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    Social Media
    Beginner
    2 min read 5 stepsMarch 31, 2026Verified March 2026

    How to Create an Instagram Account

    Instagram is a photo and video sharing app with over a billion users. Here's how to join and set up your profile.

    At a Glance

    Category
    Social Media
    Difficulty
    Beginner
    Read Time
    2 min read
    Steps
    5
    Topics covered
    instagram
    account
    photos
    beginner

    In this guide (5 steps):

    1. 1.Download the Instagram app
    2. 2.Create your account
    3. 3.Choose a username and add a photo
    4. 4.Make your account private
    5. 5.Follow people and accounts you like
    1

    Download the Instagram app

    ~15s
    Open the App Store (iPhone) or Play Store (Android). Search for "Instagram" and tap Install. The app is free.
    2

    Create your account

    ~15s
    Open Instagram and tap "Create new account." Enter your email address or phone number and create a password. You can also sign up using your Facebook account if you have one.
    3

    Choose a username and add a photo

    ~17s
    Pick a username (your public @handle). Use your real name or something easy to remember, like @marysmith. Then tap "Add a profile photo" and choose a photo so friends and family can recognize you.

    Quick Tip

    You can change your username later if you do not like it.

    4

    Make your account private

    ~19s
    Tap your profile icon at the bottom right, then tap the three lines (menu) at the top right. Go to Settings and Privacy, then Account Privacy, and turn on "Private account." This means only people you approve can see your posts.

    Warning

    A private account is strongly recommended. Without it, anyone on the internet can see everything you post.

    5

    Follow people and accounts you like

    ~15s
    Use the search icon (magnifying glass) to find friends, family, local businesses, or topics you enjoy. Tap "Follow" on any account to see their photos and videos in your feed.

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    instagram
    account
    photos
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    Official Resources

    Facebook Help CenterAARP Social Media GuideFTC — Social Media Safety

    Sources used to create and verify this guide. View all sources →

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