What is Instagram?

The question “What is Instagram?” may seem simple, but the answer is quite complex. With a large user base globally, Instagram has evolved from a basic photo-sharing app to a profitable hub for creativity, influence, and entrepreneurship.

In 2023, Instagram may seem inundated with competition, making it difficult to establish a successful business or brand and differentiate yourself. Nevertheless, various opportunities await, and Instagram can be utilized to share your products, services, or concepts.

Unveiling the wealth of possibilities within Instagram’s vibrant platform has become an enticing aspiration for many.

If you want to create an Instagram account or require instructions on utilizing it, continue reading. We will cover the fundamentals and explain why it has become the most widely-used social media platform for monetization and growth

What is Instagram?

Instagram, a social networking site founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in 2010, enables users to share photos and short videos with their friends and followers. It offers various filters and editing options to enhance the visual appeal and interaction of the content.

This application has emerged as a potent tool for digital marketing. Brands and influencers utilize this platform to generate content and connect with followers. Technology has made the creative field accessible to all, irrespective of owning a smartphone or an internet connection.

Consequently, this inclusive approach has fostered democracy within the industry, empowering individuals to become content creators.

How to Sign Up for Instagram?

To join Instagram, you must make an account. Get the app on your phone (from the App Store for iPhone users or Google Play Store for Android devices). Or navigate to the Instagram website.

Once you download the app, follow these steps:

1. Open the app and tap Create a new account.
   
2. Write your full name and tap next.
   
3. Create a unique password for your account.
   
4. If you want to save your login info, tap Save.
   
5. Set the date of your birthday.
   
6. Create a unique username for your account and hit Next.
   
7. Choose whether to sign up with your email address or phone number.If you select a telephone number, enter your mobile number to receive an SMS notification. If you didn’t receive the code, tap sign up with email.
   
8. Enter your email address and tap Next.
   
   
9. Enter the 6-digit confirmation code that was sent to your email address.
   
10. Tap, I agree if you agree to Instagram’s terms and policies.
    
11. Complete the profile setup by adding your profile picture and a bio to introduce yourself to other users.
    
12. Start connecting with friends and exploring the world of Instagram! If you want to find your friends on Instagram, you need to know how to find contacts on Instagram or look for finding someone to connect with.
    

The important thing you should know if you are new to Instagram, you can also view Instagram without signing up for an account too.

Tips for Setting Up Your Profile

Your Instagram profile represents you or your brand. For setting up your profile, it’s imperative to choose an appropriate username, upload a profile picture and include a brief bio that describes who you are and what your brand stands for.

1. Choose a recognizable username: When creating a username, choosing something simple to remember and easy to type is essential. Ideally, if you’re creating an account for your business, it should also closely resemble your brand or business name.
2. Add a high-quality profile picture: When someone visits your profile, they will first see your profile picture. Ensuring it accurately represents you or your business and leaves a good impression is essential.
3. Write a concise bio: Writing a brief and concise bio on your Instagram profile is an excellent way to introduce yourself and let people know what you do and what to expect from your updates. Be sure to use relevant keywords that people may search for.
4. Use hashtags: Hashtags are a great way to get your content seen by more people. When you use relevant hashtags, your posts will show up in search results for those hashtags. 

Upload a Picture onto Instagram

Sharing pictures on Instagram is easy! Follow these simple steps to post your photos and share them with your followers:

1. Open the Instagram app and tap the + icon at the bottom center of the screen.
   
2. Choose the image you want to upload from your phone’s gallery.
   
3. Apply filters to enhance the photo’s appearance, or use editing tools to adjust brightness, contrast, and more.
   
4. Write a caption for your photo and add relevant hashtags to reach a broader audience.
   
5. Now, you can label your friends or include places to boost participation and exposure. Once you have selected the tag or location icon, follow the steps below to achieve this.
   
6. Now select the desired person, then enter their name or username.
   
7. Select the Location icon, input the location name, and choose the desired location.
   
8. Tap Share to post your picture on your profile.
   

Instagram lets you pick ten photos and videos to post together as carousels. Each post offers the option to apply a filter, seen as indispensable or superfluous, depending on your perspective.

How to Add Filters to Your Instagram Posts

Instagram provides a range of filters to give your photos a distinctive look and feel. Follow these easy steps to add Instagram filters to your posts:

1. After selecting an image from the camera roll to upload, swipe left or right to preview different filters.
   
2. Choose the filter that best suits your photo’s aesthetics.
   
3. Tap on the Edit button. These tools can modify various features like brightness and contrast.
   
4. Tap Next to proceed with writing a caption and sharing your post.
   

Upload a Story onto Instagram

Instagram Stories allow you to share temporary photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. Here’s how to create engaging stories:

1. Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture with a + sign at the top-left corner.
   
