-scenes glimpses, and user-generated content to inspire and connect with their audience. Their Instagram feeds are filled with stories of real people, creating a sense of belonging and motivation that keeps followers coming back.

Influencer marketing is another powerful tool for community building. By partnering with influencers who share their values and have a strong connection with their niche, brands can reach new audiences and create authentic engagement. Beauty brands like Sephora and Huda Beauty excel at this, sharing product updates, sneak peeks, and exclusive offers through their Instagram Stories and Instagram Grid. This approach not only keeps their followers informed but also makes them feel like insiders with access to the latest trends and releases.

By leveraging Instagram’s features—whether it’s a visually appealing feed, interactive Stories, or creative content formats—brands can create a vibrant and engaged community. The key is to consistently deliver value, foster two-way communication, and celebrate your followers through user-generated content and behind-the-scenes moments. This strategy not only boosts engagement but also turns followers into loyal brand advocates.

How Slate Helps Brands Excel on Instagram

Slate is a powerful visual platform that helps brands create consistent, eye-catching, and on-brand content for Instagram. By providing tools and support, Slate enables businesses to compete with top Instagram brands and establish a formidable presence on the platform.

Here’s how Slate helps brands excel on Instagram through consistent branding, efficient content creation, and expert support.

Consistent Branding

Slate’s Brand Hub allows brand managers and designers to publish brand assets that are easily accessible to content creators. Using a unified color palette and ensuring every post reflects the brand identity, Slate helps brands establish a strong presence and engage their audience effectively.

This consistent branding fosters recognition and loyalty among followers, making it a crucial aspect of any successful Instagram strategy and brand personality.

Efficient Content Creation

Slate’s editing experience is fast, lightweight, and powerful, specifically designed for social media teams. Allowing for rapid content updates, Slate helps brands respond promptly to trends on Instagram and maintain engagement with their audience.

These features enable social media marketing teams to produce high-quality content quickly, creating content formats that ensure a visually appealing feed that keeps followers interested and engaged.

Expert Support

Slate offers best-in-class social creative and design support from experts, providing tailored design assistance to elevate the visual appeal of brands’ Instagram profiles. This expert support ensures brands can showcase their products and services in the most visually appealing way, creating a stronger connection with their audience and enhancing their overall Instagram presence.

Summary

In conclusion, the 30 brands we’ve highlighted exemplify the power of Instagram as a platform for engaging with audiences and building strong brand identities. From mouth-watering food photos and stunning fashion visuals to inspiring fitness journeys and breathtaking travel experiences, these brands have mastered the art of captivating their followers. By leveraging innovative strategies and creative content, they set the standard for excellence on Instagram. Whether you’re looking to follow new brands or seeking inspiration for your own Instagram strategy, these brands offer valuable insights and inspiration. Stay inspired, keep engaging, and let your Instagram feed reflect the best of what these top brands have to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Shake Shack's Instagram content so engaging?

Shake Shack's Instagram content is highly engaging due to its visually appealing food images that not only attract attention but also effectively showcase new menu items. This approach enhances customer interaction and builds excitement around their offerings.

How does Taco Bell connect with its younger audience on Instagram?

Taco Bell effectively connects with its younger audience on Instagram by utilizing humor, memes, user-generated content, and vibrant visuals, making their brand relatable and engaging. This approach fosters a fun atmosphere that resonates with the preferences of younger consumers.

What is Slate, and how does it help brands on Instagram?

Slate is a content creation platform that aids brands in developing consistent and visually appealing content for Instagram, ensuring alignment with their brand identity. This empowers social teams to enhance their engagement and presence on the platform.

How does Glossier engage its community on Instagram?

Glossier effectively engages its community on Instagram by reposting user-generated content and developing products that align with customer needs, while maintaining a relatable and human brand presence. This strategy fosters a strong connection with their audience.

What strategies does National Geographic use to engage its audience on Instagram?

National Geographic effectively engages its Instagram audience by posting captivating wildlife content paired with intriguing facts, fostering interaction through comments, and subtly integrating branding to highlight the beauty of nature. This strategy not only captures attention but also encourages knowledge sharing among followers.