Instagram explained: how to open an account and how to add value to it, from IGTV to Instagram Stories
- Instagram has more than a billion registered accounts, and everyone from politicians to celebrities to news organisations uses it
- If you haven’t taken the plunge yet, we tell you all you need to know, from setting up your profile to working the menu bar
One could argue that Instagram is a social media network like no other. Instead of words, the platform is built almost entirely around sharing images and videos. This visual twist is why Instagram is the cultural powerhouse it is today – Instagramming is officially a verb now.
With over a billion registered accounts, Instagram, which was bought by Facebook in 2012, has become a part of daily life. It seems like everyone is on Instagram now, from small businesses to big, news organisations to cultural institutions, celebrities, photographers and musicians, and not to mention the cottage industry of influencers that have come in its wake.
It also doesn’t hurt that we all love rooting for a well-captured selfie.
If you’ve found yourself out of the Instagram loop, here’s a crash course on how Instagram works, how to get started, and eventually, how to get ‘gramming like a pro.
Getting started
To start using Instagram, you’ll need to download the app and sign up for an account. It’s available for free on iOS, Android, and Windows devices.