2. Capture a photo or record a video by pressing the round button at the bottom center of the screen, or you can choose your image from the camera roll.
   
3. Add text, stickers, or draw on your story using the tools at the top right corner to make it more fun and interactive.
   
4. Tap Your Story to publish your account for all your followers to see.
   

Here are some additional features of Instagram Stories:

• Polls: You can now add polls to your stories to get feedback from your followers. To do this, tap the sticker icon in the top right corner of your account and select the Poll sticker. Enter your question and two answer options, then tap Share.
• Quizzes: You can also add quizzes to your stories to test your followers’ knowledge. To do this, tap the sticker icon and select the Quiz sticker. Enter your question and four answer options, then tap Share.
• Questions: You can ask your followers questions directly by adding a sticker to your story. To do this, tap the sticker icon and select the Question sticker. Enter your question, then tap Share.
• Music: You can now add music to your stories to make them more engaging. To do this, tap the sticker icon and select the Music sticker. Please search for a song and tap it to add it to your story.
• Add links to stories: Previously, this option was only available to users with 10,000 or more followers. With Instagram’s update, you can insert links into your stories without limitations. 

Instagram Features

Instagram provides numerous features for its users, keeping them engaged and entertained. Let’s explore some of the most sought-after features.

Reels

Instagram Reels allows you to create short, creative videos set to music. With Instagram Reels, you can easily create and share entertaining and imaginative videos with your loved ones.

Besides adding music tracks to your videos, Instagram Reels lets you add filters and special effects, making them unique and reflective of your personality.

Here’s how to start:

1. Choose Reels from Instagram’s bottom bar when you open the app.
   
2. Click on the camera icon in the top right corner of the screen.
   
3. Record a series of short video clips or use existing videos from your gallery.
   
4. Add music, text, effects, and stickers to enhance your Reel.
   
5. Share your Reel on your profile or Explore the page to reach a broader audience.

Instagram Live

Instagram Live lets you broadcast in real-time, connecting with your followers authentically.

Here’s how to go live:

1. Click on the plus icon at the top of your Instagram account.
   
2. Tap the Live option to create one.
   
3. Tap the button at your screen’s center to start a live video. Don’t forget to add a title for your video so your followers can know what it’s all about.
   
4. Go live and interact with your audience by responding to comments and questions.
   

Messenger

Instagram’s messaging feature, Messenger, lets you have private conversations with other users. Here’s how to use it:

1. Tap the paper airplane icon at the top-right corner of the home screen to access your messages.
2. Click on the Pen icon in the top right corner of your Instagram direct messages.
3. Start a new conversation by selecting a user from your followers or searching for a specific username, then tapping on chat.
4. Send text messages, photos, and videos in your private chat.Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Messenger:
   • You can add up to 32 people to a group chat.
   • You can send disappearing messages that will self-delete after a while.
   • You can use Messenger to make voice and video calls.
   • You can use Messenger to send payments to friends and family.

Instagram Shopping

Instagram Shopping allows businesses to tag products in their posts. Users can view product details and make purchases without leaving the app. This makes it faster and easier for customers to find what they want and complete their purchases.

The process goes like this:

1. Make sure your Instagram account is set up as a business profile. Have you completed this task yet? If not, open Settings (click on the tree line at the top of your account.)
   
2. Tap on Account.
   
3. Scroll down and choose Switch to a professional account.
   
4. Next, you should connect your Instagram profile to your Facebook page. To do this, tap the hamburger menu on your Instagram profile page, then Settings and privacy.
   
   
5. Go to the Account Center.
   
   
6. Select Accounts and follow the prompts to connect your Instagram to your Facebook.
   
7. Now, set up a Business Manager account by going to business.facebook.com.
   
8. Select Create a Catalog and click on Get Started.
   
   
9. Add product tags to your posts( When you upload a picture of the product you want to post, you will see an option to tag the product).
   

When users tap on a product tag, they will be taken to a product page where they can learn more about the product and make a purchase.

Here are some additional things to keep in mind about Instagram Shopping:

• Instagram Shopping is currently only available to businesses in select countries.
• To be eligible for Instagram Shopping, your business must meet specific requirements, such as having a physical location and a verified Facebook Page.
• You can tag up to 20 products in a single post.
• Product tags are only visible to users in countries where Instagram Shopping is available.

After doing all mentioned above and no longer wanting to use Instagram or trying out Instagram for a month and not wanting to keep it, you can delete your account quickly.

Wrap-up

Instagram has become a potent platform for enterprises and influencers to engage with their followers and expand their influence. It offers Stories, Reels, Live, Messenger, and Shopping functions to elevate user interaction and cultivate a captivating digital image.

If you still need to start using Instagram and want to know what Instagram is, we suggest you create an account and explore all its exciting features. You might be pleasantly surprised by how much you enjoy using it.