How to Sell on Instagram: Complete Setup, Content & Strategies with Pippit

Why & how selling on Instagram matters to brands

Selling on Instagram isn't just a trend; it's a smart move for any brand looking to grow. With a massive audience already in a buying mindset, it's the perfect place to showcase your products visually and tell your brand story in a way that feels personal and engaging. Features like in-app shopping make it easy for users to go from browsing to buying in seconds. Even if you're figuring out how to sell on Instagram without a website, tools like DMs and tagged posts help you make sales directly. Plus, built-in insights and analytics let you fine-tune your strategy, so every post works harder for your business.

How to set up your Instagram business account for success

Before you can start selling on Instagram, it's crucial to build a strong foundation. Setting up your profile the right way helps your brand look professional, attract the right audience, and makes the shopping journey seamless for potential customers. Here's how to do it right:

• Switch to Business/Creator account: Upgrade your personal profile to a professional account to unlock Instagram's full suite of business tools. This includes access to insights, ads, product tagging, and shopping features, everything you need to start selling on Instagram effectively.
• Optimize bio and profile image: Use a transparent logo as your profile picture and craft a bio that explains what you sell and who it's for. Add keywords like "DM to order" or "shop our collection" to guide visitors immediately.
• Add a contact button and website: Make it easy for people to reach you via email, call, or directions with action buttons. If you're wondering how to sell on Instagram without a website, you can link a Linktree or similar tool for multiple CTA options.
• Use a branded hashtag: A unique hashtag boosts discoverability and creates a space where user-generated content lives. Encourage customers to tag their purchases. This builds trust and strengthens your branded voice.
• Connect the product catalog for shopping: Link your online store or product catalog through Meta Commerce Manager to activate Instagram Shopping. This allows you to tag products directly in your posts, Reels, and Stories, making it easier for users to browse and buy without leaving the app. This is a key step in mastering how to sell on the Instagram shop.
• Set up action buttons: Use built-in buttons like "Order Now" or "Book" depending on your niche. These make it easy for followers to take action without needing to leave the app.

Now that your Instagram business profile is ready, the next step is creating content that stops the scroll. Eye-catching videos and polished product images are key, and with Pippit, you can make them effortlessly in just a few clicks.

Create stunning Instagram business videos & photos with Pippit

Pippit is your all-in-one creative tool designed for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and content creators looking to stand out on Instagram. Whether you're figuring out how to sell products on Instagram or want to boost engagement, Pippit helps you create scroll-stopping videos and professional product images in seconds. With one-click video generation, AI-powered image background removal, customizable templates, and built-in Instagram publishing tools, it takes heavy lifting out of content creation. From daily product posts to Reels and promo videos, Pippit simplifies it all. Let's walk you through how to make stunning visuals that bring your brand and products to life.

How to create product marketing images for Instagram

Creating eye-catching product marketing images is key to capturing attention on Instagram, and one of the easiest ways to do that is by changing the background to match your brand's vibe. With Pippit's AI Background tool, you can do this in seconds. Just follow the simple steps below.

STEP 1
1. Click on AI Background from the Image studio

Navigate to the left panel and click on, ''Image studio'' and then select ''AI background'' to easily transform your product image by replacing or enhancing the background with clean, brand-friendly visuals generated by AI.

STEP 2
1. Upload the Image and change the background

Once you click on ''AI background'', a dialog box will pop up where you can upload your product photo or drag and drop it in. Pippit's AI will instantly remove the original background, giving you a clean, professional look ready for customization.

After the background is removed from your image, you'll see three smart AI Background tools on the left panel to help you enhance your visuals. The ''Presets'' option lets you browse ready-made background themes, just choose any and click ''Generate'' and Pippit will give you four beautiful variations to choose from. Want something more personalized? Use the ''Prompt'' option to describe the kind of background you want, and the AI will bring your vision to life. If you already have a style in mind, the ''Reference'' option allows you to upload an image, and Pippit will create a similar-looking background for you. It's a quick, creative way to make your product photos stand out.

STEP 3
1. Download the perfect marketing product image for Instagram

Once you've customized the background, you can enhance your product image further by adding text using the tools on the left panel, perfect for highlighting key details or pricing. When you're happy with the design, head to the top-right corner and click ''Download''. From there, choose your preferred format, adjust watermark settings, select the image size, and hit ''Download'' again to save your polished Instagram-ready product image.

