If you're wondering 'what is Instagram?', then we're here to help. The longstanding social media platform continues to change, offering quite a different experience from what you may remember from its debut years ago.
Still, one thing always remains constant: Instagram is the best platform for people who value pictures. So, let's dive into what you can expect from the app, and how you can delete those all-important digital footprint traces.
Here's everything you need to answer the question 'what is Instagram?'
What is Instagram?
Instagram has been around the block and is a long-standing pillar in the social media arena. It launched all the way back in October of 2010, and so with 15 years in the game, it's changed from the original photo-sharing-based landscape. Facebook has statuses, and Reddit has discussion forums, but Instagram is where you head for aesthetics. Its main focus is, as you'd expect, on photos, stories, and reels.
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 is 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.
If you're unsure how to create a reel, then never fear, because the process is pretty simple. You just need to open up your Instagram app and press the plus sign in the top right corner. This will bring up the new post menu, where you can either snap a quick picture and share it right away or upload a previously saved file. But from this menu, you just need to select the 'reel' option and then select whatever media you want to pop in there. You can also edit the footage you have directly in the app, and include a bunch of filters and stickers to make it fun.
What is Instagram shop?
Similar to the TikTok shop, Instagram shop is an online marketplace where you can buy and sell pretty much anything you like. You scroll through the wares on offer in the same grid formation as your profile, and then just tap on the image of whatever takes your fancy.
Is Instagram free?
Yes, Instagram is free. However, if you use a business account and would like to promote your post, you can pay money in order to do so. You can also choose to pay to see extra content from some of your favorite posters via Instagram subscription if they have the option turned on - get subscriber-only livestreams, stories, badges, and more on top of extra pictures and videos. Bear in mind, you'll have to pay a different fee for page you want to subscribe to - but paying at all for extra content is optional.
Can I recover a deleted Instagram account?
If you delete an Instagram account, you can't recover it; you lose all of your pictures and everything that is on there, including the accounts you follow. If you want a clean slate, we recommend deleting or archiving your posts, which you can do by pressing the three dots in the top right-hand corner of a post. You can also remove individual followers by following the same protocol but on their profile.
So, as with any account like this, we recommend that you be absolutely sure in your decision if you choose to get rid of your Instagram account. If you delete it and come back, you need to start all over again.
What is the main difference between Instagram and Facebook?
The main difference between Instagram and Facebook is that Instagram is, first and foremost, an image and video-based website, while Facebook is used for writing things, too. While on Facebook, you can write on people's walls, post statuses, and announce life updates, on Instagram there is no feature for long text by itself - it must be accompanied by a visual.
Secondly, Instagram tends to have a younger audience, as Facebook is not often used by generations Z or Alpha. There isn't really a reason for this other than that the app's culture, defined by its userbase, feels more suited for younger people due to it being more recent. Facebook, on the other hand, is frequented by Millenials, Gen X, and Boomers, as the app is more established.