Instagram has provided users with an option to either make a public Instagram account or a private Instagram account. Users have the autonomy to make their accounts public, thus enabling them to make their content reach a vast chunk of people. Thus, everyone must know how to make Instagram public using their phone or computer.
Instagram lets you set your account as Public or private according to your goals on the platform. However, using both types of Instagram accounts will have different outcomes. One will increase followers and engagement, while the other will let you protect your privacy. The decision is ultimately yours, but we will help you make a sound choice by discussing both types of Instagram accounts.
Should I set my Instagram to public?
Setting your Instagram account to public or private is solely your decision. However, we will discuss everything about Public Instagram accounts to make it easy for you to choose.
A Public Instagram account is highly recommended for people who use Instagram for marketing or content creation as influencers, meme creators, etc. There are various analytic tools available on Instagram that can help users in reaching a larger audience.
Content creators often use Instagram to increase their engagement and gain more audience. A public Instagram account makes things more accessible and lets you gain clout that you cannot with a private Instagram account.
Nevertheless, there are also certain downsides to having a public Instagram account. On a public Instagram account, everyone will be able to see your Instagram posts. So, people can steal or plagiarize the content you post. Some users have even reported that often notorious Instagram users spam or send explicit content if the Instagram account is public. Therefore, there is a risk to your privacy and security if you use a public Instagram account.
We, thus, advise you to make your decision carefully. Do not hesitate to make your Instagram account Public if you want more engagement. Similarly, if you are looking for privacy on Instagram, making the Instagram account private is your best bet.
What happens if I make my Instagram account public?
Making an Instagram account public on Instagram has different connotations. If you have a public Instagram account, any Instagram user can see your posts, reels, stories, etc. Users can even interact with your Instagram account by liking, sharing, or commenting on your Instagram posts.
It is also to be highlighted that people who do not have an Instagram account might be able to view your Instagram posts and stories. Moreover, if your Instagram account was private earlier and there were some pending friend requests, they will be automatically accepted.
However, making your Instagram account Public can also make you prone to spam or people sending dangerous or explicit messages. There is also a risk to your privacy, so it is advised to be cautious while using a public Instagram account.
How to make your Instagram public using the app
If you have set your Instagram account to Private and you want to make it public here are the steps for it:
- Install Instagram on your Android or iOS device and open it. “Login” to your Instagram account, entering your credentials.
- On your homepage, locate “profile picture” in the bottom right corner of your screen. Tap on it to open your profile page.
- Tap the “three lines icon” on your profile page in the top right corner.
- Now choose “Settings” from the list of options.
- Next, choose “Privacy and Security”.
- On the screen, you will see a toggle switch next “Private account” option under the heading “Account Privacy”. The toggle will be blue, indicating that the Instagram account is private presently.
- Press the toggle to make your Instagram account Public. The toggle will turn grey, meaning your account is Public, not private anymore.
Making an account private on Instagram is very easy
Indeed making an account private on Instagram is very easy. You can only make a personal Instagram account private. Moreover, if you are under 16 while signing up on Instagram, the platform will allow you to either make the Instagram account public or private.
If you are above 16 years of age, then when you sign up the Instagram account will be public by default. You will have to go to Settings to make your Instagram account Private. We have listed the steps to do the same.
The process to make your Instagram account is the same for both Android and iOS mobile apps. Here’s all you need to do:
- Open Instagram and “Login” to your Instagram account.
- On your homepage, locate “profile picture” in the bottom right corner of your screen. Tap on it to open your profile page.
- Tap the “three lines icon” on your profile page in the top right corner.
- Now choose “Settings” from the list of options.
- Next, choose “Privacy and Security”. On the screen, you will see a toggle switch next “Private account” option under the heading “Account Privacy”. The toggle will appear in grey color.
- Press the toggle to make your Instagram account private. This will be indicated by the toggle turning blue, meaning that you have turned on the switch, and now your Instagram account is Private.
Please note that you cannot make your account private if you have a business Instagram account. If you want to make your Instagram account private as a business account, switch to a personal Instagram account from a business one.
How to make your Instagram public using the website
If you are using Instagram’s website on a laptop or computer, you can make your Instagram account private by these steps:
- Open Instagram by typing “instagram.com” in the web browser. Next “Login” to your Instagram account.
- Thereafter, select the ‘More’ option next to the three lines icon, at the bottom left corner.
- Go to “Settings” followed by “Privacy and Security”.
- Make sure to check the box next to the option “Private Account” to make your Instagram account private.
If you want to make your Instagram account private using Instagram on a mobile browser, here’s what you need to do:
- Open Instagram by typing “instagram.com” in the mobile browser. Next “Login” to your Instagram account.
- On your homepage, locate “profile picture” in the bottom right corner of your screen. Tap on it to open your profile page.
- Choose “Settings” on your profile page. It is denoted as a cog, widget, or gear icon.
- Next, choose “Privacy and Security”. Check the box next to the option “Private Account” to make your Instagram account private.
Now, your account is private and you get to choose your community. They only will have access to your account including your followers.
How to Make Reels Public on Instagram
To make your Instagram reels public, you must make your Instagram account public. Make Instagram Account Public so that anyone who has or doesn’t have an Instagram account can see your reel.
Here are the steps to make your Instagram account Public to share reels publicly:
- Make your Instagram Account public on the App- Open Instagram> “Login”> Tap on “profile picture” in the bottom right corner> Tap the “three lines icon” in the top right corner > “Settings”> “Privacy and Security”>Silde Toggle switch next to “Private Account” to left to make Instagram account Public.
- Make your Instagram account public on the website- Go to “instagram.com”>” Login”> “More” option (three-line icon)>“Settings”> “Privacy and Security”>Uncheck the option next to “Private Account”.
Now Instagram reels that you post will be Public. Bing public means that the wider Instagram community can see the Instagram reel, share it and use the audio of the Instagram reel.
How to Make Instagram Story Public With Private Account
You cannot singularly make your Instagram stories public. You must make your entire Instagram account public if you want everyone to see your Instagram story. Here’s the procedure on how to make Instagram Story Public With Private Instagram Account:
- Make your Instagram Account public on the App- Open Instagram> “Login”> Tap on “profile picture” in the bottom right corner> Tap the “three lines icon” in the top right corner > “Settings”> “Privacy and Security”>Silde Toggle switch next to “Private Account” to left to make Instagram account Public.
- Make your Instagram account public on the website- Go to “instagram.com”>” Login”> “More” option (three-line icon)>“Settings”> “Privacy and Security”>Uncheck the option next to “Private Account”.
