What are Different Types of Instagram Accounts?

Instagram has evolved far beyond a photo-sharing app. It’s a platform where individuals, creators, and businesses connect, grow, and engage with their audience. But to make the most of it, choosing the right IG account type is essential. 

Each option comes with unique features that shape how you interact, promote, and build your presence.

Whether you’re looking to expand a brand, establish yourself as a content creator, or keep things personal, understanding the different types of Instagram accounts will help you make the right choice. 

This guide breaks down each account type, what it offers, and how to pick the best one for your goals without any confusion.

Types of Instagram Accounts

There are two main types of accounts on Instagram

• Personal
• Professional

Each serves a different purpose. Choosing the right one depends on how you plan to use Instagram, whether for personal connections, content creation, or business growth.

1. Personal Account

A Personal account is perfect for everyday users who want to share posts, stories, and reels without advanced tools. It comes with two privacy options:

• Private Account – Only approved followers can see your posts and stories, making it ideal for those who prefer privacy.
• Public Account – Anyone on Instagram can view your content, allowing for more engagement and visibility.

While Personal accounts are simple and easy to use, they don’t offer analytics, ad tools, or professional insights.

2. Professional Account

A Professional account is designed for creators and businesses looking to grow their presence. It’s further divided into:

• Creator Account – Best for influencers, artists, and public figures who need audience insights, branded content tools, and flexible messaging options.
• Business Account – Ideal for brands, companies, and entrepreneurs who want in-depth analytics, ad features, and contact buttons for customer interaction.

Each type of account on Instagram comes with unique features that impact engagement, visibility, and monetization.

In the next sections, we’ll break them down further to help you decide which one suits your goals.

Personal Account

Instagram’s Personal account is the standard profile type for individuals who want to share content, connect with friends, and explore the platform without business or creator tools. 

It offers complete control over privacy settings, allowing users to choose between a Private or Public account. 

Your choice determines who can see your content, interact with your posts, and engage with your profile.

Private Account (For Privacy-Focused Users) 🔒

A Private account keeps your Instagram activity hidden from non-followers. Only people you approve can see your posts, stories, and reels. 

This means no random likes, comments, or messages from strangers only a secure space for you and your close circle.

Features of a Private Account

• Only approved followers can see your posts, stories, and reels.
• Follow requests must be accepted manually before users gain access.
• Content won’t appear in Explore, search, or hashtag feeds, ensuring privacy.
• Followers can be removed silently without alerting them.
• DMs are limited to followers, keeping messages restricted to known contacts.

Benefits of a Private Account

✅Total control over visibility, your content stays within your approved audience.
✅Protection from spam and unwanted interactions, reducing random engagement.
✅A safe and personal space to share moments with close friends and family.
✅Prevents strangers from interacting, keeping your profile more secure.
✅Genuine engagement only, since followers are manually approved.

Ideal For

• People who prioritize privacy and security over reach.
• Users who want a close-knit online space with family and friends.
• Anyone looking to avoid unsolicited messages, bots, or unwanted followers. 
• Individuals who prefer full control over who can see their content.

Public Account (For Open Sharing & Engagement) 🌍

A Public account makes your content visible to everyone on Instagram. Your posts appear in Explore, search results, and hashtag feeds, giving you more reach, engagement, and potential for follower growth. 

If you want to be seen, discovered, and connected with more people, this is the way to go.

Features of a Public Account

• Anyone can view your posts, reels, and stories—even non-followers.
• Content is discoverable in Explore, search, and hashtags, increasing visibility.
• Users can like, comment, and share without restrictions.
• DMs are open to all, with message requests for non-followers.
• No approval needed for new followers, making it easier to grow.

Benefits of a Public Account

✅ Massive visibility and engagement—reach a global audience.
✅ Faster follower growth, especially with trending content and hashtags.
✅ More networking opportunities to connect with new people. 
✅ Content can go viral since it’s widely accessible.
✅ Great for influencers, creators, and bloggers looking to build an audience.

