How to use Instagram: A complete beginner's guide with tips and features

Instagram has seen exponential growth in recent years. Today, it’s the most influential social media platform and is continuously gaining more followers. Besides, Instagram is a great way to check in on what your friends are doing day to day, as well as what your favorite brands are up to. 

If you've been wondering how to best manage an Instagram account, there are a few simple guidelines to keep in mind to help your Instagram photos and Instagram stories become a viral sensation. If you decide to start a profile now, you need an Instagram for Dummies sort of tutorial to guide you to success. Let's break down a few Instagram features and hacks to help you with your first Instagram post and beyond. 

How to use Instagram step by step for beginners

Okay, so you’ve downloaded Instagram… now what?  

The app can feel a bit overwhelming at first. There are many buttons, tabs, and features, and it’s not always obvious where to start.

If you want to know how to use Instagram, here are some things you can do on the app: 

• Create your profile so people know who you are

• Curate your feed with posts you want to share publicly

• Share Stories to post quick, everyday updates

• Publish Reels, which are short, entertaining videos with better reach

• Send direct messages to chat with friends or followers

• Use the Explore page to see what other people are posting and find inspiration

Some Instagram tips for beginners are to start with the basics:

• Set up your profile > Post a few simple photos or videos of your day > Publish a few Stories to show some behind-the-scenes moments or your thoughts on a topic. 
• Another great idea is to explore other accounts to see what others are doing.

For now, you can skip advanced editing tools and growth strategies. Those can come later.

Once you understand these basics, you can slowly explore more features as you grow. Now, let's look at all the best Instagram tips for beginners in more detail.

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1. Learn the basics of how to post on Instagram

How do I post on Instagram? Facebook is a place where you can bulk-publish 50+ photos from your last vacation in Croatia. But on Instagram, it's all about choosing the most aesthetically pleasing one out of 50.

Here's how to post on Instagram from the mobile app:

1. Tap the + (plus) icon at the top left corner of the screen.
2. Choose Post below.
3. Pick a photo or video from your phone.
4. Tap Next.
5. Use filters or simple edits to improve the post. You can adjust brightness, contrast, warmth, or add text, audio, or overlays. Videos have similar options.
6. Tap Next when you’re happy with how it looks.
7. Add a caption, tag people, choose a location, or select Also share on to post it on Facebook too.
8. Tap Share. 

You can also post on Instagram from Mac through a browser, although it's a bit more complicated. 

Tip: Some other Instagram tips for beginners are to use captions to explain what’s happening and help people connect with your post. Tag people if they’re in the photo or helped create it. Add a location if you want your post to be easier to find.

2. Create high-quality Instagram photos and videos 

The good thing about creating high-quality Instagram photos and Instagram videos is that you don't need a fancy camera. The app has plenty of built-in features that let you enhance the aesthetics of your post. 

Here are a few things to watch out for:

• Use good lighting. Always opt for a photo or video that's well-lit. Small tweaks to brightness, contrast, and warmth can improve a photo/video without making it look fake. 

• Pay attention to composition. Center your subject or use simple framing like doors, windows, or leading lines to guide the eye.

• Check the audio of the Reel or Story you're publishing. Record in a quiet space or use a mic if you have one. 

• Avoid quality loss from compression. Instagram compresses files, so starting with good quality matters. Try not to upload files that were already compressed or sent through too many apps.

• Check the format. Vertical formats work best for Stories and Reels. Square or vertical images usually look best in the feed.

Don't worry if you’re not a real pro when it comes to taking perfect Instagrammable images. You can just use apps like TouchRetouch to help you edit out small photo defects. 

With the app, you can clean up your photos by removing small things like blemishes, logos, or objects in the background. It’s super easy to use and doesn’t require detailed editing. You can also adjust light and color to make your photo look better while still keeping it natural.

And if you ever want to keep a copy of your content locally on your device, you can always save Instagram photos on Mac.

3. Use Instagram filters and edit the right way

Heavy filters and effects can make photos look AI-made and harder to trust, and people will just scroll past. 

