As we settle into 2020, one thing’s for sure: social media, especially Instagram, is here to stay. With its constantly expanding user base of 1 Billion people use Instagram, and 500 million people use the stories feature new users each month and a prediction that 90% of Instagram users follow business accounts of businesses will be leveraging its potential, Instagram offers a goldmine of opportunity for businesses to connect with their audience and provide solutions.

Whether you’re a seasoned pro or just starting your Instagram journey, a little inspiration can go a long way. So, get ready to be inspired by some of the best corporate Instagram accounts out there. Let’s dive in!

1. @ibm

IBM utilizes the power of visuals on Instagram to showcase lesser-known aspects of their business, such as projects, their workforce, and initiatives that ignite passion within the company and its employees. Recently, they highlighted six of their “Boldest Moments” from 2019, showcasing impactful achievements throughout the year. This included everything from company acquisitions to commemorating the Apollo anniversary, effectively summarizing their contributions to the world.

IBM’s creativity extends to its Instagram stories and highlights. Through engaging videos, they provide glimpses into campaigns and projects that their employees are passionately working on. Some noteworthy highlight categories include “Be Equal,” which focuses on empowering women in the workplace; “IBM Systems & IBM Research,” showcasing the far-reaching impact of their technology; and “Pride,” featuring heartfelt interviews with employees sharing what Pride means to them.

2. @moeassist

Brainchild of mega-influencer Danielle Bernstein, Moe Assist is a project management tool designed specifically for influencers, streamlining collaborations and contracts. Given Danielle’s prowess in the social media landscape, it’s no surprise that her company’s visual presence on the platform is a source of inspiration.

Moe Assist’s account offers a comprehensive experience, featuring inspiring quotes, authentic user testimonials, and exclusive behind-the-scenes glimpses into the product. The streamlined aesthetic of their Instagram profile, with its cohesive color palette and consistent image styles, adds an extra layer of appeal.

3. @latermedia

It’s a given that an Instagram planning tool would have an impressive Instagram presence, and Latermedia doesn’t disappoint. Playful and bursting with color, their images feature relatable memes, insightful statistics, engaging tweets, and more. The visual appeal of their feed is a breath of fresh air, especially during the drab winter months.

As a social media manager, I find their content incredibly insightful and useful. They excel at delivering their message creatively without overwhelming their feed with text.

Latermedia’s generous sharing of insights and tips on using Stories, staying ahead of feed trends, and spreading positivity is commendable. As evident from the examples they provide, their posts are designed for shareability. A definite must-follow!

4. @nike

No list of inspiring Instagram accounts would be complete without this iconic brand.

What’s truly remarkable about Nike’s Instagram presence is that it transcends mere product showcases. They’ve successfully embodied their iconic slogan, “Just do it,” within the very fabric of their profile.

Their profile resonates with a simple yet powerful message: “If you have a body, you are an athlete.” Every post features a diverse range of athletes and individuals at all levels, sharing anecdotes about their journeys and how they “just do it.” This authentic approach effectively brings their core values to life and showcases to their nearly 100 million followers what truly matters.

5. @chewy

Let’s face it, we can all use a dose of pet cuteness in our feeds, and Chewy delivers on that front. Even for those of us without furry companions (like myself), Chewy offers a delightful array of wholesome content. Their feed is a mix of user-generated content (UGC), heartwarming customer stories and testimonials, helpful tips, and much more.

Chewy’s approach to highlights and stories is another highlight (pun intended!). They focus on fun, interactive content, neatly categorized into sections like Cats, Dogs, Pet Health, You, Chewy Eats, and more. They excel at keeping followers engaged while staying true to their brand and the things their audience cares about.

6. @google

The masters of their craft, Google, have perfected the art of blending information and entertainment on their Instagram profile. Their feed is a smorgasbord of intriguing insights, captivating stories, trending searches, “Super Gs,” art, adorable puppies, and valuable resources.

The “Super G” series ingeniously features user-generated photos that creatively reinterpret their iconic logo using the hashtag #MySuperG. Some personal favorites include interpretations using Fruit Loops, embroidery, colored pencils, and watercolors. This clever use of UGC not only encourages creativity but also offers users the exciting opportunity to be featured on their page. For a behemoth like Google with over 11 million followers, it’s a fantastic way for creators to gain recognition (and followers!).

7. @netflix

With over 5,500 shows and movies at its disposal, Netflix has an almost inexhaustible supply of content. They keep their audience hooked by sharing captivating images and short clips from their extensive library. Netflix also isn’t afraid to embrace a good homemade meme, often featuring their original content.

For instance, they recently shared a hilarious scene from the 2004 movie “Cinderella Story” – one that had me chuckling for longer than I care to admit.

It seems Netflix’s strategy revolves around using their Instagram profile to entice people to watch more of their content. They achieve this through shareable images, relatable memes, tantalizing teasers, and by showcasing hidden gems within their catalog, like the aforementioned “Cinderella Story."

8. @vans

Vans keeps their approach more straightforward than the others on our list. Sometimes, you follow a brand simply to admire their products, and Vans delivers exactly that.

This Instagram account is all about embracing the brand and the community it represents. Their feed is a visual tapestry of people sporting Vans apparel and footwear, sourced both from their own photoshoots and user-generated content. Many of the images exude a vintage vibe, a subtle nod to their founding in 1966. The focus on skateboarding and surfing further reinforces their laid-back and authentic image.

9. @arnold_worldwide

Boston-based advertising agency Arnold Worldwide takes a well-rounded approach to their Instagram presence. Their feed is a delightful mix of humorous and uplifting images, showcased alongside their latest campaigns and visuals that draw attention to current events and causes they’re passionate about. With posts commemorating Equal Pay Day, Pride, Earth Day, Voting Day, and more, Arnold Worldwide highlights their commitment to issues that align with their brand values.

Recently, they’ve adopted a unique format where they dedicate three consecutive posts to showcase a recent campaign, spanning the entire width of the Instagram feed. One striking example is their ad for Progressive, which drives home the point that running a small business is no fairytale.

Their Instagram Stories offer a behind-the-scenes peek into their creative process for various clients. This not only provides insight into their work style but also serves as a compelling showcase for potential clients, highlighting their capabilities.

10. @warbyparker

Warby Parker, in my book, reigns supreme when it comes to maintaining a well-rounded brand Instagram account. Their feed is a testament to their internal culture, featuring their stylish products, new releases, and, of course, a tasteful sprinkling of user-generated content.

They’ve mastered the art of integrating UGC subtly, using it to complement their studio-produced content without overshadowing it.

Another inspiring facet of Warby Parker’s Instagram strategy is their storytelling prowess. They take their audience on a journey, revealing the inspiration, craftsmanship, and design process behind their products. It’s this immersive approach that makes their content so engaging.

Start following more business Instagram accounts!

One common thread that runs through all these successful Instagram accounts is authenticity. It’s paramount to ensure that your content reflects your company’s true identity, culture, and values. Each of these brands has found its own unique way to communicate what matters most to them, and their success speaks for itself. So, give them a follow for some 2020 inspiration, discover more inspiring business accounts, and most importantly, start posting!