How to Use Instagram

Share photos, follow friends and family, and discover content on Instagram.

In this guide (8 steps):

1.Create your account
2.Set your account to private
3.Follow people
4.Post a photo
5.Stories vs Posts
6.Interact with posts
7.Direct messages
8.Reels

Create your account

~15s

Download Instagram from your app store. Sign up with your email or phone number. Choose a username (your name works fine). Add a profile photo — a clear face photo helps people find you.

Set your account to private

~15s

Settings > Privacy > Private Account (turn on). Only people you approve can see your posts and stories. This is recommended for personal accounts.

Follow people

~15s

Search for friends, family, and interests using the magnifying glass icon. Tap Follow to see their posts in your feed. They'll see a request if their account is private.

Post a photo

~15s

Tap the + at the bottom center. Choose a photo from your gallery or take one. Add a filter if you like, write a caption, and tap Share. Your followers see it in their feed.

Stories vs Posts

~15s

Posts stay on your profile permanently. Stories disappear after 24 hours — great for casual daily updates. Swipe right from the home screen to create a Story.

Interact with posts

~15s

Double-tap a photo to like it (heart). Tap the speech bubble to comment. Tap the paper airplane to send it to someone in a direct message. Tap the bookmark to save it.

Direct messages

~15s

Tap the paper airplane icon (top-right) to access messages. Send text, photos, and voice messages privately. Create group conversations with multiple people.

Reels

~15s

Reels are short videos (up to 90 seconds). Scroll through the Reels tab for entertaining content. You can create your own by tapping + and selecting Reel.

You Did It!

You've completed: How to Use Instagram

Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

Rate this guide

How helpful was this guide?

instagram

social-media

photos

communication