In today’s day and age, Instagram is the “it” social media platform. Everyone is on Instagram, from politicians to business owners, everyone knows about the potential of this social media app. Initially, Instagram started as a picture-sharing social media platform but has an entire universe of its own now. From reels to stories, to keeping up with stories, everyone is hooked to Instagram. According to Business of Apps, Meta’s Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users. That’s quite a big number.
Instagram has surpassed every other social media platform, Facebook for instance, to become the chart-topper. It is quite popular amongst the GenZ especially, but it now seems that the fever is rubbing off to older generations as well. Plus, Instagram today is a huge marketing platform, with “influencer marketing” on the rise, Instagram has become one of the best places to promote your businesses. And even if you are not a big brand and just want to create a niche of your own, then also Instagram is the best option for you.
Well unless you have heavily guarded yourself from the “FOMO” of not having an Instagram account, I am pretty sure that you might already have an Instagram account, or possibly even more than one account. Not having an Instagram account is very rare these days, and if you are one of those rare people who have not onboarded the Insta-wagon, then you are in the right place. I am going to tell you how you can set up your Instagram account quickly and hassle-free. Let’s get into it, shall we?
Also read: How to turn off your active status on Instagram: Easy guide
There aren’t many requirements to create your Instagram account. You just need a smartphone or PC, and an internet connection. However, the only requirement is that you should be of at least 13 years of age to create an Instagram account.
No, Instagram is free of cost for everyone. And don’t worry Meta won’t charge you to create an account. However, once the account is made, there are certain in-app purchases that you can make if you wish to boost your account like blue ticks, Instagram ads, etc, but that depends on you.
Also read: Want to create a broadcast channel on Instagram? Here’s how to do it
Coming to the main deal now, how do you create an Instagram account?
1. Firstly, you need to do the basics. If you are using your smartphone to create an account, then download the Instagram app from the Google Play Store or the App Store, according to your smartphone brand. Or you could use these links:
If you are using your desktop, just go to the website and follow the steps that come on the screen.
2. Now, open the app that you have just downloaded. You will see a login page pop up on your screen. If you wish to create a new account, select the “Create new account” option.
Then you will be required to:
3. Once this is done, the next step will be to add a profile picture and bio to your account to make it more personal so that you get discovered. To do this, just go to your profile, by clicking on the bottom right icon on the Instagram app. Then click on the “Edit profile” option. Here, you can change your profile picture, bio, links, etc.
4. Next, you will have to decide if you wish to keep your Instagram account private or not. Instagram offers two account privacy settings: public account and private account. If you want anyone to come to your profile and engage with your content, then you can have a public account. But if you want only those whom you allow to follow you, you can choose to keep a private account. For this, go to your profile page, click on the three lines at the top right corner, select settings and privacy, scroll down to the “Who can see your content” menu, click on it, and select the option that best suits you.
5. On top of this, Instagram also gives you an option to choose between a “Personal” or a “Professional” account. The Professional account is further divided into two categories: Business accounts and Creator accounts.
When you first create your account, your Instagram profile will be set to personal mode. To change this, go to your profile and click on the three lines at the top right corner, then choose “Settings and Privacy” and scroll down to “Account type and tools”, then select the “Switch to a professional account” option and follow the instructions that come up.
That’s all about creating a personal Instagram. However, if you wish to run a business on Instagram, there’s a way. Here’s how you can set-up a Business Instagram account.
