We may earn a commission when you buy through links in our articles. Learn more.

What is Instagram?

What is Instagram? Our guide covers everything from reels to the shop and all in between of this hugely popular app to make sense of it all.

What is Instagram: Instagram's app icon on a black-screened iPhone, which is pasted on a purple to blue gradient PT background that matches Instagram's brand colours

What is Instagram? This hugely popular image-sharing platform came around a few years after Facebook kicked off the true dawn of social media, but the landscape has changed since then. So if you’re wondering what’s new, and what’s the difference between reels and video posts, then we’ve got you covered.

Below, you can find the answer to ‘what is Instagram?’ where we explain how it works. Once you’re all wrapped up, we’ve got more tech help with our what is LinkedIn, what is Trello, what is Microsoft Teams, what is Zoom, what is Hulu, what is Slack, and what is Netflix guides, and if you’re still wondering about social media, we have a great what is Facebook guide. If you’re fed up with questions, then why not just head to our best portable gaming consoles guide for all the latest handhelds on the market?

Anyway, here’s everything you need to answer the question ‘what is Instagram?

YouTube Thumbnail

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a social media platform primarily dedicated to sharing images and videos. Users have a profile where they can post images, which then form a grid below their user information. You can also share stories and reels, which you can learn more about below.

To post an image on Instagram, head into the app and press the plus sign in the top right corner. From there, select ‘post’, then choose the image or video you want to share and follow the instructions that follow. You can add a caption, tags, and filters to your images as you please.

What is Instagram Reels?

Instagram reels are the platform’s take on TikTok, offering you a chance to make short-form video content. These can range from dances to recipe ideas, with lots of different types out there for you to take inspiration from.

To make a reel, head to the Instagram app and press the plus sign in the top right corner. From there, select ‘reel’, then choose the different media you want to include. There are different editing tools you can make use of, too.

What is Instagram shop?

The Instagram shop is a marketplace where you can buy and sell things. You scroll through it in a grid – just tap an image that takes your eye to see the item therein.

Is Instagram free?

Yes, Instagram is completely free to use. You can make use of all its features except post-promotion without paying a penny. If you set up a business account, you can pay to market your posts and stories to people, though this is a separate charge, not a membership.

There ya go, friends. What is Instagram? Well, now you know. For more, check out our what is Paramount Plus, what is Spotify, and what is Apple Arcade guides.