Having an Instagram account has become an essential component of a social media strategy whether you’re an established influencer, someone looking to build a platform, or are just looking to connect with influencers and celebrities using Instagram.
If you are looking for how to create an Instagram account, you will find that the process is the same regardless of whether you have an iPhone or Android.
The three ways you can create an Instagram account are:
- Phone Number
Let’s go over the process for how to set up an Instagram, step by step.
Step 1: Download the Instagram app
While it is possible to sign up for a new IG account from your browser on Instagram’s website, we recommend you download the app. It can be found in the App Store if you’re using an iPhone and the Play Store if you have an Android device.
Step 2: Provide Your Contact Details
After you have downloaded the app, you will add the contact information you wish to use for your account. Use your phone number or email address during the signup process. Be sure to use a real number or email because you will need to receive a special authorization code to complete your profile creation.
Note: You can change or remove the phone number or email address you used to sign up for an account if you want to avoid someone finding your IG account by searching for them in the app.
Protip: You can simply use an existing Facebook account if you want to speed up the signup process.
Step 3: Add Your Name
You will need to add a first name and last name when signing up for an Instagram account. If you use your real name, you are more likely to be found by others who know your name. If you prefer to be more anonymous, you can use a different name.
Note: You can change your name after you have created your profile if you decide to do so.
Step 4: Enter the Provided Authorization Code
During the account setup process, you will receive either an SMS or email that includes a six-digit code. This will ensure you are not a bot. Enter the code and tap Next.
Step 5: Create a Password
Be sure you create a strong password that is ideally not one you use for other purposes. A hacked social media profile could wreak havoc on your life. You can always update your password later on.
Protip: Use a combination of letters and numbers in a long string of characters that make your account impenetrable. Avoid simple and often-used passwords like Password1234.
Step 6: Create an Instagram Username
Every Instagram account has its own unique username, or handle. You can make this anything you like. Instagram will inform you whether your preferred username has been taken or not. It is possible to change your username whenever you wish later on if you decide you no longer like the one you chose.
Note: A username on Instagram can only be in Latin letters. Also, it is possible to include numbers and underscores.
Step 7: Find Your Facebook Friends (Optional)
Once you have done all of the previous steps, you can accept Instagram’s offer to connect your profile to your Facebook account to find your friends. You can accept or decline by tapping the Skip button. You can always upload your Facebook contacts later on.
Step 8: Find Your Phone Contacts (Optional)
Instagram will also provide you with the option to sync your phone contacts with your profile to find your friends. As with the previous step, you can either accept the offer or decline. Synching contacts from your phone is possible at any time after you have set up your profile.
Step 9: Add a Profile Photo (Optional)
Once you have fulfilled the previous steps, you are ready to add a profile photo. While not required, having a profile photo will help you stand out and get noticed when people are looking at their Instagram feeds and the Explore section of the app. If you want to increase engagement, you will want to select an attention-grabbing photo.
Protip: The best resolution for an Instagram profile image is 1080×1080 pixels.
Step 10: Save Your Password (Optional)
Another optional step is for you to allow Instagram to save your login details (username and password) so that you do not have to log in whenever you want to access your account. Most users have IG save their login details and stay logged in.
Step 11: Start Following Accounts (Optional)
While not required, given the point of a social media account is to connect with others, you will probably want to start following others. This means finding other accounts whose content you are interested in and tapping the blue Follow button by their profiles.
Note: Instagram will suggest a list of highly popular accounts to follow. However, we recommend only following accounts you are truly interested in and whose content you would engage in.
Now that you know how to create an Instagram account, you can start finding other people and accounts to follow. You can do so easily by tapping on the magnifying glass icon. Instagram will show recommended content first but you can also search for specific names in the Search Bar, as well as keywords and hashtags.