Ideal For

• Users who want to grow their Instagram presence and be discovered.
• Creators, influencers, and bloggers looking for more engagement.
• Anyone interested in building a personal brand or online identity.
• People who enjoy interacting with a wide audience and receiving public feedback.

Each type of account on Instagram serves a different purpose. In the next section, we’ll explore Professional accounts, which are designed for creators and businesses looking for advanced tools and audience insights. 

Professional Account

A Professional account on Instagram is designed for users who need more than just social sharing. 

Whether you're an influencer, content creator, or business owner, this account type provides powerful tools to track engagement, reach new audiences, and optimize content strategy. 

Professional accounts offer analytics, promotional features, and advanced messaging tools to help users grow and monetize their presence.

Instagram offers two types of Professional accounts: Creator and Business. 

Each serves a different purpose, catering to individuals and organizations looking to scale their impact.

Creator Account (For Influencers & Content Creators) 🎥

A Creator account is tailored for influencers, artists, and public figures who want deeper insights into their audience, content performance, and monetization options. 

This account bridges the gap between personal and business use, offering tools that help individuals engage followers, collaborate with brands, and grow their online presence.

Features of a Creator Account

• Detailed audience insights – Track follower growth, engagement, and demographics.
• Flexible messaging tools – Organize DMs with primary and general inboxes.
• Access to Instagram’s Creator Studio – Manage content, track analytics, and optimize posting schedules.
• Branded content tools – Easily collaborate with brands and tag sponsorships.
• Music library access – Exclusive soundtracks not available for Business accounts.

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Benefits of a Creator Account

✅ Stronger audience connections – Understand what content works best and optimize strategy.
✅ Better brand partnerships – Seamless integration with sponsored posts and branded  content.
✅ More control over DMs – Organize incoming messages efficiently.
✅ Increased engagement tracking – Gain insights into how and when followers interact.
✅ Monetization opportunities – Eligible for Instagram's revenue-sharing programs.

Ideal For

• Influencers, vloggers, and bloggers building a personal brand.
• Artists, musicians, and public figures who want more visibility.
• Freelancers and digital creators looking to monetize content.
• Anyone focused on engagement, growth, and sponsorships.

Business Account (For Brands, Companies & E-Commerce) 🏢

A Business account is designed for brands, entrepreneurs, and online stores that want to market their products, advertise, and reach customers efficiently. 

It unlocks a suite of tools for advertising, customer engagement, and sales tracking, making it the go-to option for companies looking to scale their business on Instagram.

Features of a Business Account

• Instagram Insights – Track profile visits, reach, impressions, and conversions.
• Ad tools and promotions – Run targeted ad campaigns and boost posts for visibility.
• Contact buttons – Add call, email, and location details to make communication easier.
• Shoppable posts – Tag products directly in posts and stories for seamless shopping.
• Integration with Facebook Business Suite – Manage ads, posts, and engagement across platforms.

Benefits of a Business Account

✅ Stronger brand visibility – Boost posts and reach a larger audience.
✅ Better customer interaction – Direct messaging and quick replies improve communication.
✅ Seamless shopping experience – Shoppable posts drive product discovery.
✅ More credibility and professionalism – Displays your brand’s legitimacy.
✅ Advanced ad targeting – Helps businesses connect with the right customers.

Ideal For

• Small and large businesses looking to expand their digital presence.
• E-commerce brands that want to sell directly through Instagram.
• Local businesses needing direct communication with customers.
• Entrepreneurs and startups who want to advertise efficiently.

Both types of accounts on Instagram offer advanced features to help users grow, monetize, and engage their audience effectively. 

Suggested Reading: 
The Ultimate Guide to Selling on Instagram Without a Website

Key Differences Between Types of Accounts on Instagram

Choosing the right IG account type can make or break your Instagram experience. Whether you're here for privacy, content creation, or business growth, each account type serves a unique purpose. 

