Instagram 101
What is Instagram?
Instagram is a social media network that uses photos and videos to interact with others. It is mobile based which means you can only post to your Instagram account from the app on a smartphone or tablet. However, you can view Instagram accounts on a desktop computer.
Like Facebook, Instagram has a News Feed. When you follow someone's account, their photos and videos will show up in your News Feed. Similarly, when you create a post, that photo or video will be saved to your profile and will also show up in the News Feeds of those who have followed your account. Users can also like, comment, and tag one another in posts, as well as send direct messages or DM's.
The Basics of Posting
To get started posting on Instagram, sign into your account using your phone number, username or email address and password. You can also log in with Facebook.
At the bottom of your screen, there will be a menu bar.
The menu bar has the following:
- House Icon- Return home from other screens
- Magnifying Glass- Use to search for usernames, hashtags, and other information
- Plus Sign- Create a post
- Heart- View your notifications
- Profile Picture- Go to your profile
To begin creating your post, tap the plus sign. You will be taken to a screen similar to one shown in the photos to the left. You will have the choice to post from the gallery or take a photo or video.
If you want to post a photo/video that you have already taken you can tap on the word 'gallery' at the bottom of the screen or swipe until it is selected. The photos from the gallery on your phone will then be displayed for you to choose from.
If you want to take a photo/video to post, you can tap on the word 'photo' or 'video,' or swipe until either is selected. You will then tap the large circle to take your photo or hold it down to record.
Keep in mind that Instagram only allows videos up to 60 seconds long, whether you are uploading a video or taking a new one.
After you have taken or chosen your photo/video, tap 'Next' in the upper right corner. You will then be given the option of choosing from several filters and editing features. Once you are done editing, tap 'Next' again.
Now you are ready to finish up your photo/video with a great caption and even a location before sharing it with the world. As you can see in this photo, you also have the option of sharing your post directly to Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr.
When you are ready, just hit 'Share,' and your post will publish to your profile and the News Feed!
Since it is visually-based, you can easily take advantage of Instagram to showcase your own arrangements! Take some time to create some posts for your account and see what Instagram can do.