How to Switch to an Instagram Business or Creator Account

Tap through each step to see how to switch to an Instagram business or creator account.

  1. Open your account settings

    From your profile screen, tap the menu (≑) button, then go into 'Settings and activity.'

  2. Find 'Account type and tools'

    In the settings list, look under the professional account section for 'Account type and tools,' where you'll see the option to 'Switch to professional account.'

  3. Choose Business or Creator

    Follow the prompts to pick a category, then choose 'Business' if your goal is selling products or promoting a physical location, or 'Creator' if you're focused on personal branding or content.

  4. Connect a Facebook Page (optional)

    If you already run a Facebook Page, you can connect it to manage ads and information for both channels together.

  5. Check Insights once the switch is complete

    Once the conversion finishes, an 'Insights' menu appears on your profile, where you can see data like reach and engagement.

  6. Why is this useful?

    Switching to a professional account unlocks features useful for running a business or brand, including post promotion, a contact button, and detailed Insights analytics.

Business or Creator: which one fits you?

Business accounts are generally geared toward companies selling products or services, with tools like a shopping tab and detailed contact options. Creator accounts are aimed at influencers, artists, and public figures, offering more flexible category labels and creator-specific tools. Either one unlocks Insights, so the choice mostly comes down to which set of extra tools fits how you use the account.

You can switch back to a personal account anytime

Switching to a professional account doesn't lock you in -- you can revert to a personal account later from the same settings menu if your needs change, though you'll lose access to Insights and other professional-only features while on a personal account.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Facebook Page to switch to a business account?

No, connecting a Facebook Page is optional. You can switch to a professional account and use most of its features without one, though a connected Page adds a few extra tools for managing ads and information together.

Will switching to a professional account change who can see my posts?

No, switching account type on its own doesn't change your privacy settings -- a professional account can still be public or private depending on how you've set it, though many public-facing professional accounts choose to stay public.