How to Create an Instagram Account

This post will cover how to set up your Instagram account on desktop or mobile and touch on some important early strategies. 

To create an Instagram account on your desktop, complete the following:

1. Step 1

   Visit Instagram and click on the option to sign up. It will give you the option to log in with Facebook or you can choose to sign up manually. 

2. Step 2

   If you choose to sign up manually, fill in the required spaces using your phone number or email address, your name, username, and your desired password. 

3. Step 3

   A confirmation code will be sent to either your email or phone number depending on which one you used when you initially signed up. Use the code in the appropriate place to finish creating your account. 

To create an Instagram account on your mobile device defers slightly on whether or not you are using an iPhone or an Android.

Set Up Instagram with iPhone

For an iPhone, complete the following steps:

1. Step 1

   Visit the App Store and download the Instagram App.

2. Step 2

   Open the app as soon as it is installed and tap either to create a new account or you can log in with Facebook. If you choose “create new account,” type in your name, email address or phone number, username, and password.

3. Step 3

   A confirmation code will be sent to either your email address or phone number depending on which you choose to enter. Input it into the app to finish the account creation. 

Set Up Instagram with Android

For Android, complete the following steps:

1. Step 1

   Visit the Google Play Store and download the Instagram App, opening it as soon as it is complete.

2. Step 2

   Choose between the option to log in using Facebook, or by entering your email or phone number. If you choose to enter your email or phone number, it will prompt you to fill in your name, username, and password.

3. Step 3

   You will then receive a confirmation code in either your phone or email to finalize the process. Input it into the app to finish the account creation. 

Here are a few things you should consider when creating your own Instagram account:

• Choose a Good Name

  You will want to make sure you choose a good name for your Instagram account. Try to find something catchy or fun that can be easily remembered, yet describes you or your message appropriately. Make sure to keep it clean as to not deter anybody away from following you.

• Upload a Great Profile Picture

  Make sure you upload a great profile picture of yourself or the message of your account. If your Instagram is your personal profile, pick out a clear photo of yourself. If the photo of yourself is too hard to see, crop the photo so it shows more of your face. Try different angles and lighting and make sure you smile. If you are representing a topic or message, choose your profile picture appropriately.

  For example, you can use your brand if you have one, a logo, a prop, and/or yourself. As the picture can be quite small, especially on mobile devices, make sure there isn’t too much going on and that what you are trying to represent is clearly the focus of the picture.

• Fill Out Your Bio (Clear and Concise)

  When you fill out your bio, make sure it is very clear and not too long. Let people see your personality and let them know who you are and/or what your message represents. Put in any links to any other websites or blogs you may own and/or a way for your followers to contact you.

• Upload 2-3 Stories That Represent You and Your Message

  After filling out your profile, post a few pictures, videos, and/or stories representing who you are and/or your message. You can post a fun story, memory, meme, selfie, or quote; and/or if you are a business or supporting one, you can post pictures or videos of products you are trying to promote. If you post a photo or video, add an engaging caption to it. Try to connect with your followers and their interests and listen to their feedback. 

• Merge Accounts

  When managing multiple accounts, make sure to merge them so that you don’t always have to log out. Instead, you can just switch accounts. Just be sure to always check which one you are currently on when you upload an image or story. You don’t want to inadvertently upload the wrong post to a professional account.

How Many Instagram Accounts Can You Have?

The Instagram app allows you to add more than just a second Instagram account. In fact, you can add up to 5 different accounts. They can all be merged so that you can quickly switch between them. You can also connect your Instagram account to your Facebook page.

Can You Use the Same Phone Number for Two Instagram Accounts?

Unfortunately, you can’t use the same phone number on a second Instagram account. That being said, you can sign up for one with a second email address. Just make sure that you set it up before you create one. Trying to get around it could potentially cause you to lose both accounts.