How to create an engaging marketing video for Instagram in clicks

Creating engaging marketing videos for Instagram doesn't have to be time-consuming or complicated. With Pippit, you can generate scroll-worthy videos in just a few clicks—perfect for promoting products and driving sales. Follow the easy steps below to get started.

STEP 1
1. Enter a product link or add media

To start creating your Instagram marketing video with Pippit, click the link above and select "Video Generator" from the left panel. On the main screen, you'll find a box titled "Turn anything into videos." Here, you can paste a product link, upload images or videos, or even add a document to let the AI generate your video. For a quick, product-focused Instagram video, just drop in your product link and click ''Generate''. Pippit takes care of the rest.

A new window titled "How you want to create a video" will appear, where Pippit automatically pulls product images and details from the link you entered. You can enhance the visuals by enabling the ''Auto enhance'' feature, which adds a clean white background for a polished, professional look. As you scroll down, choose your preferred ''Video type'', for Instagram, go with ''Product highlights'' or ''Product reels'' for the best engagement. Hover over each option to preview AI-generated scripts, and feel free to edit them to match your branded voice. You can also customize settings like Smart avatars, Voice, Language, and Video length. Once you're ready, click Generate to create a high-quality Instagram video in seconds.

STEP 2
1. Edit and customize your video

Once your Instagram video is generated, you can explore various theme-based templates like Product highlights, Funny memes, and Product reels-style layouts. To personalize your video, simply hover over your favorite template and click the pencil icon or select "Quick Edit." This allows you to adjust visuals, update text, and customize elements to match your brand's style, making your video stand out and capture attention on Instagram.

Inside the editing panel, you can fine-tune your Instagram video by editing the script, selecting from a range of AI avatars, and adjusting voice settings to suit your branded tone. Make the video truly your own by adding custom clips or product images, changing text, and tweaking fonts, caption colors, and transitions. For more in-depth customization, click "Edit More" in the top right corner to access advanced editing tools and elevate the overall look and feel of your Instagram content.

When you click "Edit More," you unlock a comprehensive editing suite that gives you full creative control over your Instagram videos. This powerful toolkit lets you easily add text, stickers, logos, and other visual elements to your video frames, helping you create a unique and branded look. You can also incorporate trending music tracks to make your content more engaging, and adjust audio levels and playback speed for perfect pacing. Additionally, you have the flexibility to change backgrounds and animations to match your brand style, and fine-tune aspect ratios to ensure your video fits perfectly across Instagram's different formats. These polished, eye-catching marketing videos attract potential consumers, helping you sell products on Instagram.

STEP 3
1. Export your video

Once you're satisfied with your edits, click "Export" in the top-right corner. You can choose "Publish" to post your Instagram video instantly or select "Download" to save it for future use. Before downloading, you have the option to customize settings like resolution, quality, frame rate, and format to ensure it fits your Instagram strategy. After publishing, Pippit also provides built-in analytics that let you track your video's performance, including views, engagement, and watch time. This helps you understand what's working, so you can refine your content and drive even better results with future Instagram marketing videos.

Core functionalities of Pippit's viral Instagram content creator

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1. One-click video generator: Pippit makes content creation effortless with its one-click video generator—just drop in a product link or upload media, and let the AI do the rest. It's the fastest way to create high-quality, scroll-stopping Instagram videos that drive engagement and sales.
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2. Engaging AI avatars & talking photos: Bring your brand to life with AI-powered avatars and talking photos that add a human touch to your content. These features are perfect for creating explainer videos, product highlights, or customer-style reviews that feel authentic and relatable.
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3. Customizable video & image templates: Choose from a wide variety of professionally designed templates for Instagram posts, Reels, and Stories. Easily customize them to fit your brand colors, fonts, and tone, making it easier than ever to stay consistent and on-brand.
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4. Built-in Instagram publisher & analytics: Save time by publishing directly to Instagram from Pippit, and track how your content performs with built-in analytics. Get insights on views, engagement, and watch time to understand what resonates and optimize future content.
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5. Advanced editing tools: Whether you're fine-tuning video timing, adjusting audio levels, or adding text animations, Pippit's advanced editing tools give you complete control. You can polish every detail to ensure your content looks professional and impactful.

How to craft content that turns followers into buyers

Creating content that actually drives sales on Instagram takes more than just posting frequently; it's about delivering value, building trust, and encouraging action. If you're learning how to sell on Instagram, the tips below will help you turn passive scrollers into loyal customers.

