How to Avoid Instagram's 30% Extra Charge on iPhone Ads: A Complete Guide
Key Things to Know
  • Ads managed through Instagram’s web version or Android devices are not affected by the 30% surcharge.

  • Meta’s Ad Manager provides an alternative way to manage campaigns without incurring extra fees, offering more detailed control over targeting and budgets.

Instagram has introduced a 30% additional charge for ads run through the Instagram app on iPhone devices, effective July 8th. In this guide, we'll explain why this fee is being implemented, how it affects your ad budget, and most importantly, how to avoid paying it while still running successful Instagram ad campaigns.

Why Is Instagram Charging 30% More on iPhone Ads?

This extra charge is due to Apple’s App Store policies, which take a 30% cut of in-app purchases. Since Instagram’s ad purchases through its iPhone app fall under this category, Instagram has passed this cost directly onto advertisers.

Tip: Important If you’re placing ads through the Instagram app on your iPhone, you will be hit with this 30% markup, regardless of whether you're boosting posts, promoting engagement, or running full-scale campaigns.

This charge doesn’t apply to Android devices or Instagram’s web version.

How to Avoid Instagram’s 30% Extra Charge

The good news is, you don’t have to pay this fee if you follow these steps:

  1. Pause Current Ads Before July 8th

    Note: Ongoing ads on iPhone will be subject to the extra fee after July 8th. Review and pause them before this deadline to avoid automatic charges.
  2. Use Instagram’s Web Browser Version for Ads

    You can avoid the 30% fee by managing ads via Instagram’s web version instead of the app.

    Tip: Important Using Safari or Chrome on your iPhone, log into Instagram.com to manage ads. The functionality is nearly identical, and you won’t incur the extra charge.
  3. Switch to Android for Ad Management

    If you have access to an Android device, use it to manage Instagram ads. Ads run through Instagram’s app on Android are not subject to the 30% surcharge.

  4. Use Meta’s Ad Manager

    Meta’s Ad Manager is another option to manage Instagram and Facebook ads without the additional fee. It offers more detailed control over ad settings and performance tracking.

    Note: While some users report lower Instagram follower growth with ads managed through Meta’s Ad Manager, this may depend on the specifics of your campaign.

Why You Should Act Now

Ignoring this policy can lead to a significant increase in ad costs. For those who rely on Instagram ads for business growth, an extra 30% in ad spend can quickly escalate.

Tip: Important Review your current campaigns and choose a method to avoid this fee before the costs add up.

By taking these steps, you can continue running effective Instagram and Facebook ad campaigns without paying more than necessary. Whether you choose to use Instagram’s web version, an Android device, or Meta’s Ad Manager, there are ways to bypass this extra cost and keep your advertising budget in check.

Stay proactive, avoid unnecessary fees, and keep growing your business!

Why is Instagram charging 30% more for ads on iPhone?
Instagram is passing along the 30% fee charged by Apple for in-app purchases on iPhone devices. This fee applies only to ads managed through the Instagram app on iPhones.
How can I avoid the 30% Instagram surcharge on iPhone ads?
You can avoid the surcharge by managing your ads via Instagram’s web version, using an Android device, or utilizing Meta’s Ad Manager instead of the iPhone app.
Does this 30% fee apply to Android and web versions of Instagram?
No, this fee only applies to ads run through the Instagram app on iPhone. Android devices and Instagram’s web platform are not subject to this surcharge.

Tags:

  • Instagram ads
  • iPhone ad surcharge
  • save on Instagram ads
  • Facebook ads
  • avoid extra ad costs
  • Meta Ad Manager
  • Instagram ad strategy