No, you cannot run Instagram ads without Facebook. Here's why and what you need:
Why Facebook is Required:
•Instagram is owned by Meta (Facebook's parent company)
•Both platforms use the same Ads Manager
•Billing and payment go through Facebook
•Ad accounts are managed through Facebook Business
•Targeting data comes from both platforms
What You Actually Need:
1. Personal Facebook Account
•Required to access Business Manager
•Doesn't need to be public
•Can be private with minimal information
•Just needs to be active and verified
2. Facebook Business Page
•Must be connected to your Instagram
•Can be basic with minimal content
•Doesn't need followers or posts
•Acts as the "owner" of your Instagram ads
3. Facebook Business Manager (Optional but Recommended)
•Better organization for multiple accounts
•Team collaboration features
•More professional setup
•Enhanced security
Setup Process:
Step 1: Create Facebook Account
•If you don't have one, create at facebook.com
•Verify your email and phone
•Complete basic profile
Step 2: Create Facebook Page
•Go to facebook.com/pages/create
•Choose business category
•Add basic information
•Publish page (can be minimal)
Step 3: Connect Instagram
•Go to Instagram Settings
•Select "Account" → "Linked Accounts"
•Connect to your Facebook Page
•Authorize the connection
Step 4: Access Ads Manager
•Go to business.facebook.com/adsmanager
•Add payment method
•Start creating campaigns
Common Concerns:
"I don't want to use Facebook personally"
•You don't have to post or engage on Facebook
•Keep your personal account private
•Only use it for business purposes
•No one needs to know you have it
"I only want Instagram ads, not Facebook ads"
•You can select Instagram-only placements
•Uncheck Facebook in placement settings
•Ads will only show on Instagram
•Still managed through Facebook Ads Manager
"Can I use Instagram's Promote feature instead?"
•Yes, but it's limited
•Fewer targeting options
•Less control over optimization
•Higher costs typically
•Not recommended for serious advertising
Benefits of Facebook Integration:
•Access to powerful targeting
•Better analytics and reporting
•More ad format options
•Advanced optimization features
•Retargeting capabilities
Alternative (Limited):
•Instagram's "Promote" button
•Boost posts directly from Instagram
•Basic targeting only
•Good for: Simple boosts, testing
•Not good for: Serious campaigns, conversions
Bottom Line:
While you technically need Facebook, you don't need to be active on it. Think of Facebook as the "backend" tool for managing Instagram ads - you can run Instagram-only campaigns while barely touching Facebook itself.