The fastest way to set up Instagram
To create a new Instagram account, download the Instagram app or go to instagram.com, tap or click "Create new account," enter your email address or phone number, create a password, add a username, and confirm your identity through a code sent to your email or phone. The whole process takes about five minutes.
You can also sign up using your Facebook account if you have one — Instagram will pull your name and profile picture from Facebook and skip some steps. Either way, you'll need to add a profile picture and bio before you can start following people or posting.
Key Takeaways
- You can create an Instagram account on the app or at instagram.com using an email address, phone number, or Facebook account.
- Instagram will ask you to verify your identity by entering a code sent to your email or phone before your account goes live.
- Your username is permanent and visible to everyone, so choose something you're comfortable with — you can change your display name later but not your username.
- A profile picture and bio are optional but recommended, since accounts without them look incomplete and people are less likely to follow you.
Creating an account on the Instagram app
Open the Instagram app on your phone and tap "Create new account" at the bottom of the login screen. Enter your email address or phone number in the first field. Instagram will send a confirmation code to that email or number — check your inbox or text messages and enter the code when prompted.
Next, create a password at least six characters long. Instagram will ask you to add your first and last name, then choose a username. Your username is what appears in your profile URL and what people type to find you — it's permanent and can't be changed later, so think it through. Usernames can include letters, numbers, periods, and underscores, but no spaces.
After you choose a username, Instagram will ask if you want to add a profile picture and bio. You can skip these and add them later, but your account will look more complete if you fill them in now. Once you confirm your information, your account is ready to use.
Creating an account on instagram.com
Go to instagram.com in your web browser and click "Create new account" on the login page. You'll see the same fields as the app: email or phone number, password, first and last name, and username. Enter your information in the same order, and Instagram will send a confirmation code to your email or phone.
The web version works identically to the app, but you may find it easier to type a longer bio or upload a profile picture from your computer. After you confirm your account, you can log in on any device using your username and password.
Signing up with your Facebook account
If you already have a Facebook account, you can use it to create an Instagram account faster. On the Instagram login screen (app or web), tap or click "Log in with Facebook." Instagram will ask for permission to access your Facebook profile, then automatically fill in your name and profile picture.
You'll still need to choose a username and verify your identity with a code, but you skip the step of creating a password — Instagram uses your Facebook login. This method is faster if you have Facebook, but your Instagram and Facebook accounts will be linked, meaning you can share posts to both platforms at once.
Choosing a username that works for you
Your username is permanent, so spend a moment thinking about what you want. If you're creating an account for personal use, something simple with your real name or a nickname works well. If you're building a business or creator account, choose something related to what you do — a photographer might use their name or studio name, and a fitness coach might include "fitness" or "coach" in the username.
Keep in mind that usernames are case-insensitive (Instagram treats "JamesRodriguez" and "jamesrodriguez" as the same), and people will type it in lowercase when searching for you. Avoid numbers and underscores if possible — they make usernames harder to remember and harder to type. If your first choice is taken, Instagram will suggest similar alternatives.
Adding a profile picture and bio
After your account is created, go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right (app) or clicking your profile picture in the top right (web). Tap "Edit profile" and you'll see fields for your profile picture, name, username, website, and bio.
Your profile picture should be a clear photo of your face or your logo if you're representing a business. Instagram crops profile pictures to a circle, so make sure your face or logo is centered. Your bio can be up to 150 characters and is the only place you can put a clickable link — many people use this to link to their website, YouTube channel, or online store.
What to do after your account is set up
Once your account is live, you can start following people, liking posts, and sending messages. You don't have to post anything right away — many people spend time exploring and following accounts before they share their first photo. If you want to post, tap the plus icon at the bottom center of the app (or the plus icon at the top of the web version) to upload a photo or video from your phone or computer.
Instagram will ask you to add a caption, tag people, add location information, and choose who can see the post. You can also turn on notifications for specific accounts so you don't miss their posts, and you can customize your privacy settings to control who can message you or see your activity.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I change my username after I create it?
No, your username is permanent and cannot be changed. You can change your display name (the name that appears above your username on your profile), but the username itself stays the same. If you make a mistake, you'll need to create a new account.
What if my email address or phone number is already linked to another Instagram account?
Instagram only allows one account per email address or phone number. If you see an error saying the email is already in use, you either have an existing account or someone else created one with that address. You can use a different email or phone number, or recover your existing account if you forgot the password.
Do I have to add a profile picture and bio right away?
No, both are optional. You can create an account and add them later by going to your profile and tapping "Edit profile." However, accounts without a profile picture and bio look incomplete and are less likely to be followed, so it's worth adding them soon after you sign up.
Can I create multiple Instagram accounts with the same email address?
No, each email address can only be linked to one Instagram account. If you want multiple accounts, you'll need multiple email addresses. After you create the first account, you can add other email addresses in your settings and use them to create separate accounts.
What happens if I forget my password?
On the Instagram login screen, tap "Forgot password?" and enter your username or email address. Instagram will send a password reset link to your email. Click the link, create a new password, and log in. If you can't access the email linked to your account, you can use your username or phone number to recover it instead.