Instagram is the fastest-growing social media platform, boasting nearly 1.5 billion active users each month, and it serves both entertainment and business purposes.
However, this does not mean that everyone in the world has an Instagram account. There are still many people who are considering joining and have no idea how to use Instagram.
If you are interested in joining Instagram but are unsure how to do so or what options are available on the platform, then our guide is the perfect article for you.
Table of Contents
What Is Instagram and How to Use It?
Firstly, let’s address what Instagram is.
Instagram is currently one of the most popular social media platforms, emphasizing the sharing of various types of photos and videos.
With Instagram, you can connect with friends and family, edit visual content, interact with other users, and explore the possibilities of online communities.
You will have the ability to like photos, share stories, and engage with interesting individuals and unique content creators.
If you are creative, enjoy taking photographs, and like experimenting with colors to create aesthetically pleasing content, then Instagram is the perfect platform for you.
Instagram was launched 12 years ago and has evolved significantly from its beginnings to become the leading social media platform today.
Over the years, many new options and features have been added, but today Instagram places a greater emphasis on video formats and direct communication through Instagram Stories and Reels.
If you want to have fun on the internet and enjoy engaging content, you should definitely consider joining Instagram.
Downloading Instagram
Downloading the Instagram app is straightforward, and as long as you have a smartphone, you can complete the process in just a few minutes.
Here’s how to download Instagram to your mobile phone.
The process is straightforward. Once the app is downloaded to your phone, it will appear in the main menu, allowing you to sign up.
Creating an Instagram Account
Creating an Instagram account is straightforward; you can register just like you would on any other social media platform.
If you have decided to create your Instagram profile, here is a quick guide on how to do it:
You don’t need to provide extensive information at the start to become an Instagram user, and you can also complete the process by signing up through your Facebook account.
This will save you a few minutes, as it adds all the information to your account and even begins connecting you with your Facebook friends on this platform.
Adjusting Instagram Notifications
When you install Instagram and create an account, you need to make various adjustments to ensure a satisfying experience.
Notifications will appear on your mobile phone for everything—when you receive a new like, gain a new follower, when someone you follow starts a live session, or posts after a while. You probably don’t want to see all of these notifications.
You can easily choose which notifications you want to receive and adjust the settings on your profile.
If you want to customize Instagram notifications to suit your preferences, here’s how to do it:
Adjusting notifications for Instagram posts and stories is quick and easy, helping you avoid those annoying notification sounds.
Linking My Instagram Account to Facebook
Instagram and Facebook belong to the same company, allowing you to connect these two accounts for a more enjoyable experience.
Most users opt for this method because it allows them to connect with people they already know on Facebook without needing to search for their usernames.
It also enables you to share the same posts and stories across both platforms, synchronize your usernames and profile pictures, and utilize the same payment options.
This is how you can link your Instagram account to your Facebook:
Once you have finished connecting your accounts, you will see both in your Accounts center, allowing you to easily share posts from Instagram to Facebook and vice versa.
How to Share Instagram Posts on Other Social Media
Your Instagram account can be linked to other social media platforms, allowing you to share your posts on Facebook and Twitter as well.
This is how you can share all your Instagram posts across various social media platforms.
You will need to log in to your other social media account only once, after which you can share posts to it in the future simply by checking the box.
Uploading Posts on Instagram
Photos and videos are the essence of Instagram and the reason you created a profile in the first place. Now, you will learn how to do it.
Adding an Instagram post is quite straightforward, and all you need to do is:
Instagram is a fantastic platform for photo enthusiasts who enjoy capturing every beautiful detail of their lives.
If you love visual content and are constantly on the move, seeking to capture unique images, Instagram is a platform that offers not only sharing but also inspiration.
However, you will need to be selective about the photos you add, as you can include a maximum of 10 photos in a single Instagram post, and you likely don’t want to overwhelm your followers with dozens of posts each day.
The entire process is enjoyable and fun, and as long as you use your Instagram profile to post and follow things you love, you will become enthusiastic about this social media platform.
Uploading an Instagram Story
Instagram Stories is a feature that enables you to upload various photos and videos that will remain on your profile for 24 hours before disappearing.
This feature is highly popular among users as it enables them to share various aspects of their daily lives throughout the day, including unedited photos and videos.
This is an excellent way to engage with your followers and share your activities. Here’s how you can upload Instagram stories.
Instagram enables you to create a close friends list, allowing you to add only those who are closest to you and share stories that only they can view.
This is an excellent tool if there are aspects of your life that you enjoy filming and sharing but prefer not to disclose to everyone on Instagram.
