If you have just installed the app and want to know how to use Instagram without feeling overwhelmed, this beginner’s guide walks you through every important screen. Instagram is a free photo and video app owned by Meta, and in 2026 it is built around four main things: your feed of posts, short vertical videos called Reels, disappearing updates called Stories, and private conversations in Direct Messages (DMs).
You do not need any special skills to get started. In the next few minutes you will create an account, set up a profile people can find, publish your first post, and learn the everyday actions like following, liking, and messaging. We will also cover the privacy settings that matter most so you stay in control of who sees your content.
Getting Started With Instagram
Instagram is available free on the Apple App Store and Google Play, and you can also use most features at instagram.com in a web browser. The mobile app is where the app works best because posting Reels and Stories relies on your phone camera.
Create your account
When you first open the app, you can sign up with a phone number or email address, or link an existing Facebook account. You will choose a username (your public @ handle) and a password. Pick a username that is easy to remember and to spell, because people use it to find and tag you.
Set up your profile
Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner, then Edit profile. Add a clear profile photo, your name, and a short bio (up to 150 characters) that says who you are. If you run a business or creative page, you can switch to a free professional account later to unlock insights and contact buttons.
- Install and open the app. Download Instagram, then tap Create new account.
- Verify and choose a username. Confirm your email or phone, then set a username and password.
- Complete your profile. Add a photo, name, and bio so people recognize you.
- Follow a few accounts. Search for friends, brands, or interests to fill your feed.
- Create your first post. Tap the plus (+) button, choose a photo, add a caption, and share.
- Explore and engage. Like, comment, and save posts you enjoy to train your feed.
- Review privacy settings. Decide whether your account should be public or private.
Understanding the Main Parts of Instagram
The app has five icons along the bottom of the screen. From left to right they are Home (your feed), Search/Explore (the magnifying glass), the plus (+) to create, Reels (the play icon), and your Profile. Getting comfortable with these five buttons is most of the battle.
Posts, Reels, and Stories
A post appears permanently on your profile grid and can be a single photo, a carousel of up to 20 photos and videos, or a video. A Reel is a short vertical video, often set to music, that can reach people who do not follow you yet. A Story is a photo or video that disappears after 24 hours and shows at the top of the screen. Stories are casual and great for behind-the-scenes moments.
- Post consistently rather than all at once.
- Write captions that add context or ask a question.
- Reply to comments to build a small community.
- Use 3 to 5 relevant hashtags, not 30.
- Following hundreds of accounts in one day.
- Buying fake followers or likes.
- Sharing personal details like your home address.
- Reposting others’ content without credit.
How to Post, Share, and Message
Creating content always starts with the plus (+) button in the center of the bottom bar. From there you choose Post, Story, Reel, or Live. Instagram walks you through cropping, filters, captions, and tagging before you publish.
Send and receive DMs
Direct Messages are private chats. Tap the paper-plane icon in the top-right of the Home screen to open your inbox. You can send text, photos, voice notes, or share a post you liked. DMs are how most people have one-to-one conversations on Instagram, similar to texting.
Follow, like, and save
Tap Follow on any profile to add their posts to your feed. Double-tap a post (or tap the heart) to like it, tap the speech bubble to comment, and tap the bookmark icon to save it to a private collection you can revisit later.
| Feature | What it does | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Post | Permanent photo or video on your grid | Highlights you want to keep |
| Reel | Short vertical video with music | Reaching new people |
| Story | Disappears after 24 hours | Casual daily updates |
| DM | Private one-to-one or group chat | Personal conversations |
| Explore | Discover new accounts and topics | Finding fresh content |
Staying Private and Safe
By default a new personal account is public, meaning anyone can see your posts. To switch to private, go to Settings and privacy > Account privacy and turn on Private account. After that, only approved followers can see your posts and Stories. You can also mute, unfollow, block, or restrict any account, and report content that breaks the rules.
Take a moment to review who can message you, comment on your posts, and tag you. These controls live under Settings and privacy. For more walkthroughs like this one, browse our other how-to guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instagram free to use?
Yes. Downloading the app, creating an account, posting, and messaging are all free. Instagram makes money from ads, and it offers optional paid extras like a verified subscription, but you never have to pay to use the core features.
What is the difference between a Reel and a Story?
A Reel is a short vertical video that stays on your profile and can be shown to people who do not follow you. A Story is a photo or video that disappears after 24 hours and is mainly seen by your existing followers.
Should my account be public or private?
Public is best if you want to grow an audience or share a business or creative page. Private is safer for personal accounts, since only followers you approve can see your posts. You can switch between the two at any time in Settings.
How do hashtags work?
A hashtag is a keyword with a # in front, like #travel. Adding a few relevant hashtags to your caption helps people who follow or search that topic discover your post. Using three to five focused hashtags works better than dozens of generic ones.
Can I use Instagram on a computer?
Yes. You can log in at instagram.com to browse your feed, post photos, send DMs, and edit your profile. Some features, such as filters and certain Reels tools, still work best in the mobile app.
