If you’re running Instagram ads on your mobile device, you may have noticed an additional service fee when making payments through Apple. This fee can increase your overall ad costs, making it important to find ways to avoid it. In this blog post, we’ll explore why this fee exists, how it affects Instagram advertisers, and the steps you can take to avoid paying the Apple service fee for Instagram ads.
Understanding the Apple Service Fee
Apple imposes a 30% service fee on all in-app purchases made through its App Store, including ad payments for apps like Instagram. This fee applies to any payments made through the Instagram mobile app if your iOS device processes the transaction. For advertisers, this fee means higher costs when managing Instagram ads via mobile devices.
Fortunately, there are ways to avoid the Apple service fee and reduce your advertising costs without compromising the quality or reach of your Instagram campaigns.
1. Use the Instagram Web Version for Ad Payments
The most straightforward way to avoid the Apple service fee is to manage your Instagram ads through the desktop version of Instagram or the Facebook Ads Manager. By using a desktop or laptop computer to create and pay for your Instagram ads, you bypass the need to make in-app purchases on your iOS device, avoiding Apple’s 30% fee.
Steps to Create Instagram Ads on a Web Browser:
- Open your browser and go to Facebook Ads Manager.
- Log in using the same credentials linked to your Instagram account.
- Create your Instagram ad campaign and enter your billing information directly in Ads Manager.
- Proceed with payment via desktop to ensure that you are not charged an Apple service fee.
This method allows you to manage and pay for your ads without using the Instagram app on your mobile device, thereby avoiding any additional service charges.
2. Pay for Ads Using a Non-iOS Device
If you prefer managing your Instagram ads via mobile, another way to avoid Apple’s service fee is by using a non-iOS device such as an Android phone or tablet. Google Play doesn’t impose the same 30% service fee as Apple, making it a more cost-effective alternative.
Steps to Pay for Instagram Ads on Android:
- Log in to your Instagram account on an Android device.
- Create or manage your Instagram ad campaign through the app.
- When prompted for payment, complete the transaction through the Android app to avoid Apple’s 30% fee.
This method allows you to continue using mobile devices for your Instagram ads while bypassing the additional fees that come with Apple’s in-app purchases.
3. Manage Instagram Ads through Facebook Business Suite
Another effective way to avoid Apple’s service fee is to manage your Instagram ads through Facebook Business Suite. Facebook Business Suite consolidates your Facebook and Instagram marketing efforts in one place and allows you to make payments without using the Instagram mobile app.
Steps to Use Facebook Business Suite:
- Access Facebook Business Suite through a desktop browser.
- Link your Instagram account to Facebook Business Suite if you haven’t already.
- From the dashboard, you can create, edit, and pay for Instagram ads directly, bypassing any mobile-based payment processes.
Facebook Business Suite is a robust tool that offers full control over your Instagram ad campaigns while helping you avoid unnecessary fees.
4. Use a Direct Payment Method
Instead of relying on the in-app payment system, you can also consider setting up a direct payment method in the Facebook Ads Manager. By linking a credit card, debit card, or PayPal account directly to your advertising account, you can pay for Instagram ads outside of the mobile app’s payment system, thus avoiding the Apple service fee.
Steps to Set Up Direct Payments:
- Go to Facebook Ads Manager on a desktop browser.
- Navigate to Billing & Payment Methods.
- Add a preferred payment method, such as a credit card or PayPal account.
- Use this payment method to pay for your Instagram ads directly through Ads Manager without going through the mobile app.
By setting up a direct payment method, you can streamline your payments and avoid any additional fees associated with using the iOS in-app payment system.
5. Review Apple’s Commission Structure for Future Changes
Apple’s service fees have been a point of contention in the tech industry, with ongoing discussions about potential changes to the fee structure. While these strategies can help you avoid the current 30% fee, it’s important to stay informed about any updates from Apple regarding its commission policies.
Keeping track of changes to Apple’s fees could help you plan for more cost-effective ad campaigns in the future. Be sure to check Apple’s announcements or updates within the Facebook Ads Manager for any new options that might become available.
Why Avoiding the Apple Service Fee is Important
Avoiding the Apple service fee for Instagram ads is crucial for optimizing your ad budget. The 30% fee can significantly increase your advertising costs, especially if you’re managing large campaigns or running ads frequently. By following the strategies outlined in this post, you can ensure that more of your budget goes directly toward your ads, resulting in better ROI and higher campaign effectiveness.
Conclusion
While Apple’s service fee on in-app payments can drive up costs for Instagram advertisers, there are multiple ways to avoid it. By using desktop browsers, Android devices, or direct payment methods, you can bypass the 30% fee and optimize your ad spending. Implement these strategies today to maximize your Instagram ad budget and improve your campaign results.
Need Help with Instagram Ads?
At Watsspace, we specialize in creating effective social media advertising strategies. If you’re looking to optimize your Instagram ad campaigns or reduce unnecessary costs, contact us today to learn how we can help you grow your business through targeted social media marketing.