To help you decide, let’s break down the core differences between Private, Public, Creator, and Business accounts in a way that’s easy to understand.

Which Instagram Account Type Should You Choose?

• If you want privacy and control → Private Account 🔒
• If you want engagement and exposure → Public Account 🌍
• If you're a content creator or influencer → Creator Account 🎥
• If you're running a business, brand, or online store → Business Account 🏢

Each type of account on Instagram has its strengths, and the right one depends on your goals and how you want to use the platform. In the next section, we’ll guide you on how to switch between account types and optimize your Instagram strategy. 

How to Switch Between Instagram Account Types Effortlessly 

Your Instagram needs change over time, and luckily, switching between different types of Instagram accounts is quick and easy. 

Whether you want more privacy, better engagement tools, or business insights, here’s how to make the switch without any hassle.

1. Switching Between Private and Public Accounts 🔄

Want to keep things private or go fully public for more engagement? Here’s how:

• Switch from Private to Public:
  • Open Instagram and tap your profile icon (bottom right).
  • Tap the ☰ menu in the top-right and select Settings and Privacy.
  • Tap Account Privacy and toggle off “Private Account.”
     
• Switch from Public to Private:
  • Follow the same steps, but toggle on “Private Account” to restrict content visibility to approved followers only.

2. Switching Between Personal and Professional Accounts 🎯

Want to unlock insights, ads, and better engagement tools? Switching to a Professional account (Creator or Business) is the way to go.

• Switch from Personal to Professional (Creator or Business):
  • Tap your profile icon → ☰ menu → Settings and Privacy.
  • Select Account Type and Tools → Switch to Professional Account.
  • Choose between Creator (for influencers) or Business (for brands).
  • Follow the steps to set up your new account.
     
• Switch from Professional to Personal:
  • Go to Settings and Privacy → Account Type and Tools.
  • Tap Switch to Personal Account → Confirm.

3. Switching Between Creator and Business Accounts 🔄

You can easily move between Creator and Business accounts.

• Switch from Creator to Business:
  • Go to Settings and Privacy → Account Type and Tools.
  • Tap Switch to Business Account → Follow the prompts.
     
• Switch from Business to Creator:
  • Head to Settings and Privacy → Account Type and Tools.
  • Tap Switch to Creator Account → Complete setup.

Key Things to Know Before Switching

✅ You can switch between Creator and Business accounts anytime with no need to go back to Personal first.

✅ Switching to Personal removes professional tools, but your content stays intact.

✅ Business accounts don’t get access to Instagram’s full music library, something to keep in mind for reels 

Want more details? Check out Instagram’s official help pages:
📌 Switching Instagram account types
📌 Managing privacy settings

With these simple steps, you can adjust your Instagram account type in minutes and keep your profile optimized for your goals! 🚀

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Switching Instagram Accounts

Switching between different types of Instagram accounts is a simple process, but making the wrong move can lead to lost features, disrupted engagement, and even stopped promotions. Here are the most critical mistakes to avoid when making the switch.

1. Not Understanding Feature Differences Between Account Types

Each IG account type comes with different functionalities, and some features are permanently removed when switching.

• Switching from Business/Creator to Personal → You lose access to analytics (Insights), ad tools, and shoppable posts.
   
• Switching from Business to Creator → You gain access to the full music library but lose Instagram Shopping features.
   
• Switching from Creator to Business → You get access to ad campaigns and shopping features but lose some music options.

💡 Before switching, check which features will be removed or added so you don’t lose tools you depend on.

2. Losing Access to Instagram Insights & Analytics

When you switch to a Personal account, you completely lose all past analytics (Instagram Insights), including:

• Follower growth trends
• Post performance metrics (reach, impressions, engagement)
• Demographic insights (age, location, active hours)

⚠️ Once lost, this data is unrecoverable.

