How To Create an Instagram Business Account (2025)

Want to set up your business on Instagram? Our straightforward guide shows you how to create an Instagram business account in five steps.

Social media has long been part of every business’s marketing strategy, with each platform offering unique benefits depending on your brand, audience, and goals. Instagram, in particular, is an ideal social marketing channel for gaining brand awareness—and with an Instagram business account, you can do so much more.

Users increasingly turn to Instagram and other social networks for product and brand discovery. Instagram is no longer just a place to scroll idly past beautiful imagery—it’s a powerful tool for surfacing products to eager buyers. With the right setup, you can even sell directly on Instagram and Facebook, making it easier than ever to turn engagement into sales.

Ahead, learn how to set up an Instagram business account, choose the right account type for your brand, and leverage features to help run your business more effectively.

What is an Instagram business account?

An Instagram business account is a type of professional account on the Instagram platform designed to be used by brands and businesses. In many ways, it operates like a personal account, allowing the user to post content and engage with other users. The distinction lies in the additional features available to business users.

Business accounts on Instagram have access to insights, Instagram’s ad platform, and shopping features. Creator accounts—another type of professional account designed for artists and influencers—have their own suite of features, including Instagram Subscriptions. 

3 types of Instagram accounts

It’s important to understand the difference between the three types of accounts on Instagram and choose the right one:

1. Personal account. Most users have personal accounts, which is the default account type for individuals.
2. Creator account. Influencers and content producers can switch to a creator account to access business features designed for their needs. 
3. Business account. Brands and companies selling products or services can use a business account to access insights, ads, and shopping features.

Which Instagram account type is best?

If you already have an Instagram account, you can convert it to a business account. This may be an ideal move if you already use that account for business, or if you’re the face of your brand. Creators who have personal brands they want to monetize may also switch their account to a professional one.

However, some brands benefit from having a distinct branded account separate from its founder. Creating a new account allows you to focus on the content and maintain your account. You can use your personal account to promote affiliate links or to nudge your followers over to the brand’s account.

In this example, creator Cassey Ho built a strong following for her personal brand, Blogilates. But when she launched her activewear brand, PopFlex, she set up a separate account. This allowed her to keep distinct branding between her two accounts. 

In another example, influencer Katie Sturino launched her brand Megababe under a separate business account. This allows her to continue to post a diversity of body-positive content on her creator account and dedicate Megababe’s account to brand content.

How to create an Instagram business account in 5 steps

To create an Instagram business account, you can switch your existing account to a professional account. You can do this by following these steps: 

1. Download the Instagram app
2. Create a personal account
3. Switch to a business account
4. Choose your category
5. Set up your Instagram business profile

1. Download the Instagram app

If you haven’t already, download Instagram from your device’s app store. It’s available for both iOS and Android.

2. Create a personal account

All Instagram profiles start life as a personal account. Once you’ve set up your account, you can decide whether you want to turn it into a business account or another type of account. 

If you already have Instagram but want to create a brand new account, select your handle from the top of your profile and select “Create New Account”. 

• Open the app and tap "Sign Up."
• Enter your email or phone number, then tap "Next."
• Create a username and password. Choose a username that reflects your business.

3. Switch to a business account

Once you’ve created your new account, you can switch it to a business account in the settings. 

• Go to your profile and tap “Edit profile.”
• Scroll down and select “Switch to professional account.”
• Follow the prompts to complete the process.

4. Choose your category 

You’ll then be asked to fill out your Instagram business profile in more detail, giving information about what category your account falls into. Once you’ve completed that, tap “Switch to professional account.”

5. Set up your Instagram business profile

Once you’ve converted to your new business account, fill out the rest of your Instagram business profile: 

• Upload a high-quality image, preferably your company logo.
• Write a concise description of your business, including your mission or unique selling points.
• Add your business email, phone number, and physical address, if applicable.

If you want to hide business information from your profile, go to your profile and tap “Edit Profile.” Then go to “Profile display” under “Public business information.” Choose whether you want to show or hide certain details, like your category label or contact information. 

📚Learn more: 28 Instagram Bio Ideas To Elevate Your Profile In 2025

How to switch between different types of Instagram accounts

Depending on which account you’re starting from, the in-app navigation you follow in order to convert your account might look a little different. Check out the different routes you might take in order to be able to follow those steps to create an Instagram business account. 

Switching to a business profile from a personal Instagram account

Here are the steps in the app to convert a personal account into a business account:

1. Tap “Edit profile” on your profile page. 
2. Scroll down and tap “Switch to professional account.” 
3. Tap “Continue.”
4. Select a category for your business and tap “Switch to professional account.”
5. Complete optional steps or tap “X” on the top right corner to return to your Instagram business profile.

Switching to a business account from a creator account

A creator account is similar to a business account but offers unique features such as subscription monetization and access to some commercial audio that’s usually restricted for businesses. 

Here are the steps in the app to convert a creator account into a business account:

1. Go to your profile and tap the menu in the upper right corner.
2. Select “Creator tools and controls.”
3. Select “Switch account type.”
4. Select “Switch to business account.”
5. Select “Switch.”

Note: You can also switch from a business account to a creator account following the same steps and tapping “Switch to business account.” 

Adding a new business account to Accounts Center

If you already have an account and have created a new business account, you can link these accounts, making it easier to toggle between them.

• Tap the menu in the upper right corner in your Instagram profile.
• Tap “Accounts Center.”
• Tap “Add accounts.”
• Follow steps to link your accounts.

