How to Use Instagram for Beginners

Instagram is a social media app focused on sharing photos and short videos. You can follow friends, family, celebrities, news accounts, and pages about your interests (gardening, cooking, travel, pets). It is free to use and available on iPhone and Android.

Download Instagram from the App Store or Google Play Store. Create an account with your email, phone number, or sign in with Facebook. Choose a username and add a profile photo. Consider making your account private: Settings → Privacy → "Private Account" — this means only people you approve can see your posts.

The home screen (house icon) shows posts from people you follow. Scroll down to see photos and videos. Tap the heart to "like" a post. Tap the speech bubble to leave a comment.

To follow people: tap the search icon (magnifying glass) and search for friends by name, or browse topics you are interested in. Tap "Follow" on profiles you want to see updates from.

To post a photo: tap the "+" at the bottom center, select a photo from your phone or take a new one, add a filter or caption, and tap "Share." Your followers will see it in their feed.

Stories are short posts (photos or videos) that disappear after 24 hours. They appear as circles at the top of your home screen. Tap someone's circle to view their Story. To post your own Story, tap your profile circle or swipe right from the home screen.