There are 500 million daily active users on Instagram across the globe. This, compared to the 1 billion monthly active users, goes to show just how popular this social media platform is.
Since its launch in 2010, the platform has grown exponentially, so much so that you probably know many, many people who use it.
Yet, even so, there’s a good possibility you haven’t gotten on yet. Perhaps you were waiting for the craze to end, or you didn’t have the need.
Whatever your reason, it’s never too late, so read your guide below to learn how to use Instagram for beginners.
Download the App and Set Up an Account
The first thing you need to do is download the app from the app store on your mobile device. You can also visit the Instagram site on your desktop if you prefer not to download the app.
You can either log in with your Facebook account or create an account using your e-mail address. Create your username, something unique to you but easily findable, and create a password.
Create Your Profile
Now, time to fill out your profile first by adding a profile picture. This can be of your face, but it doesn’t have to be.
Depending on what kind of Instagram you’re creating, it can reflect that. For instance, if you’re making an Instagram to show off all of your plants, you may choose to have your collection of plants be your profile picture.
Add a little information about yourself or your brand in your bio, and add a link to your website if you’d like.
Customize Notifications
One of the most important Instagram tips is customizing your notifications. There’s a good chance you don’t want to receive every single notification possible.
To avoid this, go to your settings, click notifications, and decide which push notifications you’d like to receive. Generally, getting new followers or seeing when someone comments on your posts are essential notifications.
Tips on How to Use Instagram for Beginners
Now you’ve got your Instagram set up, it’s time to learn precisely how to use Instagram. You’ll want to play around with the various tabs and buttons to get familiar with how they work.
Your home button shows all of the posts from your friends. The search bar allows you to find trending topics or search for profiles and hashtags. You’ll also find the reels button, which scrolls through various videos. You can check glossary Instagram to learn about the different terms used with the Instagram.
There’s also a shop button, which allows you to buy products directly off of pages from Instagram.
Once you’re familiar with the layout, you can start learning different Instagram tricks, such as finding out who viewed my Instagram photos and how to post the best pictures and videos.
Time to Join the Instagram Community
Learning how to use Instagram for beginners may seem a little overwhelming, especially because so many people are already on the platform. Use the guide above to get started, and you’ll see it’s not as difficult as it seems.
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Wayne Probert is a senior reporter at Zobuz, covering state and national politics, and he is a grantee with the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting. Before joining Zobuz, he worked as a freelance journalist in Kentucky, having been published by dozens of outlets including NPR, the Center for Media.