Here are some quick Instagram editing tips on how to use Instagram filters the right way:

• Stick to one visual style so your feed looks cohesive

• Adjust exposure, brightness, and color gently instead of applying strong filters

• Avoid dramatic effects that change skin tones or colors too much

• Preview your edits before posting to make sure they look good on different screens

Maybe once upon a time, using a bunch of filters was a trend, but not anymore. Today, less is more. Most people prefer natural-looking photos that feel real, not overly edited or filtered. 

Following these Instagram tips for beginners helps build trust with followers and makes your content feel more intentional. It’s also a simple way to learn how to use Instagram without chasing trends.

If you want more control over your edits without overdoing them, tools like CameraBag Pro can help.

CameraBag Pro is a lightweight and powerful photo and video editor built for professionals. It features a library of 200 outstanding filters that have been carefully crafted by photographers, designers, and videographers to help you reach unique results in your work. You can create stunning content for Instagram and even apply business watermarks in just a few clicks, without all the headache and complexity of enterprise software.

4. Post consistently and manage Instagram messages

One of the most useful Instagram tips for beginners is to focus on consistency rather than perfection. When you post regularly, you're sending a signal to Instagram that your account is active, which can improve visibility over time. 

You don’t need to post every day, just a schedule you can stick to.

Here's a simple Instagram posting frequency for beginners:

• Feed posts: 2-3 times per week is enough to stay visible.

• Stories: A few short updates most days help you stay top of mind.

• Reels: 1-2 per week is a good place to start if you’re comfortable with video.

Another trick for how to use Instagram is to engage with your followers. Reply to 

• Comments
• Direct messages
• Story reactions

It tells Instagram that people are interacting with your content. On the plus side, you'll develop strong connections with your followers, which makes it more likely they'll engage with your future posts.

If you want to save Instagram videos for reference or reuse, the Download Insta Videos GPT assistant is worth bookmarking. I used it when I was building a content library and it answered my format questions faster than any forum thread.

5. Find Instagram trends using explore and Reels

Instagram trends change before you can say "blueberry pancakes," but the good news is there's a way to stay up to date. The best places to see what’s popular right now and what kind of content is getting attention are the Explore page and Instagram Reels. 

Here's how to use the Explore page:

• Tap on the magnifying glass icon below. 

• You’ll see photos and videos based on what you like, watch, and interact with.

• Pay attention to posts that show up again and again. These usually follow a format, style, or topic that’s trending.

And to make the most out of Instagram Reels: 

• Tap the Play button. 

• Look for Reels that use the same audio or text style. Save the trending audio to use it in your videos by tapping on the audio track, then Save (the little bookmark icon). 

• Notice common formats and try to recreate them if they're a good fit for you.

• Save posts you like so you can come back to them later by tapping on the three dots at the bottom right and then Save.

Quick Instagram tips for beginners: Instead of copying a trend exactly, adapt it to fit your niche or personality. Use the same structure or audio, but change the message so it matches your topic, style, or audience. This keeps your content original and helps build trust.

6. Build a personal or business brand on Instagram 

Instagram works best when people instantly understand who you are and what you post about. Building an Instagram personal brand or setting up an Instagram business account doesn’t have to be complicated.

Here are a few Instagram tips for beginners: 

• Optimize your bio: Describe what you do in one or two lines, add relevant keywords, and include a simple call to action.

• Choose a strong profile photo: Use a clear headshot for personal brands or a logo for an Instagram business account.

• Define your content themes: Pick a few topics you’ll post about and stick to them.

• Keep visuals consistent: Similar colors, lighting, or editing help people recognize your posts.

But how do you know if you need to create a personal or a business account? The rule of thumb is: use a personal account to build around yourself or your creativity. Choose an Instagram business account if you’re promoting services, selling products, or need analytics.

7. How to use hashtags on Instagram correctly 

Hashtags are like little labels that tell Instagram what your post is about. They also help more people discover your content. In fact, the right hashtag strategy can improve your reach.

