Instagram Tools 2025
The most important Instagram tools for your company in 2026
Instagram is no longer a pure content channel in 2026. The platform is performance-driven, AI-supported and heavily integrated into the meta advertising cosmos. Companies therefore need tools that not only plan, but also analyse, optimise and scale. Below you will find the most important Instagram tools for companies - strategically selected for 2026.
Most of these tools offer comprehensive insights into the development and success of your own profile. Some focus on analysing posts and followers or managing the feed. Others offer exciting search functions for keywords, hashtags and influencers. You can find out which application costs how much and whether it could be helpful for you in the short tool descriptions.
Six tools for Instagram content planning and follower analysis
The most important Instagram tools at a glance:
Tools ease analytics & planning – from Instagram Insights to Hootsuite or Later
Track insights – follower demographics, engagement metrics, and best post times
Automate content scheduling – plan posts, Stories, and Reels in advance
Monitor hashtags & keywords – find reach opportunities via trend and competitor analysis
Centralize comment management – handle comments and DMs efficiently in one tool
Watch competitors – benchmark your performance against rivals
Use design supports – integrate tools like Canva for polished visuals
The top 7 Instagram tools 2026 in comparison
| Column 1 | Column 2 | Column 3 | Column 4 | Column 5 | Column 6 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Tool | Focus | AI features | Analytics | Ads integration | Ideal for |
Meta Business Suite | Planning & ads | Yes | Basic | Yes | All businesses |
Sprout Social | Analysis & reporting | Partial | Very strong | Yes | SMEs & enterprises |
Brandwatch | Social listening | Yes | Very strong | No | Large brands |
Metricool | Planning & Reporting | Partial | Good | Yes | SMEs & Agencies |
Canva | Content Creation | Yes | No | No | Content Teams |
ChatGPT | Content Optimisation | Strong | No | No | Marketing Teams |
CapCut | Video Production | Yes | No | No | Reels Focus |
Instagram Insights
The Instagram Insights tool is provided by Instagram itself. As soon as you have converted your regular Instagram account into a business profile, you will have access to this tool. It provides an overview of various Instagram profile data and analysis results. You learn more about your followers and other users who interact with the Instagram account. This means that anonymized data on the gender, location and age group of followers is generated. The engagement rate is displayed, whether and when the posts and stories encourage followers to interact and how often they have been viewed. Instagram Insights also shows the key figures for paid posts and stories. This allows you to quickly recognize which content is working well and how you can adapt your strategy and content. This is particularly interesting for companies that want to address a specific target group via Instagram.
Meta business suite
The Meta Business Suite is the central control unit for Instagram and Facebook marketing. It enables content planning, community management, advertising campaign management and performance analyses in one platform. AI-optimised campaign formats such as Advantage+ will be particularly relevant in 2026.
Advantages:
- Native integration with Instagram & Facebook
- Reels, story and ads planning
- Conversion tracking & campaign management
- AI-supported budget optimisation
Suitability & costs:
- Social Network: Instagram & Facebook
- Users: Companies of all sizes
- Cost: Free of charge (Ads budget separate)
Sprout Social
Sprout Social is a professional social media management and reporting tool. It combines planning, social listening and performance analysis. Ideal for data-driven strategies and cross-channel marketing.
Advantages:
- In-depth analytics
- Competition analysis
- Social listening
- Team workflows
Suitability & costs:
- Social network: Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, X and others.
- Users: Medium-sized companies & enterprise
- Costs: From approx. 200 € / month
Brandwatch
Brandwatch analyses social signals, trends and brand perception. In 2026, relevance will be more important than reach - this is where social listening comes in.
Advantages:
- Early trend detection
- Sentiment analysis
- Competition monitoring
- Campaign evaluation
Suitability & costs:
- Social Network: Cross-platform
- Users: Large companies & brands
- Cost: Customised enterprise pricing
Metricool
Metricool is a performance tool for analysing, reporting and planning. It is particularly suitable for smaller companies and agencies.
Advantages:
- Content planning
- Performance tracking
- Paid & organic evaluation
- Automated reports
Suitability & costs:
- Social Network: Instagram & others
- Users: SMEs & agencies
- Costs: From approx. 18 € / month
Canva
Canva is more than just a graphics tool in 2026. With AI features, reel covers, story formats and social creatives can be created efficiently.
Advantages:
- AI-supported design suggestions
- Video & reel templates
- Team function
- Fast content production
Suitability & costs:
- Social network: Instagram (content creation)
- Users: Companies of all sizes
- Costs: Free of charge / Pro from approx. 12 € / month
ChatGPT
ChatGPT will be used strategically for content development in 2026 - for hook optimisation, caption tests or reel scripts, for example.
Advantages:
- Caption optimisation
- Idea development
- Structured content strategies
- Analysis of existing posts
Suitability & costs:
- Social Network: Platform-independent
- Users: Companies & agencies
- Costs: Free / Plus / Business models
Do you need support with your social media profile?
Do you need professional support in maintaining and analyzing your social media profile? Our marketing expert Bastian Schröer will be happy to take care of your social media channels as part of your website management.
About the author Timo Wormuth
Timo Wormuth is a partner and managing director of the digital agency DREIKON. His passion for digital systems began as a child and still characterises his work today. With many years of experience in digitalisation, IT and management consulting, he supports clients in strategic decisions relating to communication and digital processes.