How To Use Instagram! (Beginners Guide) (2024)

Simple Alpaca
16 Jan 202409:36

TLDRThis comprehensive guide offers a step-by-step walkthrough of using the Instagram app, tailored for beginners. Starting with downloading the app and creating an account, it explains how to navigate the interface, including viewing stories, which are short-lived posts visible for 24 hours. The guide moves on to describe the main feed, where users can scroll through posts from those they follow. It covers the functionality of individual posts, such as liking, commenting, and sharing. The process of posting one's own content, whether it be a story or a permanent post, is detailed, including how to select photos, apply filters, and edit captions. Additional features like Instagram Reels for short-form videos and the Explore page for discovering trending content are also highlighted. The guide touches on personal account settings, including profile customization and the option to get verified. It concludes with tips on keeping the app updated for new features and engaging with stories and messages efficiently.

Takeaways

  • 📲 **Download Instagram**: You can download the Instagram app from your device's app store or log in via the web at instagram.com.
  • 🔑 **Create an Account**: Sign up for an Instagram account using your email or phone number and set up your password.
  • 📖 **Understand the Interface**: The app is similar for all users, featuring a story feed at the top and a personal feed of posts from followed accounts below.
  • 📷 **Posting Photos**: Swipe through to view multiple photos in a post, and interact using like, comment, and send options.
  • 🔄 **Manage Stories**: View and interact with stories, which are temporary posts visible for 24 hours.
  • 🔍 **Search and Explore**: Use the search function to find specific users or explore trending content.
  • 📈 **Post Creation**: Access the post creation feature by tapping the plus button to share photos, stories, or go live.
  • 🎥 **Instagram Reels**: Engage with Instagram's short-form video feature, Reels, which can be liked, commented on, and shared.
  • 🛠️ **Account Settings**: Customize your profile and manage settings by tapping on your account icon and selecting 'Edit Profile' or navigating to 'Settings'.
  • 🔄 **Update Regularly**: Keep your Instagram app updated for new features and improvements.
  • 💬 **Engage with Community**: Interact with other users by liking, commenting, and messaging to build connections.

Q & A

  • How do you download the Instagram app?

    -You can download the Instagram app by going to your device's app store, searching for 'Instagram' in the search bar, and then selecting the app to download and install it.

  • What is the process of creating an Instagram account?

    -To create an Instagram account, open the app, click on 'Create account' or 'Sign in' if you already have one. Enter your email or phone number, set up a password, and follow the on-screen instructions to complete the account creation process.

  • How do you view the stories posted by people you follow?

    -At the top of the Instagram home screen, you will see the 'Story' section where you can view short-lived posts from the people you follow. These stories disappear after 24 hours.

  • What is the purpose of the 'like', 'comment', and 'send' buttons on an Instagram post?

    -The 'like' button allows you to show appreciation for a post. The 'comment' button lets you write and post a comment on the post. The 'send' button enables you to share the post directly with other users, either by sending it to your followers or to specific contacts.

  • How can you save a photo from an Instagram post for later viewing?

    -To save a photo for later, look for the bookmark icon at the bottom of the photo and tap on it. This will save the photo to your Instagram account for future reference.

  • What is the 'Explore' page on Instagram used for?

    -The 'Explore' page is where you can discover new content, trending posts, and profiles that are not necessarily among the people you follow. It's a way to explore and find new interests on the platform.

  • How do you search for a specific user on Instagram?

    -You can search for a specific user by tapping the search icon at the bottom of the screen, typing the username in the search bar, and selecting the user from the suggested results.

  • What does the plus (+) button at the bottom of the Instagram app do?

    -The plus (+) button is used to create new posts or stories. Tapping on it will open the media options where you can select photos or videos to post on your Instagram feed or as a story.

  • How can you post a photo or video to your Instagram feed?

    -To post a photo or video, tap the plus (+) button at the bottom of the screen, select the photo or video you want to post, make any desired edits, and then tap the 'Share' button to post it to your feed.

  • What are Instagram Reels and how can you interact with them?

    -Instagram Reels are short, entertaining videos that can be created and shared on Instagram. You can like, comment on, and share Reels, as well as create your own by tapping the 'Reels' option in the post creation process.

  • How do you update your Instagram app to get the latest features?

    -To update your Instagram app, go to your device's app store, search for 'Instagram', and if an update is available, tap the 'Update' button to download and install the latest version.

  • What is the 'Highlights' feature on Instagram and how can you use it?