For example, let’s say you run a coffee brand and post a video of your coffee paired with a cake. You could use hashtags like #coffeeandcake or #coffeeloversclub. People browsing those topics can then find your post.

One important Instagram tip for beginners is not to overdo it:

• Using too many hashtags can make a post look spammy and less trustworthy. 
• For Reels, stick to up to 5 hashtags. 
• For feed posts, 5-10 relevant hashtags works best.

Avoid unrelated tags just because they're trending. For example, a coffee video shouldn’t use hashtags like #gymmotivation or #beachlife. They don’t match the content and won’t attract the right audience anyway.

You can place hashtags at the end of your caption or in the first comment. Both work, so choose whatever looks cleaner to you.

But how do you find good hashtags? Here are some Instagram tips for beginners: 

• Use Instagram search to see which hashtags are popular in your niche

• Explore posts similar to yours and check which hashtags they use

• Look at competitor or creator posts and save hashtags that actually make sense

How to repost on Instagram via Mac

If you want to repost on Instagram via Mac, you should know that Instagram's desktop web version doesn't support native reposting. To repost an Instagram post from your Mac, you'll need to use a downloader. 

To do so:

1. Copy the post URL and paste it into a free downloader like SaveInsta to save the photo or video to your Mac. 
2. Then go to instagram.com, click the + Create button, and upload the file as a new post or Story. Always credit the original creator in the first line of your caption. For example, "@username" and never crop out watermarks.

For a faster workflow, the INSSIST Chrome extension adds download and Story-upload buttons directly to instagram.com, saving you the extra steps.

Note: Downloading and re-uploading someone else's content without permission is technically copyright infringement, even with credit. When in doubt, send the creator a quick DM first.

Understanding Instagram post dimensions

Using the right Instagram sizes and dimensions helps your photos and videos look clear. When a post is the wrong size, Instagram may crop it or compress it, which can lower the quality, and you don't want to leave the wrong impression on your followers. 

Here’s a simple guide to Instagram image size and Instagram video dimensions:

• Square (1:1) works well for most photos.

• Portrait (4:5) takes up more screen space and often performs better.

• Landscape (1.91:1) is fine, but looks smaller in the feed.

• Stories and Reels are Vertical (9:16) only. Other formats may get cropped or look awkward.

• For carousels, all images must use the same size and ratio. Square or portrait works best.

How to post videos from YouTube to Instagram

You can post your YouTube videos to Instagram, but you'll need to make some tweaks. 

When it comes to Instagram video posting your YouTube videos, follow these steps: 

1. Download your video from YouTube by going to YouTube Studio from your Mac > Content. 

2. Click the three dots next to your video, then Download. The video will be saved locally on your Mac. 

3. Resize the video. If your video is 16:9, crop it to 9:16. YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels both use 9:16, but always preview before posting.

4. Send the video from your Mac to your iPhone via AirDrop. 

5. Publish it on Instagram. 

In case you want to download a video that's not yours, you can do so with a YouTube Premium subscription. Another option is to use third-party apps like Downie or Pulltube to download YouTube videos on a MacBook. Simply drag and drop the video link or paste it into Downie or Pulltube, choose resolution (4K is supported) and subtitles, and click Download. 

Note: You can only download YouTube videos on a Mac if you have permission to use them. Downloading copyrighted videos without permission goes against YouTube’s rules, even if it’s just for personal use.

How to post multiple pictures on Instagram

Instagram lets you share multiple images in one post. This is called an Instagram carousel post, and it’s one of the easiest ways to boost engagement because people swipe through.

How to post multiple photos on Instagram:

1. Tap the + (plus) icon in the top left corner and choose Post.

2. Select the stacked-squares icon on the right of the screen.

3. Tap each photo you want to include, up to 20.

4. Drag to reorder the images so they tell a clear story.

5. Apply a filter or light edits, or add audio (optional).

6. Write a caption, add hashtags, and tag people if needed.

7. Tap Share.

The best way for how to use Instagram carousel posts? Use them when you want to share more than one idea in a single post. They work well for step-by-step tips, before-and-after photos, product details, or telling a short story without flooding your feed.

