(Update on November 14, 2021 at 9:00AM PT: This blog post was published in 2016. For up-to-date information, please visit our getting started page.)

New to Instagram? Here’s how to get started and steps your business can take to get the most from the platform. We've included support links for each step in case you need any further explanation of how something works.

1. Sign up for an Instagram account and choose a username that clearly represents your business, like your business’ name.

2. Add a profile photo, a biography and a link to your website.

3. Switch to a business profile. From your profile, tap the gear icon in the upper right corner and select and then tap to switch to business profile. Note: Your business must have a Facebook Page to switch to a business profile.

4. Link your account to other third-party sharing sites where you have an account. This will allow you to:

• Share photos to those services.

• It'll also create a news story in Instagram for anyone who follows you on Facebook and has linked their Facebook account to Instagram.

5. Announce to your Facebook followers that you're on Instagram. Let them know your Instagram username and show non-iPhone/Android followers where they can see your Instagram photos.

6. Use and search tags to connect with your audience. Try these tips for using hashtags.

7. Start sharing photos on Instagram and across your other networks. Check out the Instagram for Business blog for examples of how brands use Instagram.

8. Review insights on your business profile to better understand your audience and which types of content they respond to most.

9. Start promoting your high performing posts directly from the mobile app.