If you're like many Instagram users, you've wondered whether to set up a business or creator account – and that's an important consideration.
In this post, you will learn about the features and benefits of Instagram’s creator and business accounts. Hopefully, by the time you're done reading it, you'll have a good idea of which type of Instagram account is right for you, as well as how to switch account types.
The Three Types of Instagram Accounts
Instagram offers three types of accounts: personal or individual account, creator account, and business account. Each of these has its own features, benefits, and limitations.
Although many people choose personal accounts, these are not the best choice for someone who uses Instagram for business and/or marketing purposes because they don't offer Instagram Analytics or API access. Thus, as a personal account holder, you won't be able to check your performance, schedule posts, or get personalized hashtag suggestions using Hashtag Expert.
By going pro with a business or creator account, you'll be able to unlock a full set of features, powerful tools, and the ability to earn.
Instagram business and creator accounts have a lot in common. Both, for instance, allow you to:
- Add products and sell on Instagram.
- Schedule posts ahead of time.
- Add action buttons.
- Track account performance and content reach using Instagram Analytics.
- Leverage Instagram Graph API.
- Use Hashtag Expert to generate hashtags that get you more likes on Instagram and track hashtag performance that matter to your business.
- Track your (or your competitors') performance using the Command app.
By now, you may feel more confused than ever ... the more we examine the common features, the harder it is to figure out which account type works best.
So what’s the solution? Look at the differences.
Business Address
Only business accounts can add a business address to their profiles. This feature is not available for creators.
An address can make it easier for your customers and followers to find you and connect with you outside Instagram.
To add your business address, go to "Edit Profile" and then choose "Contact Options" under "Public Business Information."
Access to Music Library
Business accounts don’t have full access to the music library – but creators do. Great music is a great way to entertain your followers and make your content more interesting to watch.
While most accounts can enjoy Instagram’s licensed music library, certain businesses cannot because, as Instagram explains: "Our agreements with rights holders are intended to enable personal, non-commercial uses of music. For those accounts that do not have access to our licensed music library, we have provided them with access to Facebook’s Sound Collection."
Creators have more options and choices of soundtracks on Instagram, and they can use them for creating Instagram Reels, Stories, and posts.
Recommended Users
While there is no restriction on which type of account you choose, Instagram recommends that brands, small business owners, retailers, and local shops choose Instagram Business.
Instagram creator accounts are ideal for rising influencers, content producers, artists, public figures, and those looking to build their personal brand.
How to Switch Account Types
To switch your account type, go to "Settings" then tap "Account." Now scroll down to the bottom of the screen and tap "Switch account type."
Now that you know more about the differences between Instagram business and creator accounts, we hope it will be easy for you to decide and choose the best account type for you.
On Instagram, you have the option to choose from a personal account or a professional account.
There are two types of professional accounts to choose from:
- Business Account - best for businesses, freelancers and designers
- Creator Account - best for influencers, artists and celebrities
With a professional account, you'll be able to access more features for managing your business such as Instagram insights.
These tools can help you understand better your audience and your content performance.
Features you get access to with a professional Instagram account #
1. Linking to a Facebook business page
With a linked page, you can assign roles such as admins and editors who can have access to manage your Instagram account.
2. Instagram Insights
This feature provides additional information including insights into your followers and your posts.
You can also rank posts by engagement and identify which posts are helping you grow.
3. Additional contact info
Professional accounts can add contact buttons on their main profile page.
These can include directions, a phone number or an email address.
If you have a physical address you want to display it'll be shown below your profile's description.
4. Add a category Label
A professional account has a category label directly below the profile picture.
This category will follow the category of your linked Facebook Page.
You can opt to display or hide your category label on your profile after setting up.
5. Set up a secondary Inbox
With a professional account you’ll get access to an inbox with two tabs: Primary and General.
This can help you sort out the messages and notifications you receive by priority.
6. Ranked Requests
You’ll be able to sort new message requests from accounts you don’t follow by received date or by top accounts.
Anyone can switch to a professional account on Instagram. And with so many additional tools and features available it’s no wonder so many people are opting for business and creator accounts on Instagram.
Do you have a professional account on Instagram? If not, here’s how to make your Instagram a business account.