Instagram, with its nearly 2 billion users, is a powerful platform for both personal and business use. If you’re new to the platform or looking to improve your skills, this How To Use Instagram Beginners Guide will provide you with the essential knowledge to get started and navigate the world of Instagram effectively. We’ll cover everything from creating an account to posting engaging content and connecting with your audience.
What is Instagram and How Does it Work?
Instagram is a social media platform primarily focused on sharing photos and videos. Users can follow accounts, interact with content through likes, comments, shares, and saves. Owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), Instagram has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into a comprehensive visual platform with a strong emphasis on video content and interactive stickers.
The platform allows users worldwide to create either public or private accounts. The core concept revolves around users following and being followed by others, engaging with their content, and uploading their own videos and photos. User accounts can represent individuals, organizations, businesses, or brands.
Instagram FAQs for Beginners
Before we dive into the specifics, let’s address some frequently asked questions about Instagram:
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Can I use Instagram without creating an account? You can browse Instagram with limited functionality without an account for a short period. However, you’ll eventually be prompted to log in.
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Is Instagram free? Yes, Instagram is free to sign up and use. Some features, like verification badges and advertising, may come with a cost.
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Can you use Instagram on a desktop? Yes, Instagram has a website accessible through any web browser, allowing users to view, edit, and create content, as well as engage with others.
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What devices work with Instagram? The Instagram app works on devices with iOS, Android, or Windows 10.
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What’s an Instagram handle? An Instagram handle is your username, ideally related to your brand name for businesses.
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What’s an influencer? An influencer is someone with an audience who can impact others’ opinions. Influencer-generated content often performs better than traditional brand content. The term is often used interchangeably with “content creator.”
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What’s an Instagram Reel? A Reel is a short video shared on Instagram, typically between 15-90 seconds.
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What’s an Instagram Story? An Instagram Story is a photo or short video that disappears after 24 hours. They can be saved to your profile permanently via “Highlights.”
Why Use Instagram? Understanding its Purpose
Instagram serves different purposes for different users. For individuals, it’s a place to share life updates, memes, and find inspiration. For brands and marketers, it’s a platform to reach millions of engaged viewers.
“Instagram presences are used to build and communicate a brand narrative and to connect with lovers of the brand,” says Emily Kearns, HubSpot’s Senior Manager of Brand Social. “It can be used for a lot of things from driving awareness of a new product to driving conversions with specific targeted placements.”
Smart brands are using Instagram to build communities through relatable and entertaining content.
Getting Started: How to Create an Instagram Account
Creating an Instagram account is a straightforward process:
- Go to Instagram.com or download the app from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android).
- Click “Sign Up” and choose to sign up through Facebook or use your email or phone number.
- Choose a username and password, then complete your profile information.
Optimizing Your Instagram Profile: Making a Great First Impression
Your Instagram profile is often the first touchpoint for potential customers or followers. It’s essential to optimize it to reflect your brand and attract your target audience.
Adding or Editing Your Profile Picture
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner to go to your profile.
- Tap “Edit Profile.”
- Tap “Change profile photo.”
- Choose “Upload Photo” and select your picture.
Ramona Sukhraj, HubSpot’s Principal Marketing Manager, recommends using a clear, high-quality picture of your face or a logo if you’re a business.
Writing a Compelling Bio
- Go to your profile and tap “Edit Profile.”
- Tap the text box next to “Bio.”
- Write your bio (150 characters max).
- Tap “Submit” to save your changes.
Use your bio to tell people why they should follow you. Include who you are, what you do, and a hint of personality.
Adding a Website Link
- Go to your profile and tap “Edit Profile.”
- Tap “Links,” then tap “Add external link.”
- Add the URL for your website.
- Tap “Done” to save your changes.
Consider using LinkTree to bypass the single-link limit and guide people to multiple resources.
Navigating Instagram: Understanding the Interface
The Instagram app features a main menu bar at the bottom of the screen:
- Home: Takes you to your main feed.
- Explore (or Search): Allows you to search for accounts and hashtags, and browse suggested content.
- New Post: Creates a new post, story, reel, or live video.
- Reels: Takes you to the Reels page to watch short-form video content.
- Profile: Directs you to your main profile page.
In the upper right corner, you’ll find:
- Heart: Takes you to your notifications.
- Messenger: Takes you to the messaging app.
Managing Instagram Notifications: Staying Focused
To customize your notifications:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the hamburger menu (three horizontal lines) in the upper right corner.
- Tap “Settings.”
- Tap “Notifications.”
- Adjust the notification settings for each category.
Posting Content: Sharing Images and Videos on Instagram
To upload and post an image:
- Tap the “+” icon in the menu at the bottom of the screen and select “Post.”
- Choose a media file from your phone’s library or take a new picture or video.
- Add filters and edit your image as desired.
- Write a caption, tag people, and add a location.
- Tap “Share” to publish your post.
Consider using carousel posts to share multiple photos or videos in one post.
Instagram Stories: Sharing Fleeting Moments
To upload an image or video to your Stories:
- Tap your profile picture in the upper left-hand corner or swipe right on your feed.
- Capture or add your media.
- Add stickers, filters, or text.
- Tap the white arrow icon to share your Story with everyone or select “Close Friends.”
Connecting with Others: Following Accounts on Instagram
To follow someone on Instagram:
- Tap the search icon at the bottom of your screen.
- Type in a person, brand, or topic.
- Tap the account you’re interested in following.
- Tap the blue “Follow” button at the top of their profile.
Connecting Instagram to Other Social Accounts
Connecting your Instagram account to other social media platforms allows for cross-promotion and a holistic brand presence. You can connect to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
To connect Instagram to Facebook:
- Open your Instagram app.
- Tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
- Tap the hamburger menu in the top right corner.
- Tap “Settings.”
- Under the Meta logo, tap “Accounts Center.”
- Tap “Set up Accounts Center.”
- Follow the prompts to log in to Facebook.
Data-Backed Instagram Marketing Tips for Beginners
- Be strategic with your scheduling: Friday is often the best day for engagement.
- Use relevant hashtags: Choose tags that are relevant to your product and likely to be searched.
- Showcase products and services: Posts featuring products and services often get the most engagement.
- Don’t neglect static images: While videos get more views, images can generate more shares and comments.
Conclusion: Mastering Instagram for Personal and Business Growth
Understanding how to use instagram beginners guide is key for growing your personal brand and business. Start by observing, learning the user interface, and then begin posting consistently. With over a billion users, Instagram is a valuable platform to connect with your audience and achieve your goals.
