Instagram is a vital marketing platform for many brands. Are you using the right account type?
The visual-first social media app boasts more than 1 billion users worldwide. More women use Instagram than men, and the majority of users are between 25 and 34 years old.
If your brand is targeting a younger, female audience, Instagram likely is already part of your digital marketing strategy.
Dive deeper with our breakdown of Instagram’s challenges and opportunities for small businesses.
When using the platform, you have the option to use a personal, Creator or Business account. Two of these are considered professional, while one is considered personal for obvious reasons.
Depending on your brand and needs on Instagram, it’s important to understand what’s involved with each type of Instagram account and whether you’re using the right one.
Personal Instagram accounts
About 80 percent of all Instagram accounts are personal, so it’s the most commonly used type.
On a personal account, there are no analytics or API access, which means that you can’t schedule posts, use Facebook Creator Studio to manage your Instagram presence or get third-party access to performance analytics.
In addition, personal accounts do not have contact buttons on the profile, gift card delivery stickers or the “swipe-up” function in Stories (that can send viewers to a website).
While all of those down sides likely are a no-go for your business, keep in mind that personal Instagram accounts have access to all music options in Instagram Reels and Stories and are the only account type that can be private.
Business vs. Creator Instagram accounts
Considering the likelihood (and best practice) that your brand is not going to use a personal Instagram account, then the question remains: Should your brand use Business or Creator instead?
Similarities
Business and Creator Instagram accounts do have a lot of similar features, including:
- Access to Instagram Insights
- Two-tab inbox (Primary and General) to best manage a potentially high number of direct messages
- Saved replies
- Shoppable posts
- Contact buttons on your profile
- Gift card delivery stickers
- Access to branded content features that enable collaboration with other accounts
Differences
Of course, on the flip side, there are a couple of key differences between the two types of Instagram accounts.
Instagram Business accounts are intended for brands that are making money or selling something. They do have API access, which means that posts can be scheduled, access to Facebook Creator Studio (which allows you to manage your Instagram from a desktop computer if you wish) and the option to use third-party analytics tools.
Instagram Creator accounts are intended for influencers, who are individuals who have a sizeable, engaged following. (Find out more about influencer marketing.)
Instagram Creator accounts do not have API access, but they do have access to the full music library on the platform.
Business accounts only have the royalty-free music library, which is limited (and not tied into relevant pop culture).
Business and Creator accounts also have different profile categories. For example, a public figure using a Creator account could choose from “chef,” “writer” and so on, but a brand using a Business account could choose from categories, such as “bakery” or “advertising agency.”
While both account types offer the ability to show contact information on your profile, only the Instagram Business account can include a physical location address.
In addition, the call-to-actions available for the profile button differ between Business and Creator accounts. Creator accounts only have “book now” and “reserve” options, while Business accounts have more.
Therefore, the decision between using a Business or Creator account is typically a straightforward one. Most businesses opt for the Business account.
How to change your Instagram account type
Need to change your Instagram account type or not sure what type you currently have?
Open your Instagram app, go to your profile and tap on the three-line “hamburger” menu button in the top right. Go to Settings, and select the Account option.
At the bottom of the Account selection, you’ll see the option to switch your account type. The options available will be what you aren’t using currently. For example, if you have a Creator account, you’ll only see the options to change to a Business or personal account type.
Be wary of making frequent switches between account types. Doing so delays your access to certain features. Instagram does this to help prevent the abuse of bouncing between account types to get the best features of both. Frequent switches can ultimately lead to your account being flagged as spam by Instagram as well.
Looking to get a jump on your Instagram marketing? See our 16 tips.
While you’re considering your Instagram account type, think about your digital marketing process. Is it everything you want it to be? DailyStory features automation, audience segmentation and more. Schedule your free demo with us today.