• Post eye-catching visuals: Invest in high-quality images and videos that reflect your brand's identity and catch attention instantly. Tools like Pippit make it easy to create stunning content that aligns with your goals and helps you sell things on Instagram effortlessly.
• Use reels and stories: Reels and Stories are powerful tools for real-time engagement and visibility. Use them to showcase behind-the-scenes content, quick product features, or limited-time offers that prompt viewers to take immediate action.
• Share product demos: Demonstrate how your product works through short, informative videos that solve a problem or show benefits clearly. This helps build trust and makes it easier for customers to decide to buy directly from your Instagram.
• Add UGC content: Repost customer reviews, unboxing videos, or tagged photos to build social proof. User-generated content not only boosts credibility but also makes your audience feel involved in your brand journey.
• Tell your brand story: Share what your brand stands for, its mission, values, and journey, to build an emotional connection with your audience. This authenticity can be a key driver in helping people choose you over competitors when deciding how to buy things on Instagram.

How to sell on Instagram without a website

Don't have a website? No worries—Instagram offers plenty of built-in tools to help you sell directly on the platform. Whether you're just starting out or want a simpler setup, here's how to sell on Instagram for free without needing an online store.

• Enable Instagram shopping: Set up Instagram Shopping through the app by linking a product catalog via Meta Commerce Manager. This lets you tag products directly in your posts and stories, a must-have if you're exploring how to sell things on Instagram without a website.
• Sell via DMs and comments: Encourage followers to place orders directly through DMs or by commenting on your posts. This casual, personal approach is practical for creators and small businesses looking for ways to sell on Instagram for free.
• Tag products in posts: Product tags allow users to tap and view pricing, details, and buying options instantly. It's a seamless, website-free method to sell products on Instagram with fewer clicks and more conversions.

• Promoted in stories and highlights: Use Instagram Stories to showcase products with features like polls, links, and stickers, then save them to Highlights for long-term visibility. This tactic boosts exposure and supports ongoing sales without a dedicated site.
• Accept payments via UPI or PayPal: Share UPI IDs, Meta Pay, or PayPal links directly through DMs or stories for quick and secure payments. This keeps the entire purchase journey on Instagram, making it ideal for anyone learning how to sell on Instagram without a website.

How to sell on Instagram with Shopify integration

If you already use Shopify, connecting it with Instagram can streamline your entire selling process. It allows you to sync your product catalog, tag items in posts, and offer a seamless checkout experience, making it easier to scale your store through Instagram Shopping.

• Follow commerce policies: Ensure your Instagram and Shopify stores comply with Meta's Commerce Policies, which cover everything from transparency to prohibited items. Following these rules is essential for maintaining your eligibility to sell on Instagram with Shopify.
• Sell eligible products only: Only physical goods that meet Instagram's criteria can be sold. Avoid restricted categories to ensure smooth syncing and uninterrupted access to shopping features across both platforms.
• Disclose paid partnerships: If you're collaborating with influencers or running affiliate campaigns, use Instagram's "Paid Partnership" tag. This builds trust with your audience and keeps your brand compliant with advertising guidelines.
• Avoid false claims: Be honest and accurate in your product descriptions, images, and promotions. Misleading claims can lead to content being flagged or even losing access to Instagram Shopping features.
• Offer secure checkout: Shopify enables a trusted and secure checkout experience with built-in payment protection. Linking it with Instagram makes the buying process smooth and reliable, boosting your credibility and conversion rates.

Conclusion

In this guide, we covered everything you need to know about how to sell on Instagram, from setting up your business account and creating high-converting content to selling without a website or through Shopify. With the right strategies and eye-catching visuals, you can turn followers into loyal buyers. And with Pippit's powerful AI tools for video and image creation, selling on Instagram becomes faster, easier, and way more effective. Start creating with Pippit today to grow your brand and boost your sales.

FAQs

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1. How do I set up Instagram Shopping to sell products?

To set up Instagram Shopping, you need a Business or Creator account, a connected Facebook Page, and a product catalog linked via Meta Commerce Manager. Once approved, you can tag products in posts and stories. Tools like Pippit help you create polished content that makes those tagged products more appealing.

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1. What are the rules for selling on Instagram in 2025?

You must follow Instagram's latest commerce policies, only sell eligible products, and be transparent about partnerships or promotions. Violating these rules can restrict shopping features. Using Pippit ensures your content is compliant, professional, and optimized for conversions.

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1. Is it possible to sell on Instagram for free?

Yes, you can sell directly through DMs, comments, and tagged posts without needing a website or ad spend. It's a great way for small sellers to start. With Pippit, you can create standout visuals and videos that help drive those free, organic sales.