What is the Difference Between the 3 Instagram Profile Types

Brittanie Dreghorn — April 9, 2020

When it comes to Instagram profile types, while basic features around posting remain the same, they certainly differ when it comes to tools and additional features.

There are three types of Instagram profiles: personal, creator and business. While the names are pretty self explanatory, they do all offer different things.

Getting your profile type right is key in determining your Instagram strategy and will align with what you are using your profile for.

To help you choose your perfect profile match, we’ve broken each profile type down, explained the pros and cons of each and clarified who needs which type. We have also included a quick guide on how to switch between the three account types.

Personal

Not interested in an Instagram strategy? Chances are the personal profile is for you.

A personal Instagram profile is just as the name suggests – for personal use. This fuss-free option is for people who use Instagram at the most basic level, to connect with their friends and families and share whatever they’d like.

Pros

• Can be set to private or public
• Has all of the basic features you need such as posting on Feed, Stories and IGTV
• You can link it to multiple Facebook Pages or no Facebook Pages at all
• Can request verification if set to public

Cons

• No insights or analytics
• Can’t monetize
• No contact details
• Limited features

Who needs this type of account?

For those who don’t focus on curated content, have no interest in monetizing their posts and aren’t selling a product or service.

This profile type is where the wholesome roots of Instagram began and really is for those who just want to have fun and connect with people on the platform.

Creator

The newest profile on the block, Instagram recently rolled out the Instagram creator account.

Creator profiles are best for influencers, public or notable figures, and all types of content creators.

It is a step up from a personal profile and down from a business account.

In a smart move by Instagram, they introduced this account type to further separate normal users, influencers and businesses.

This not only makes it easier to create and manage branded content and influencer-brand partnerships, but it also increases the transparency of Instagram marketing.

Pros

• Same basic features of posting on Feed, Stories, IGTV as a personal profile
• Gives you creator-specific insights and analytics about your account and performance, relating to content, activity and audience
• Flexible profile display, you can make your account look and feel the same as a personal profile or choose to display a category label and/or contact details
• Can connect with a Facebook Page for promotions
• Lets you choose the category of creator you are
• Allows you to manage and create promotions
• Can request verification
• Can add links to your Instagram Stories if you become verified or have over 10,000 followers
• Can set up quick replies and direct message filters to better manage your direct messages and connect with your fans
• Get access to Creator Studio on desktop
• Can access branded content tools

Cons

• Can’t be set to private
• Can only link to one Facebook Page

Who needs this type of account?

As mentioned, if you’re an influencer, public or notable figure, or a content creator then this is the account type for you. It is great if you are trying to grow your account and increase your Instagram presence.

You’ll need this account type if you want to monetize your content or work with brands.

The insights give you an ideal way to better understand what content is working on your account and what is resonating with your followers.

Business

Business accounts are most closely related to creator accounts and are the cream of the crop when it comes to features that will help with brand management, conversions and marketing.

Having a business profile makes your brand look professional, trustworthy and verified. It also acts as another touchpoint for your business and another place where your customers can see and contact you.

A business profile helps you to grow your Instagram presence and in turn grow your brand and business.

Pros

• Same basic features of posting on Feed, Stories, IGTV as a personal profile
• Access to business-specific insights and analytics about your account and performance, relating to content, activity and audience
• Ability to run ads
• Display business and contact details
• Lets you choose a category for your business
• Access to Instagram Shopping, which will allow you to tag products in your posts
• Can set up quick replies and direct message filters to better manage your direct messages and connect with your customers
• Access to video chat within direct messages
• Ability to manage branded content and promotion payments
• Can request verification
• Can add links to your Instagram Stories if you become verified or have over 10,000 followers
• Get access to Creator Studio on desktop
• Can access branded content tools

Cons

• Can’t be set to private
• Needs to be linked to a Facebook Page
• Can only link to one Facebook Page

Who needs this type of account?

If you have a brand that offers products and/or services and want to use Instagram as a strategic tool, then this is the account type you need.

Further to this, if you want to run ads or promoted posts through Instagram, you’ll need to set up a business profile. It is also a helpful tool when working with influencers or creators.

The insights give you an ideal way to better understand what content is working on your account and what is resonating with your customers, helping you build your brand.

Luckily for all those commitment-phobes out there, you can easily switch between the three, meaning you can play around until you find the profile that suits you best. However, keep in mind that if you switch accounts back to personal, you will lose content from your promotions and you’ll no longer have access to your insights.

How to switch your profile type

1. Head to settings, you’ll find this by clicking the three horizontal lines at the top of your profile page
2. Select account
3. If you have a personal profile you’ll be given the option to switch to a professional account and then be given the option between creator and business. If you have a creator or business account you’ll be given the option to switch to a personal or creator/business account.

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