    -The 'Highlights' feature allows you to save and showcase your Instagram Stories in a permanent and organized manner on your profile. You can create different highlight sections by tapping on 'Highlights' on your profile and selecting 'Add Highlight'.

Outlines

00:00

📱 Instagram Basics and Navigation

This paragraph provides an introduction to the Instagram application, explaining how to download it from the app store, create an account, and navigate the user interface. It covers the storyboard at the top where you can view stories that last for 24 hours, the central feed where you can scroll through posts from people you follow, and the options available on a post such as liking, commenting, and sharing. The paragraph also touches on how to post multiple photos, interact with posts, and use the search function to find profiles or trending content. Additionally, it explains how to post on Instagram using the plus button and the different types of content you can share, like regular posts, stories, and live videos.

05:00

🔄 Configuring and Customizing Instagram

The second paragraph delves into customizing and managing your Instagram account. It discusses how to view and add stories, switch accounts, and post on your profile. The importance of highlights for saving stories is mentioned, along with the ability to view a comprehensive list of your posts. The paragraph also covers editing your profile settings, including profile picture, description, and username, and navigating to more advanced settings through the menu accessible by clicking on the three lines. It talks about the Instagram reel feature, allowing users to view, like, comment on, and post their own reels. The paragraph concludes with advice on regularly updating the Instagram app for new features and functionalities.

Mindmap

Keywords

💡Instagram

Instagram is a popular social media platform where users can share photos and videos, as well as connect with others. In the video, it is the main subject, with the guide focusing on how to use the application effectively. It is mentioned multiple times as the central tool being discussed.

💡App Store

The App Store is the platform where smartphone users can download and update applications. In the context of the video, it is where one would search for and download the Instagram app, as well as update it to access new features.

💡Create Account

Creating an account is the process of setting up a personal profile on Instagram. It involves providing an email or phone number and setting a password. This is the first step to start using Instagram, as mentioned in the script.

💡Story

An Instagram Story is a feature that allows users to post photos and videos that are visible for 24 hours before they disappear. It is a key aspect of Instagram's functionality, allowing for more casual and fleeting content sharing, as discussed in the video.

💡Feed

The feed is the main page on Instagram where users can view a continuous stream of photos and videos posted by the accounts they follow. It represents the core content experience on the platform, as highlighted in the video.

💡Like Button

The like button is a feature on Instagram that allows users to express appreciation for a post by tapping on a heart icon. It is a fundamental part of user interaction and engagement on the platform, as described in the script.

💡Comment

Commenting is the act of leaving a written message on a post, enabling users to communicate thoughts or reactions. It is a key form of interaction on Instagram, allowing users to engage with the content posted by others.

💡Explore Page

The Explore page on Instagram is a feature that showcases trending posts, hashtags, and accounts that the user might be interested in. It is a way for users to discover new content and creators outside of their current follow list.

💡Post

A post on Instagram refers to a permanent photo or video that a user uploads to their profile. It is a central aspect of Instagram's content creation, allowing for more lasting and curated sharing compared to Stories.

💡Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is a feature that allows users to create and share short, entertaining video clips set to music. It is a newer addition to the platform, offering a way to engage with content in a different format.

💡Settings

Settings on Instagram refer to the options where users can adjust their account preferences, privacy, and other configurations. It is an important part of customizing the user experience and ensuring the account is set up according to the user's needs.

Highlights

Instagram is a popular application available on most smartphones.

To download Instagram, go to your device's app store and search for it.

Creating an account involves providing an email or phone number and setting a password.

The Instagram interface includes a Story feature, where posts disappear after 24 hours.

The main feed displays posts from all the users you follow.

Instagram posts can contain multiple photos that can be swiped through.

Users can like, comment, and share posts with others on Instagram.

The 'Send' button allows you to share posts with specific followers or contacts.

The 'Bookmark' option lets you save posts for later viewing.

Viewing all comments on a post is possible by tapping 'View all' on the comment count.

Adding your own comment to a post is as simple as tapping in the comment section.

The home button returns you to your Instagram feed, while the search button finds content or profiles.

The Explore page shows trending content and allows for random photo and video discovery.

To post on Instagram, use the '+' button at the bottom of the screen.

Instagram Reels are short-form videos that can be liked, commented on, and shared.

Your profile allows you to configure your account, view stories, and manage posts.

Highlights on your profile save stories for later viewing by others.

Settings include options for profile picture, description, username, and more.

Advanced settings can be found and adjusted by clicking on the three lines in the top right corner.

Instagram offers the option to get verified, adding credibility to your profile.

Regularly updating the Instagram app ensures access to the latest features and improvements.