You can also create a Boomerang or a short loop video and incorporate various polls or quizzes to engage with your followers.
Overall, stories are likely the most exciting feature of Instagram right now, offering a range of unique ways to connect with others.
How to Follow People on Instagram?
To view the activities and shared content of other Instagram users, you must follow their accounts to access all that information.
Finding other users is straightforward. Using the Instagram search bar, you can easily locate your friends, family, celebrities, and various brands.
You will also be able to search for specific cities and places, allowing you to follow all the events in those locations.
If you wish to follow someone on Instagram, here is what you need to do:
You can follow anyone you wish on Instagram, but remember that there are also private Instagram profiles to which you need to send a follow request.
To access their account, they must confirm your follow request, which may take anywhere from a few minutes to a few days, depending on how often they check the platform.
After you follow someone, you will be able to view all of their Instagram stories, posts, and interactions.
How to Make an Instagram Account Private?
Every Instagram account can be public or private, and if you prefer not to share your photos and aspects of your life with strangers on the internet, you can always opt to make your account private.
Many people believe that making their accounts private will cause them to miss out on fun, but in reality, you will only limit access to irrelevant individuals you don’t know, and your experience on Instagram will not be negatively affected in any way.
If you want to make your Instagram account private and share photos with a select group of people, here’s how to do it:
Your Instagram profile is now private, meaning only the social media accounts you accept can view your posts and stories.
The account will remain private as long as you do not change the settings, and the process is identical for both Android and iOS users.
How To Make An Instagram Account Public?
Your profile can be public and accessible to everyone. If you don’t mind sharing photos for all users on the platform to see, then you should consider making your account public.
Making an account public is quite simple; all you need to adjust in your settings is:
The process is similar to making your account private, and it can be completed in under a minute.
Starting an Instagram Live
The Instagram live feature was recently introduced to the platform, enabling you to initiate a live stream from your account.
All of your followers will be able to watch and comment on the live stream, making it an excellent way to engage with your audience, especially if you have a large community.
If you wish to go live on Instagram, follow these steps:
Instagram Live is a fantastic way to engage with your Instagram followers, particularly if you have built a close-knit community of individuals who appreciate your aesthetic and enjoy your content.
Adding Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is a format akin to TikTok videos, lasting up to 90 seconds, which can be uploaded to your Instagram feed.
You can quickly record a video on your mobile phone and then edit it on Instagram using its features and filters.
You can upload your Instagram Reels in the same way as any other post by:
Reels are quite enjoyable, and many people appear to be filming them frequently these days, as this format allows them to reach a broader audience.
If you enjoy filming videos and watching Reels from other Instagram accounts, now is the perfect time to create your own.
Switching to an Instagram Business Account
Instagram is a social media platform that offers unique account options for individuals looking to promote their business or sell products through their profiles.
If you own a company or work as an influencer, you will need to select one of the professional options on Instagram: a creator profile or a business profile.
Creating a business Instagram account is straightforward; you need to have a basic Instagram profile first.
After creating a regular Instagram account, follow these steps to switch to a business profile:
Once you create an Instagram for business account, you will gain access to a variety of options, including analytics, insights, advertising, and shopping features.
Options like this are essential for individuals looking to grow and promote their businesses on Instagram, and you don’t have to pay anything to create a business profile.
All of the features are designed to assist you in promoting your products, and the platform even enables you to sell directly through it, making the entire process much faster and easier.
Conclusion
Instagram is a highly engaging social media platform that attracts nearly 1.5 billion active users each month. Profiles on this platform are typically active daily, offering a constant stream of new content.
If you appreciate high-quality visual content and enjoy taking and sharing photos with others, then Instagram is a platform you should consider joining.
You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy it. By following various creators and seeking inspiration, you will undoubtedly have a fantastic time using it.
Learning to use Instagram is quick and easy, and you will enjoy your time spent on this social media platform.
FAQ
What are the basics of Instagram?
Instagram is quite simple: you follow your friends, family, and accounts that seem interesting, and people follow you back. u003cbru003eu003cbru003eYou can share photos, videos, and reels of your everyday life, work, hobbies, and things you’re passionate about, and others interact with your content by liking it, commenting, or reposting.
What is the main purpose of Instagram?
Instagram is marketed as a free app to share photos or videos. Something like a virtual photo album. Your followers can like, comment, or repost your shared content, and you can do the same.
Can people tell if you look at their Instagram?
No, others cannot see if you viewed their account. However, they can see if you have viewed their Instagram story.