💡 If you rely on Insights for performance tracking, take screenshots or export data before switching.

Suggested Reading: 
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3. Stopping Running Ads & Promotions Unintentionally

If you switch from Business to Creator or Personal, all active Instagram ads and promotions will stop immediately. Instagram does not pause or resume them if you switch back later.

• Business accounts are required for ad campaigns and promoted posts.
• Creator accounts can still collaborate with brands but lose direct access to ad tools.
• Personal accounts cannot run ads at all.

💡 If you’re running paid campaigns, complete or pause them before switching to avoid wasted ad spend.

4. Switching Too Frequently (Algorithm Disruptions)

Instagram’s algorithm tracks engagement, interactions, and post performance based on account type. Frequent switching can reset engagement tracking and impact reach.

🚫 Switching too often (multiple times within weeks) can:

• Temporarily limit post reach as the algorithm adjusts.
• Disrupt suggested content visibility on Explore and Reels.
• Reset engagement data, making it harder to analyze growth trends.

💡 Pick an account type that fits your long-term needs instead of switching back and forth frequently.

5. Losing Professional Contact Info & Call-to-Actions

Business and Creator accounts allow:

✔️ Contact buttons (Call, Email, Directions)
✔️ Category labels (e.g., Public Figure, Artist, Entrepreneur)
✔️ Action buttons (Book Now, Reserve, Shop Now)

⚠️Switching to a Personal account removes all these features. If you switch back, they won’t automatically restore, you’ll have to manually re-enter them.

💡Before switching, save a copy of your contact details and business information.

6. Losing Access to the Full Instagram Music Library

The Instagram music library changes based on account type:

• Business accounts have a limited music selection due to licensing restrictions.
• Creator and Personal accounts have access to the full music library, including trending sounds for Reels.

⚠️ If you switch from Creator to Business, you may lose access to trending sounds you’ve used before.

💡If music is a key part of your Instagram strategy, consider staying on a Creator account instead of switching to Business.

Avoiding These Mistakes

Before switching IG account types, make sure you:
✅ Know which features you’ll lose or gain
✅ Save important data (Insights, ads, contact details)
✅ Complete ongoing promotions before switching
✅ Pick an account type that fits your long-term goals

By avoiding these mistakes, you can switch accounts smoothly without losing essential tools or disrupting your Instagram growth. 

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Conclusion 

No matter which IG account type you choose, managing engagement, customer interactions, and content scheduling can be time-consuming. That’s where BotPenguin comes in!

BotPenguin’s AI-powered chatbot helps businesses and influencers automate DMs, respond to customers instantly, and streamline Instagram interactions.

✅ Instant replies to FAQs and comments
✅ Lead generation and customer support automation
✅ Seamless Instagram integration for better engagement

Ready to take your Instagram game to the next level? Try BotPenguin today and simplify your Instagram communication!

Suggested Reading: 
15 Instagram Tools to Drive 3x More Instagram Engagement

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I have multiple types of accounts on Instagram at the same time?

No, Instagram allows only one IG account type per profile, but you can create multiple accounts and assign different types to each.

Do different types of Instagram accounts affect post visibility?

Yes, Public accounts have maximum reach, while Private accounts restrict content to approved followers. Business and Creator accounts benefit from insights and promotional tools for higher engagement.

Are there restrictions on features based on account types on Instagram?

Yes, Personal accounts don’t have analytics, Business accounts have limited music access, and Creator accounts can’t run Instagram Shopping. Choose based on the tools you need.

Can I switch between different types of Instagram accounts without losing followers?

Yes, switching IG account types does not affect followers, but changing to a Private account hides content from non-followers. Business features like Shopping may also get disabled.

How can BotPenguin help businesses using an Instagram Business account?

BotPenguin’s AI chatbot automates customer replies, lead generation, and DMs for Business accounts, ensuring faster engagement and improved response times perfect for scaling brands on Instagram.