To boost engagement, make sure the first image is strong and eye-catching. You can also add “Swipe for more” in the first picture or caption and end with a simple question to encourage people to comment.

How to post a GIF on Instagram

Posting a GIF on Instagram is easy and beginner-friendly. The simplest way is through Stories, where you can tap the sticker icon, choose GIF, search for one you like, and place it on the screen. You can resize it, move it, and add text or stickers to match your Story.

To share a GIF in Instagram Reels, first turn the GIF into an MP4 using a tool like GIPHY or a screen recorder, then upload it like a regular video. You can also add a GIF directly inside a Reel by tapping the sticker icon and choosing a GIF.

For best results, choose high-quality GIFs, avoid clutter, and use them to highlight a reaction, mood, or key moment.

How to put music on Instagram posts

You can add music to Instagram Stories, Reels, and some feed posts using Instagram’s built-in music library. If you’re learning how to add music to Instagram posts, this is the easiest and most copyright-safe way to do it.

For Stories, tap the music sticker, pick a song, and trim the part you like. You can also add lyrics or a music sticker. Music works well here for setting a mood or sharing quick moments.

For Reels, choose a song from the music library and match it to your video. A great idea is to use a trending song to boost your reach.

For feed posts, music is available in some regions and works best as a subtle background.

Before posting, adjust the volume so the music doesn’t overpower voices or important sounds.

How to delete an Instagram account

To temporarily deactivate your Instagram account:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.

2. Tap the menu (three lines) > Accounts Center.

3. Tap Personal details > Manage accounts > Account ownership and control.

4. Tap Deactivation or deletion > Choose the account you want to deactivate > Continue.

5. Confirm your password and follow the prompts.

Here's how to delete an Instagram account permanently: 

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.

2. Tap the menu (three lines) > Accounts Center.

3. Tap Personal details > Manage accounts > Account ownership and control.

4. Tap Deactivation or deletion > Choose the account you want to delete > Continue.

5. Confirm your password and follow the prompts.

Tip: Before you delete your Instagram account content, download your photos and videos first. Go to Accounts Center, then Your information and permissions > Export your information.

Your Instagram journey starts with one post

Getting started on Instagram doesn't have to feel overwhelming. Set up your profile, post consistently, use hashtags wisely, and engage with your community — the rest follows naturally. As you get more comfortable, small upgrades make a real difference. TouchRetouch helps you clean up photos in seconds, while CameraBag Pro gives you professional-grade editing without the complexity. TouchRetouch and CameraBag Pro are both on Setapp alongside 250+ other Mac and iOS apps. Rather than paying for each separately, try the full library free for 7 days. Cancel before day 7, and you won't be charged. Try Setapp free. Only need one app? Subscribe to TouchRetouch individually on Setapp Marketplace.

FAQ

How do beginners use Instagram for the first time?

Beginners should start by setting up a clear profile photo and short bio, then explore the feed, Stories, and Explore tab to see how others post. Focus on learning the basics before worrying about growth or trends.

How do I post photos and videos on Instagram?

To post photos and videos on Instagram, tap the + icon, choose Post, select a photo or video, apply light edits, add a caption, and share. Photos work well for clean visuals, while videos are better for movement or personality.

What are the best Instagram sizes for posts and stories?

Portrait images work best for feed posts, while vertical video is ideal for Stories and Reels. Using the correct Instagram sizes and dimensions helps avoid cropping or compression.

How can I repost someone else's post on Instagram?

The easiest way is to repost to Stories by tapping the paper airplane icon and selecting Add to Story. For feed reposts, tap the swirly arrow icon below any public post or Reel to share it directly to your followers' feeds and your "Reposts" tab.

How do I delete or deactivate my Instagram account?

To delete your Instagram account:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the menu (three lines) and select Accounts Center.
3. Tap Personal details > Manage accounts > Account ownership and control.
4. Tap Deactivation or deletion.
5. Choose the account, then select Deactivate (temporary) or Delete (permanent).
6. Tap Continue, enter your password, and follow the prompts.