What to Post on Instagram When You've Run Out of Ideas

Posted on 9th May, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

It's normal to run out of posting ideas, but it doesn't mean you should stop posting consistently.
When you can't think of anything to post, try a throwback, behind-the-scenes content, share user-generated content, or repurpose old content.
Read on for more tips!

Let's face it - all creators have occasional blocks, whether you can't decide what to post as your next caption or you don't know what content to upload to become Instagram's next star.

Whether you’re a content creator, business owner, or someone who simply enjoys curating a beautiful grid, running out of ideas is entirely normal. But don’t worry, inspiration is never too far away.

Here’s a list of engaging and easy Instagram post ideas to get your creativity flowing again, and help you reconnect with your audience. Let's get into it.

1. Behind-the-Scenes

People love seeing the process behind the product. Whether you're a business, artist, or even a content creator, sharing a behind-the-scenes glimpse builds authenticity and trust, boosting your likes with organic engagement.

Think:

Your workspace setup
How you package products
Blooper moments
Setting up for a shoot or event

Even the seemingly mundane can feel fascinating when framed well. Plus, sharing behind-the-scenes content boosts transparency, helping your followers feel like they know you better and therefore trusting you more and engaging directly. This type of content works in both image and Reel form.

2. “A Day in the Life”

Document your day with a few photos or short videos. You can post this as a carousel or string together clips for a Reel or Story.

Keep it real, people appreciate honesty and relatability. Whether you're working from home, running errands, or juggling parenting duties, share it, even if it's not the most glamorous content!

3. Post a Throwback

Nostalgia is a powerful emotion, and Instagram is the perfect platform to tap into it. Sharing a throwback photo or revisiting a past experience can reignite conversations and reflect on growth. It could be a look at your first product, an early team photo, a childhood memory, or even a snapshot from a long-forgotten holiday. Add a thoughtful caption to reflect on how far you’ve come or what the moment taught you. These posts tend to feel meaningful and provide great opportunities for storytelling.

4. Repurpose Old Content

You don’t always need to reinvent the wheel, especially if your previous ones have been successful. Take a look at your older posts, especially the ones that performed well, and find ways to repurpose them. You might update a caption, turn a quote post into a short video, or split a blog article into multiple carousels. Content repurposing is a smart, time-saving strategy that makes the most of your existing ideas and helps reinforce your key messages over time.

5. Share Tips or Tutorials from Your Niche

You’ve built up knowledge through experience, now share it. After all, if you're a specialist influencer, people are coming to you for your expertise.

Whether you’re a fashion influencer sharing outfit tips, a photographer breaking down lighting setups, or a wellness coach giving mindset advice, offering educational value positions you as an expert. It also drives saves and shares — two key metrics that Instagram prioritises. Keep the tips punchy, relevant, and actionable. Think “3 ways to improve your Reels” or “The one thing that helped me boost engagement this month”.

6. Ask Your Audience

Don't forget, it's not about the content you'd like - it's the content your audience likes. After all, they're the ones who you need engagement from.

Crowdsource ideas directly from your community. Use polls, question stickers, or captions to ask what they want to see more of, tutorials, vlogs, personal stories, or Q&As. You could post something like, “I’m planning my next Reel, what topic would you like me to cover?” or “Need more video ideas… what kind of content do you miss on Instagram?” Not only do you get inspiration, but you also signal that your audience’s voice matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best content to post on Instagram?

The best content to post on Instagram depends on your niche and content style. Ideas for your content include tutorials and tips, day-in-your-life content, GRWM content, and comedy content. The best approach involves combining image posts, Reels, and Stories. When you're posting images, consider carousel posts, which tend to perform better than single images or videos.

What is the best performing Instagram content?

In terms of content style, Reels tend to perform better than regular posts. Popular categories include fashion, beauty, fitness, comedy, and educational. High-performing content has high-quality visuals, use trending styles and is highly engaging and shareable.

Even the best creators run out of steam. That’s not failure; it’s part of the process. The difference lies in knowing how to keep the momentum going even when motivation dips. Use these ideas as creative prompts, not rules, and come back to them whenever you're in a funk.