You can also link your Meta Accounts Center with Facebook pages and profiles. This allows you to easily toggle between without logging in and out.

If you change your mind about switching to a business account, you can easily change it back in your settings. Take note of the warning before you make the switch back—you’ll lose access to business features when you do.

The benefits of using Instagram for business

Switching to a business account is a no-brainer for brands. You can convert your account in seconds, and it’s free to do. Plus, you can access features that super-power your Instagram efforts, from ads to insights to monetization opportunities.

Get deep insights

Instagram Insights gives you a snapshot of your audience and content performance. This data can be adjusted based on timeframe to help you zero in on your most successful content. As you grow, audience metrics will tell you more about your followers, the content they prefer, and when it’s best for you to post.

Sell directly to followers

With Instagram’s in-app shopping features and advanced algorithm, your audience can browse and buy products without ever leaving the app, reducing friction and increasing conversion. You can pair your ecommerce store with your Instagram business profile using the Facebook and Instagram app for Shopify.

Run ad campaigns 

Instagram ads can expose your brand to new followers and potential customers through powerful targeting capabilities. Analytics built into the ad platform help you keep tabs on what’s working so you can double down on your most successful ads.

Ads, like this one above from Simmer Eats, look like a regular Instagram post in users’ feeds, with the exception of a small “Sponsored” tag and a direct link to the advertisers’ store.

Add more details to your profile

Switching to a business account means you can super-power your profile with more information and more ways to get in touch. Add a retail address, contact information, and—for creators—a subscribe option.

Tips for making the most of your Instagram business account 

Brand your Instagram business profile

Like your website or a store display, Instagram marketing is an opportunity to surface your brand to new eyes. Use a branded profile photo or logo and other identifying elements (slogan, brand voice) that help new visitors understand your brand values and aesthetic. 

In this example, Frank Darling not only used a branded profile picture (its own logo), it also created a set of matching icons that serve as covers for its Story Highlights. 

Take advantage of the available features

Business accounts get more out of Instagram bios. That includes the ability to add your location, address, and type of business without taking up precious character count. Also, try adding Instagram Shopping and, for creators, Instagram Subscriptions. It’s also worth offering customer support through Instagram DMs to help customers get real-time answers to their questions. 

Plan your content

While it’s tempting to jump on every Instagram trend or share every exciting moment in your entrepreneurial journey, consider the overall story you are telling.

Publish the types of content that resonate most with your target customer. Also consider the overall vibe of your content grid. Is it cohesive? Does it reflect your visual branding? How does it represent your mission and values? 

In the above example, SuzyQ Doughnuts considers the overall grid aesthetic when posting content. Consistent type treatments and color palettes make it feel thoughtful and professional.

Consider your target audience

With a personal account, your posting habits are often related to what you like. Business accounts should consider, however, the content their target audience likes. If the goal of your account is to increase brand awareness, grow your audience, or drive sales, consider what content will help you achieve that. 

One study found that certain content types perform better overall than others, with funny, creative, and informative content taking the top three spots. 

However, this data represents Instagram users overall and may not match your target audience’s preferences. Test content types and formats like Instagram Stories and Reels, and analyze which types resonate best with your followers. 

How to grow your Instagram business account 

With your business account set up and a plan for moving forward, you can start to consider the bigger picture: How will you grow your account to help meet business goals? 

Alongside monitoring your insights and adjusting your content strategy accordingly, there are platform-specific ways to grow your small business on Instagram.

Try Instagram ads

Instagram ads look like organic posts and appear with them in the feed. Ads can extend your reach and help you target specific audiences by demographic and interests.

Use relevant hashtags

Research hashtags that are trending at the moment or in your industry and use only those that match your content and brand. This can attract more Instagram followers by giving your content more reach.

Engage in partnerships

Partnering with other complementary brands can be a win-win for both brands. Choose partners wisely and ensure you share similar audiences to gain reach with the right people. Run a co-hosted giveaway or launch a product collaboration. 

Leverage the power of influencers

Even smaller influencers can give your brand a boost. Find those that are genuinely excited about your brand so that the partnership feels genuine—to both of your audiences.

Building an Instagram business from the ground up 

Now that you’ve set up your new professional account, it’s time to put its digital marketing features to work! Instagram can be a valuable tool for brands that take advantage of its power to build awareness, foster connections with users, and drive sales.

Instagram business account FAQ

Can I create an Instagram business account without a personal account?

Yes, you can create a business Instagram account without a personal account. Start by setting up a new account from the Instagram app. Then, head to your settings and tap “Switch to professional account.” Follow the prompts to convert the new account to a business or creator account.

Are Instagram business accounts free?

Yes, business accounts on Instagram are free to set up and use. Instagram ads are a paid feature of business accounts. You can also pay for Meta Verified status on eligible Instagram pages.

Can you have a personal and business Instagram account?

Yes, you can have a personal and business account. You can manage both along with your Facebook page from Meta’s Accounts Center inside the app.

Do I need a Facebook page to create an Instagram business account?

No, you don’t need a Facebook page to create an Instagram business account. However, linking one can unlock additional features, like running ads across both platforms and accessing advanced insights.

Can I run ads on Instagram without a business account?

No, you need a business or creator account to run ads on Instagram. Personal accounts don’t have access to Instagram’s ad tools, but switching to a business account is free and takes just a few taps in your settings.