How to Use Instagram

Edited 4 days ago by ExtremeHow Editorial Team

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Instagram is a popular social media platform where you can share photos and videos. In this guide, we'll explain how to use Instagram, from creating an account to posting content and interacting with other users.

1. Create an account

First, you need to create an account on Instagram. Follow the steps below:

• Download the Instagram app from the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android).
• Open the app and click “Sign up”.
• Enter your email address or phone number, then click "Next."
• Create a username and password. Make sure your username is unique and easy to remember.
• Add a profile picture: You can take a new photo or choose an existing photo from your gallery.
• Fill out your profile information, such as your name and a short bio. This will help people learn more about you.

2. Setting up your profile

After you've created your account, you'll need to set up your profile:

• Go to your profile by clicking on the profile icon in the bottom right corner of the app.
• Click "Edit Profile."
• Here, you can update your profile picture, change your username, add a website, and fill out your bio.
• Make sure to save your changes by clicking “Done” in the upper right corner.

3. Navigating the home screen

When you open Instagram, you'll see the home screen. Here are the main sections:

• Feed: In the middle of the screen, you'll see posts from the people you follow.
• Stories: At the top of the screen, you'll see circular icons with profile pictures. These are the stories your friends have posted.
• Bottom menu: At the bottom of the screen you will see 5 icons:
  • Home: This takes you to the feed.
  • Search: Use this to find people, hashtags, and places. You can also discover new content here.
  • Add (+): Click this to post new content, like a photo or video.
  • Activity (hearts): Here you can see likes, comments, new followers and other interactions.
  • Profile: This takes you to your profile page.

4. Posting content

One of the main features of Instagram is posting photos and videos. Follow these steps to post content:

• Click the "+" icon at the bottom middle of the screen.
• Choose a photo or video from your gallery, or take a new photo or video using the camera.
• Click "Next" in the upper right corner.
• Apply filters if you want: Instagram offers many filters to enhance your photos and videos.
• Click "Next" again.
• Write a caption for your post. You can also add hashtags, tag people, and add a location.
• Click "Share" to post your content.

5. Using Instagram Stories

Instagram Stories are another way to share content. Stories are temporary and disappear after 24 hours. To post a Story:

• Click your profile picture in the top left corner of the home screen, or swipe right from anywhere on the feed.
• Take a new photo or video, or choose one from your gallery.
• You can add text, stickers, polls, and more to your story.
• Click "Your Story" to post it.

6. Interacting with other users

Instagram is a social platform, so interacting with other users is important. Here are some ways:

• Liking: Double-tap a post to like it, or click the heart icon below the post.
• Commenting: Click the speech bubble icon below a post to add a comment.
• Sending a message: Use the paper plane icon in the upper right corner of the home screen to send a private message.
• Follow: Click someone's profile and then click "Follow" to see their posts in your feed.

7. Using Instagram Direct

Instagram Direct allows you to send private messages to other users. To use Direct:

• Click on the paper plane icon on the top right corner of the home screen.
• Select a person or group to send the message to.
• Write your message and click "Send."
• You can also send photos, videos, and posts through Direct.

8. Explore Instagram

Instagram has an Explore page where you can discover new content. To explore:

• Click the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the home screen.
• Here, you'll see posts and stories that you might like based on your activity.
• You can use the search bar at the top to find specific users, hashtags, or locations.

9. Managing notifications

Notifications keep you informed about new likes, comments, followers, and more. To manage your notifications:

• Click on the profile icon at the bottom right corner.
• Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
• Go to "Settings" and then click "Notifications."
• Here, you can choose which notifications you want to receive.

10. Privacy and security

It's important to keep your account secure and manage your privacy settings. To do this:

• Click on the profile icon at the bottom right corner.
• Click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
• Go to "Settings" and then click "Privacy."
• Here, you can manage who can see your posts, send you messages, etc.
• To secure your account, click "Security" in the Settings menu. Here, you can change your password and enable two-factor authentication.

11. Using Instagram for business

If you have a business, you can use Instagram to promote products and services. Here are some suggestions:

• Switch to a business account by going to "Settings" → "Account" → "Switch to a professional account".
• Fill in your business information, such as contact details and business category.
• You can use Instagram Insights to track your engagement and reach.
• Consider using Instagram ads to promote your products to as many people as possible.

12. Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels are short, entertaining videos that you can share with your followers. To create a Reel:

• Click the camera icon at the top left of the home screen, or swipe right from anywhere in the feed.
• Select “Reels” at the bottom of the screen.
• Record a new video or upload one from your gallery.
• Add music, text, and effects to make your reel more attractive.
• Click on “Share to” and then “Reels” to post it.

13. IGTV

IGTV is a platform within Instagram for sharing longer videos. To use IGTV:

• Click the "+" icon at the bottom middle of the screen.
• Select a video longer than 60 seconds from your gallery.
• Click "Next" and then "Long Video" to share it on IGTV.
• Add a title and description to your video.
• Click “Post” to share your IGTV video.

14. Instagram Shopping

Instagram Shopping allows businesses to tag products in posts. To set up Instagram Shopping:

• Make sure you have a business account and a connected Facebook page.
• Upload your product catalog to Facebook.
• Go to your Instagram profile and click on the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
• Click "Settings" and then "Business."
• Select "Shopping" and follow the instructions to connect your product catalog.
• Once approved, you can start tagging products in your posts.

15. Instagram Guide

Instagram Guides allows you to share tips, recommendations, and more. To create a Guide:

• Go to your profile and click the “+” icon in the top right corner.
• Select "Guide."
• Choose the type of guide you want to create, such as "Location", "Product" or "Post".
• Add the content you want to include in your guide.
• Click "Next," add a title and description, then click "Share."

Conclusion

Instagram is a versatile platform that allows you to share photos, videos, and stories, interact with other users, and grow your followers. By understanding how to use its various features, you can get the most out of your Instagram experience. This guide covers everything from setting up an account to posting content and connecting with others. We hope you find this information helpful.

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