How to use Instagram: Step by Step

Launched in October 2010, Instagram has become one of the biggest social networks in the world. Shortly after its first day of launch, the free photo-sharing platform already had around 25,000 users, and more and more people have become interested in knowing how to use Instagram and be part of this incredible social network.

In order to adapt to technological advances and not be left behind by some of its competitors, Instagram is no longer just a photo posting application and has come to have several other functions over time. Thus, it is possible to access Stories, Instagram Shopping, and Reels, among other features.

In this article, we present a step-by-step on how to join Instagram. See everything you need to know before starting on the platform.

How to join Instagram?

To enter the social network, you need to create an account. Creating an Instagram account is a simple task that can be accomplished in two different ways. The first option is through the computer, using a browser on a desktop or notebook. The second way is to create the account directly through the smartphone app.

On the computer, you need to access the official Instagram website and follow the account creation process, which involves filling in personal information and choosing a username and password. After filling in this information, the user will be able to configure his profile.

To create an Instagram account on your smartphone, you will first need to download the app on your device through the app store. On Android systems, the Instagram app can be found on the Play Store, while on iOS the app will be found on the Apple Store.

How to create an Instagram account on PC?

To create an Instagram account on your PC, just follow these steps:

1. Access the website www.instagram.com and click on the “Sign Up” option:

2. Fill in the information with your personal data, which includes your mobile number or e-mail and full name. Create a strong password and an available, cool username. Click on “Sign Up”:

Another option is if you already have a Facebook account. Thus, it is possible to link the data of that other social network to the new Instagram account. To use this alternative, just click on “Log in with Facebook”.

3. Enter your date of birth:

4. Enter the 6-digit code that was sent in the cell phone SMS or in your email:

5. With the account created, options of known personalities will appear for you to follow if you wish. After that, you can just start using it as normal, following people you want.

How to create an Instagram account on mobile?

To create an Instagram account on your smartphone, you must first access the app store on your Android or iOS system. After downloading the app on your mobile, follow these steps:

1. Open the Instagram application and access the option “Create new account”:

2. Type your mobile phone number in the reserved field or “Sign up with email“, if you prefer, and hit “Next”:

3. If you signed up using your mobile number, you will receive a confirmation code via SMS. In this case, type it in the reserved field and click “Next”:

4. That same code may have been received by email, depending on the option chosen by the user in step 3.

5. Now, the platform will ask you for your name. Type it in and hit “Next”;

6. After that, create a strong password. Then click on “Next”:

7. Instagram will ask you if you want to “Save your login info?”. We recommend you hit “Save” so you can log in more easily in the future:

8. Now, select your birthday, by scrolling up and down to select the correct date. Then, hit “Next”;

9. Now is the time to create a username. Choose a cool one (that’s available) and then hit “Next”;

10. Accept the terms and policies of Instagram and click on “I Agree”:

11. The option to add a profile photo will appear on your screen, as shown in the following image:

The user can add a photo from their gallery or take a new photo with the cell phone’s camera. If you do not want to add any photographs, click on “Skip”.

12. You have the option to “Continue and sync contacts” or “Continue without syncing contacts”, as well as “Connect to Facebook” so you can find friends who use the other platform.

How to find my contacts on Instagram?

After that, you will have already created your Instagram account. But how to find Facebook friends from Instagram or phone contacts?

1. The first option that will appear on the screen is to find your friends through Facebook. To do this, click on “Find friends”:

2. A new screen will open where you can follow popular profiles on the net that are of interest to you.

3. After choosing which accounts to follow on Instagram, click on the “Next” button in the upper right corner:

4. Other friend profiles or pages that you might want to follow can be found in the suggestions posted on the screen by Instagram itself.
5. One way to find friends on Instagram is also manually looking for the magnifying glass icon, and then typing the person’s name or username:

When you find friends or personalities who want to follow posts on Instagram, click on “Follow”.

Also check: How to make an Instagram bio for business?

How to use Instagram security check?

To increase the security of your Instagram, you can add two-step authentication. Thus, a code will be requested every time a device tries to log in to your account. To activate it, follow these steps:

1. Click on your profile icon:

2. Click on the 3 horizontal lines in the upper right corner and then on “Settings and privacy”:

3. Click on “Accounts Center”:

4. Now, go to “Password and Security”:

4. Go to the “Two-Factor Authentication” option. 3 options will appear to verify the security of the account: Authentication App, SMS, and Whatsapp:

5. The most recommended is to use an authentication app (first option), such as Google Authenticator, which can be downloaded from your mobile phone’s app store.

6. Having chosen the first option and downloaded the authentication app, it is necessary to read the barcode or QR Code or copy the key.

7. After that, just copy and enter the 6-digit code into the Instagram app.

How to learn how to use Instagram step by step for beginners?

One of the first steps in learning how to use this social network is knowing how to post on Instagram. In this case, there are 3 main ways:

• Feed: This will be the space where published photos and videos will appear to network users.
• Reels: This is a space where short videos can be recorded.
• Story: A published image or video that will remain online for only 24 hours so that followers can see it.

It is worth mentioning that there is a function that allows you to post photos on Instagram and Facebook at the same time since they are social networks that can be integrated.

Finally, you will also find an additional option to broadcast live on Instagram, in which lives can have specific guests.

Thus, anyone can ask to participate in a live on Instagram that is being held, so that the creator of this live will be able to authorize or not the requester’s entry.

To create an Instagram post, just follow these steps:

Click on the “+” icon at the bottom center of the screen;

Choose from the options “Post”, “Story” or “Reels”;

If the option chosen is “Post”, choose a photo or video from your gallery and click on the blue “Next” button, located in the upper right corner of the screen. You’ll be able to choose some effects, make edits and then publish the image or video of your choice.

• If the option is “Story”, it is possible to choose a file from the gallery by dragging your finger upwards on the screen and taking a photo or video by clicking on the white button at the bottom.
• Opting for “Reels”, the user holds the same white button for the time the video will be recorded and will release it when they want to end it. Then just click on “Next“, and put audio, music, and necessary edits.

How do I chat with someone on Instagram?

An important aspect of how to use Instagram is knowing how to chat with others. On the home page of your Instagram, which can be accessed from an icon shaped like a house, the following icon will appear in the upper right corner:

By clicking on the icon circled in red in the image above, the user will see the received and sent messages. All conversations can be seen in this field.

To send messages on Instagram, enter the profile of the person you want to start the conversation with and click the message, as shown in the following example:

So, just send the message and click on “Send”. It should be mentioned that Instagram also offers the possibility of sending audio and files in conversations.

By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be ready to create your profile and start exploring all that Instagram has to offer. Remember to follow Instagram’s best practices to get the most out of your experience.