How to Use Instagram: A Beginner’s Guide

Instagram is one of the most popular apps used by people globally. In addition, people use it to share pictures, videos, and stories, even for marketing and running their businesses. If you are new and confused about how to use Instagram, don’t worry because every big creator, influencer, or business owner once started as a beginner, just like you.

This blog is written for people who have never used Instagram before. By the end, you will understand how Instagram works, how to sign up, how to create your page, and how to enjoy it for fun, learning, and business growth as well.

What is Instagram Used For?

Let’s start with what Instagram is used for.

  • To share photos and short videos with friends.
  • To follow celebrities, artists, or brands you like.
  • To watch funny or useful short clips called Reels.
  • To run a small business or promote services.
  • You can connect Facebook with Instagram and post on both at the same time.
  • For some, it’s just fun. For others, it’s part of work or digital marketing.

Step 1: Instagram Signup – Creating Your Account

To use Instagram, you need an account. Here’s how you can do the Instagram signup process:

  • Download the Instagram app from the Play Store.
  • Open it and tap Sign Up.
  • You can use an email address or phone number.
  • Choose a username. This becomes your Instagram ID.
  • Create a password.
  • Add a profile photo.
  • That’s it—you’ve made your account. Now let’s make it look good.

Step 2: Make ID on Instagram—Building Your Profile

When you make an ID on Instagram, you’re basically creating your profile. This is like your digital introduction.

Profile Picture

Use a clear photo. If it’s for personal use, a smiling face works best. If it’s for business, use your logo.

Your Bio

This short text appears under your name. Keep it simple. Example:

  • “Coffee lover. Sharing my travel pics.”
  • “Online shop for handmade candles.”

Links

You can add one link in your bio. If you have more than one, use a link tool like Linktree.

Step 3: How Does Instagram Work?

At first, Instagram might look a little crowded. Here are the simple steps for what you see:

  • You see posts from people you follow.
  • Photos, videos, and status disappear in 24 hours.
  • Short and scrollable videos.
  • Content from accounts you don’t follow but might like.
  • Private chats.
  • Likes, comments, and new followers.
  • It’s designed to be simple once you get used to it.

Step 4: Posting on Instagram

So, how do you use Instagram to post? Here are the points:

  • Tap the “+” button at the bottom.
  • Select a photo and video from your phone.
  • Add a short caption.
  • Use relatable hashtags to reach more people.
  • Tag friends if they’re in the picture.
  • Share.

Step 5: Using Stories and Reels

Instagram has two popular features besides posts.

Stories

  • Lasts for only 24 hours.
  • Great for daily updates (coffee, quotes, travel, selfies).
  • You can add music, stickers, or polls.
  • Save the best ones in Highlights.

Reels

  • Short videos (up to 90 seconds).
  • Very popular for entertainment and tips.
  • They reach more people than normal posts.

Step 6: How Do You Use Instagram to Connect?

Instagram is about connection, not just posting.

  • Follow people you know.
  • Like and comment on their photos.
  • Reply to stories with emojis.
  • Send private messages in DMs.

Step 7: How to Connect Facebook to Instagram

Many people want to know how to connect Facebook to Instagram. It’s simple:

  1. Open Instagram and go to Settings.
  2. Tap Accounts Center.
  3. Choose Facebook and log in.
  4. Allow both apps to connect.

Step 8: Growing Your Page as a Beginner

Here are some small things that make a big difference:

  • Post 2–3 times a week.
  • Use 5–10 hashtags (not too many).
  • Keep captions short.
  • Be real, not fake.
  • Reply to people who comment.

Step 9: Instagram Settings You Should Know

There are two main ways people use Instagram.

For Fun

  • Sharing family trips.
  • Following favorite celebrities.
  • Posting memories with friends.

For Business

  • Running ads.
  • Using Insights (to see who views your posts).
  • Selling products through Instagram Shop.

This is why many brands hire digital marketing services to manage their Instagram.

Step 11: Common Beginner Mistakes

When you’re new, it’s easy to mess up. Avoid these:

  • Uploading too many posts in one day.
  • Following hundreds of people at once.
  • Ignoring comments.
  • Writing long, boring captions.

Step 12: How to Stay Safe on Instagram

Safety guide especially for beginners.

  • Don’t share your password.
  • Turn on two-factor authentication.
  • Block anyone who bothers you.
  • Don’t click strange links in DMs.

Step 13: Fun Things to Try on Instagram

Instagram doesn’t have to be serious. Explore:

  • Funny filters.
  • Polls in Stories.
  • Sharing music.
  • Doing a live video with friends.

Step 14: How To Use Instagram Without Posting?

Not everyone wants to post. That’s okay. You can:

  • Watch Reels.
  • Follow interesting pages.
  • Learn new things (recipes, workouts, and travel tips).
  • Chat with friends.

Step 15: Instagram and Daily Life

People use Instagram at the time of eating, studying, or relaxing. It’s become a part of daily habits. Some even find jobs, new hobbies, or business partners through it. It’s not just a social app anymore. For many, it’s part of their lifestyle.

Conclusion

Learning how to use Instagram doesn’t take long. First, sign up. Then, set up your page. Start with a few posts, watch some Reels, and follow people you know. Slowly, you’ll find your own style.

If you’re using it for fun, enjoy sharing memories. If you’re using it for work, explore business tools and maybe even professional digital marketing services to grow. Most important is to keep it real and simple and use it in a way that makes you happy.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How to increase Instagram likes organically? 

Post quality content. Use relatable hashtags, maintain consistency, and post stories to boost visibility. 

Does Instagram pay for your likes? 

No, you did not get any pay directly from Instagram. But when your post appears in other people’s feeds, it increases the chances for monetization. 

What kind of content works best for Instagram? 

Video content is the best way to grab users’ attention on Instagram. You can make it in different forms like stories, short reels, lives, and other types of video. 

How many followers do you need to get verified on Instagram?

There is no specific number of followers required, but 10,000 is a standard number of followers for verification.  

Which type of content is not allowed on Instagram?

Hateful, violent, and discriminatory content is not allowed.