Which tools offer the best Instagram post performance benchmarks?

Understanding how well Instagram posts are performing compared to industry standards is crucial for brands, marketers, and content creators. Knowing the benchmarks helps refine strategies, optimize content, and ultimately boost engagement. With the growing importance of visual content, selecting the right tool to analyze Instagram post performance can make a significant difference in campaign outcomes.

Several tools on the market offer Instagram post performance benchmarks, each with its strengths. From follower engagement rates to reach and hashtag comparisons, these tools deliver rich insights to guide strategic decisions.

Top Tools for Instagram Post Performance Benchmarks

1. Iconosquare

Iconosquare is a favorite among social media professionals looking for in-depth analytics and benchmarking capabilities. It allows users to compare their Instagram engagement and reach against others in similar industries.

• Benchmarking Features: Real-time comparisons with competitors, industry averages for engagement and reach.
• Other Highlights: Post scheduling, comment tracking, and hashtag performance analysis.

2. Sprout Social

Sprout Social offers a comprehensive suite for social media management, including strong Instagram analytics and reporting. The platform’s benchmarking capabilities provide excellent reference points for post performance.

• Benchmarking Features: Visualized comparison charts, trend tracking, and industry-specific KPIs.
• Other Highlights: Multi-channel monitoring and robust team collaboration features.

3. Rival IQ

Rival IQ stands out for its competitor tracking and industry-specific benchmark reports. It covers metrics like average likes, comments per post, and engagement rates per thousand followers.

• Benchmarking Features: Side-by-side competitor performance comparisons, real-time data updates, and sector-specific averages.
• Other Highlights: Social listening tools and alert systems for account performance anomalies.

4. Later

Originally a post scheduler for Instagram, Later has evolved to include useful analytics, especially for visual content performance. It’s particularly good for benchmarking Stories and carousel posts.

• Benchmarking Features: Best time to post analysis, historical performance tracking, Story interaction comparison.
• Other Highlights: Visual calendar and drag-and-drop scheduling interface.

5. Socialbakers (now part of Emplifi)

Socialbakers suites cater to large enterprises and offer one of the most full-featured benchmarking tools available. Its AI-driven insights give precise comparisons based on industry and region.

• Benchmarking Features: AI-generated performance ratings, demographic-specific analysis, custom benchmarking reports.
• Other Highlights: Content scoring, sentiment analysis, and influencer performance tracking.

Key Metrics to Compare

When evaluating benchmark tools, it’s essential to focus on the key performance indicators (KPIs) that influence Instagram post success:

1. Engagement Rate: Average likes, shares, saves, and comments per post.
2. Reach and Impressions: Total number of unique views versus total impressions earned.
3. Follower Growth Rate: Benchmark how quickly your account grows compared to competitors.
4. Hashtag Performance: Effectiveness of hashtags in attracting engagement or reach.

Choosing the Right Tool

Selecting the best tool depends on the size of the business, industry needs, and budget. For small brands or influencers, tools like Later or Iconosquare offer affordable, impactful features. Enterprise-level companies may need the broader analytics coverage of Sprout Social or Emplifi.

The goal of benchmarking is not merely to analyze past performance but to inform future strategies. Having access to precise benchmark data ensures your Instagram strategy evolves with data-driven insights, helping you stay ahead in the fast-changing social media landscape.

FAQ: Instagram Post Performance Benchmark Tools

• Q: What is a good benchmark for Instagram engagement rate?
  A: A typical engagement rate varies by industry, but generally, 1–3% is considered average, while over 5% is excellent.
• Q: Can I get benchmarking data on Instagram Stories?
  A: Yes, tools like Later and Iconosquare provide benchmark data for Story views, replies, and exits, among other metrics.
• Q: Are free tools available for Instagram benchmarking?
  A: Some tools offer limited free plans (like Later), but more advanced benchmarking typically requires a paid plan.
• Q: How often should Instagram performance be benchmarked?
  A: Monthly reviews are ideal, though weekly tracking can help stay agile during campaigns or promotions.
• Q: Do these tools support tracking competitor performance?
  A: Yes, platforms like Rival IQ and Sprout Social excel in offering competitor benchmarking features.