Starting in February 2024, if you’re boosting posts on Instagram from your iPhone or iPad using the Instagram iOS app, you’ll notice a new addition to your total cost—a service fee from Apple. This fee is not something Instagram or Meta adds; it’s collected by Apple for transactions made through their App Store. While this may seem like a small change, it can increase your advertising costs by 30%.
So, how can you avoid this extra charge? The good news is, there are several ways to boost your Instagram content without paying Apple’s service fee. Here’s how.
1. Boost from Instagram.com
The easiest way to avoid paying the Apple service fee is to skip the Instagram iOS app altogether and head to instagram.com on your computer or mobile web browser. From here, you can boost your posts just like you would in the app, but without the added Apple service fee. The experience is nearly identical, and your ads will be delivered to your audience just as if you boosted from the app.
Bonus Tip: Bookmark the web version of Instagram on your mobile browser for quick access, so you can boost posts anytime, anywhere, without the extra cost.
2. Use Prepaid Funds
Another way to bypass Apple’s 30% service fee is by using prepaid funds to boost your content from the Instagram iOS app. You can add these funds from your payment settings on instagram.com before switching back to the app. This way, even though you’re boosting from the app, you won’t be charged the Apple service fee because the funds are already in your account.
3. Boost from Meta Business Suite
If you’re managing multiple business accounts or boosting content frequently, Meta Business Suite is a powerful tool. It allows you to manage content across Instagram and Facebook and boost posts without paying Apple’s service fee. You can access Meta Business Suite from your desktop or download the app. This option is ideal if you’re looking for a more comprehensive approach to content management while avoiding the additional costs.
4. Create Ads from Meta Ads Manager
For those who need more detailed targeting and analytics, Meta Ads Manager offers a robust platform to create and manage Instagram ads. Like Meta Business Suite, Ads Manager can be accessed from your desktop or through its own app. When you create ads from here, you’ll not only avoid Apple’s service fee, but you’ll also have access to more advanced ad features, such as split testing and detailed audience segmentation.
In Summary
Apple’s 30% service fee might seem like a small increase, but it can add up, especially for businesses running multiple ads. By boosting content from instagram.com, using prepaid funds, or managing ads through Meta Business Suite and Meta Ads Manager, you can avoid this additional cost and make the most of your advertising budget.
Boost smarter, not more expensive!
