Social media · 4 min read

Instagram for beginners: account, login and privacy

Instagram is Meta's free photo and video sharing social network. It works in a phone app and in a web browser; the account can be linked to Facebook, but this is not required.

In this article
  1. What can it be used for?
  2. What is needed to use it?
  3. Where can it be used?
  4. Instagram and the Meta account
  5. Official pages
  6. Free or paid?
  7. Security basics
  8. Related guides
  9. Getting started
  10. Using and settings
  11. Troubleshooting
  12. Security
  13. Tips and tricks
  14. If it doesn't work
The Instagram home page

Official website: instagram.com ↗

What can it be used for?

  • Posts: sharing photos and videos on the profile, even several images in one post.
  • Reels: watching and making short vertical videos. The app is increasingly built around them.
  • Stories: photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours; the more important ones can stay on the profile as highlights.
  • Messages: private chats, group conversations, and voice and video calls with other Instagram users.
  • Explore and search: following friends, creators, businesses and topics.
  • Live video: broadcasting live to followers.

What is needed to use it?

  • A minimum age of 13. Under 18, a Teen Account is created with stricter default settings: Instagram Teen Accounts and parental supervision.
  • A mobile number or email address to receive the confirmation code, which can later be used to request a new password. Signing up with an existing Facebook account is also possible.
  • A smartphone with the app, or a computer with a web browser.
  • Creating an account is free; no bank card is needed.

Where can it be used?

  • On Android and iPhone with the Instagram app. This is the full version: most features (for example editing stories) are most convenient here.
  • On iPad, with a dedicated tablet app since September 2025.
  • In a web browser at www.instagram.com: browsing, sending messages and uploading posts are all possible. A new account can be created there with the “Create new account” link.
  • On Android, Instagram Lite is also available for weak internet connections; it is smaller and uses less data.
  • A TV app is so far available only in a few countries (for example the United States).

Google Play App Store

Instagram and the Meta account

Instagram, Facebook, Messenger and Threads are Meta services. The accounts can be linked in Accounts Center (accountscenter.instagram.com), where the password, two-factor authentication and most personal details can be managed. In April 2026, Meta announced that Accounts Center would gradually become the Meta account within a year. Linking is optional: the Instagram account can also remain separate.

  • With linked accounts, one password and one login may be enough for all Meta apps.
  • Shared settings (password, two-factor authentication, email address) are in one place; Instagram's own settings (for example who can tag the account in a photo) stay in the app.
  • Several Instagram accounts can be used on one device: Managing multiple Instagram accounts on one device.

Official pages

Login details should only be entered on the official addresses. Instagram never asks for a password by email or message.

Free or paid?

Instagram is free to use; the service is funded by advertising. Payment is only needed for optional extras: for example a creator's exclusive content (subscription), or an ad to promote a post. In the EU, Meta also offers a paid, ad-free subscription for Facebook and Instagram.

Security basics

  • Turning on two-factor authentication under “Password and security” in Accounts Center is recommended; an authentication app is the most secure option.
  • Since 2026, a passkey can also be used: logging in then works with a fingerprint, face recognition or the phone's screen lock instead of a password.
  • Confirmation and login codes should never be shared with anyone, even if a friend asks for them in a message: hacked accounts are often used this way to take over more accounts.
  • Messages such as “your account has violated copyright” or “you have received a blue checkmark” are usually scams.
  • A private account is recommended for minors and cautious users: Instagram privacy settings and private accounts.

Getting started

Using and settings

Troubleshooting

Security

Tips and tricks

If it doesn't work

Is a Facebook account needed for Instagram?

No. An Instagram account can also be created with a mobile number or an email address. Linking it to Facebook is only a convenience, and it can be removed later.

Can Instagram be used on a computer?

Yes, in a web browser at www.instagram.com. Browsing, sending messages and uploading posts all work there, but some features are only available in the app.

From what age can Instagram be used?

From age 13. Under 18, a Teen Account is created, which is private by default and comes with stricter restrictions.

Does Instagram cost money?

No, the basic service is free. Only a few extras are paid, for example a subscription to a creator's exclusive content, or advertising.

What is the difference between a post, a story and a reel?

A post stays on the profile, a story disappears after 24 hours, and a reel is a short vertical video that people other than followers can also see.

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