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    Instagram for Beginners: How to Set Up an Account and Start Using It

    Create an Instagram account, follow people you know, scroll your feed, watch Stories, and send direct messages — a complete beginner's walkthrough.

    4 min read 5 stepsApril 19, 2026Verified April 2026
    1

    Download Instagram and create an account

    ~33s
    Open the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play Store (Android) and search for "Instagram." Download the free app from Meta Platforms. Open the app and tap Create New Account. Enter your email address or phone number, create a password, enter your name, and choose a username (this is your handle, like @janedoe — it must be unique). You will verify your email or phone number with a code that Instagram sends you.

    Quick Tip

    Quick Tip: Choose a username that people who know you will recognize. Your real name or nickname works well. You can change it later in settings if needed.

    2

    Set your account to Private

    ~27s
    After creating your account, tap your profile photo (circle icon) in the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) in the top right, then tap Settings and Privacy. Tap Account Privacy. Toggle on Private Account. This means only people you approve can follow you and see your posts.

    Warning

    If your account is Public, anyone in the world can see your photos and profile. For most people new to Instagram, Private is the recommended setting until you are comfortable with how the app works.

    3

    Find and follow people you know

    ~25s
    Tap the magnifying glass icon at the bottom of the screen to open the Search tab. Type a name or username in the search bar to find someone specific. Tap their name to go to their profile, then tap Follow. If their account is private, they will receive a follow request and must approve it before you see their posts. Instagram may also suggest people you know based on your contacts or Facebook friends.
    4

    Scroll your Feed and watch Stories

    ~31s
    Tap the house (home) icon at the bottom left to open your Feed. Scroll up to see photos and videos from people you follow. To like a post, double-tap the photo or tap the heart icon below it. To leave a comment, tap the speech bubble icon. At the very top of your Feed, you will see a row of circles — these are Stories from people you follow. Tap any circle to watch that person's Story. Tap the right side of the screen to skip to the next story, or swipe right to go back.
    5

    Send a Direct Message

    ~24s
    Tap the paper airplane icon in the top right corner of the home screen (or the message bubble icon on some versions) to open Direct Messages. Tap the compose icon (pencil or plus sign) to start a new message. Search for the person you want to message and tap their name. Type your message in the box at the bottom and tap Send. You can also share photos, reactions, and voice messages through DMs.

    You Did It!

    You've completed: Instagram for Beginners: How to Set Up an Account and Start Using It

    Need more help? Get Expert Help from a TekSure Tech

    Instagram is a photo and video sharing app where people post pictures from their lives, follow celebrities and businesses they like, and stay connected with friends and family. It is owned by Meta, the same company that owns Facebook, but it is a separate app focused on visual content.

    When you follow someone on Instagram, their posts appear in your Feed — a scrollable stream of photos and videos. At the top of the Feed are Stories — short photos or videos that disappear after 24 hours. Stories are a popular way to share quick everyday moments without it becoming a permanent post.

    You do not have to post anything to enjoy Instagram. Many people use it purely to follow accounts they find interesting — nature photographers, cooking channels, news pages, celebrities, or family members — and scroll through without ever posting a photo themselves.

    Your Instagram account can be set to Public (anyone can follow you and see your posts) or Private (you approve each follower request and only approved followers see your content). For most people new to the app, Private is the safer and more comfortable choice.

    Instagram is free. There are ads mixed into your Feed, but the core features cost nothing. Direct Messages (DM) let you send private messages to individuals or groups, similar to texting through the app.

    To use Instagram, you need the app on your phone. It is available for both iPhone and Android. You can also view Instagram on a computer web browser, but the app provides a much better experience for most features.

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    Official Resources

    Facebook Help CenterAARP Social Media GuideFTC — Social Media Safety

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    Instagram for Beginners: How to Set Up an Account and Start Using It — Step-by-Step Guide | TekSure