This walkthrough shows exactly how to set up UGC whitelisting using Meta Business Manager. It’s written for brands, agencies, and creators, and removes all the confusing steps Meta typically buries in menus.

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Step 1: The Creator Needs a Public, Professional Instagram + Connected Facebook Page

Before any whitelisting permission can be granted, the creator must meet the following requirements:

1. The Instagram profile must be public

• Open Instagram → Settings → Account Privacy
  
• Make sure Private Account is turned off

2. Switch the Instagram account to Creator or Business

• Instagram → Settings → For Professionals → Account Type & Tools
  
• Select Switch to a Professional Account
  
• Choose Creator (most common) or Business

3. The creator must have a connected Facebook Page

• If they don’t have one, create a new Facebook Page
  
• Instagram → Settings → Accounts Center → Connect Facebook Page
  
• Ensure the IG and Facebook Page are linked under the same identity in Accounts Center

Step 2: The Creator Needs a Meta Business Manager Account

Whitelisting cannot work unless the creator’s IG + FB Page sit inside a Business Manager.

How to set it up:

1. Go to business.facebook.com/create
   
2. Create a new Business Manager using the creator’s personal FB login
   
3. Inside Business Settings:
   
   • Add the Facebook Page
     
   • Add the Instagram account

This ensures Meta recognizes their accounts as assets that can be shared with partners (brands).

Step 3: The Brand Sends Their Partner Business ID to the Creator

To whitelist, the brand must give the creator permission to share their page access.

The brand should:

1. Go to Meta Business Settings
   
2. Click Business Info (left sidebar)
   
3. Copy the Business Manager ID
   
4. Send this ID number to the creator
   
   

This is the ID that allows the creator to “give partner access.”

Step 4: The Creator Grants the Brand Access to Their Assets

This is the key step where whitelisting actually happens.

The creator should:

1. Go to Meta Business Settings
   
2. Click Users → Partners
   
3. Click Add → Give a partner access to your assets
   
4. Paste the brand’s Business Manager ID
   
5. Select the assets to share:
   
   • Instagram account
     
   • Facebook Page
6. Set permissions:
   
   • Ads Access
     
     

Click Assign Assets → Done

If done correctly, the brand will now appear under Partners in the creator’s Business Manager.

Step 5: The Brand Can Now Run Ads From the Creator’s Handle

Once access is granted, the brand can:

• Select the creator’s Facebook Page or Instagram Handle as the identity for ads
  
• Run ads using existing posts
  
• Or upload creator content and run dark posts that appear from the creator’s profile
  
  

The spend, reporting, and optimization all remain inside the brand’s Business Manager.

Troubleshooting Tips

• If the creator can’t find the Partners tab, their account may not be linked to Business Manager yet.
  
• If Instagram still doesn’t appear as an asset, reconnect IG inside Accounts Center.
  
  

If Meta asks for two-factor authentication, both sides must complete it for permissions to work.