Instagram has come a long way since its humble beginnings as a simple photo-sharing app in 2010. As of 2024, the platform boasts over 1.4 billion monthly active users, making it one of the most popular social networks worldwide.
But Instagram‘s user base isn‘t the only thing that‘s grown over the years. The app has also increasingly catered to businesses, with over 200 million business accounts now on the platform. From in-depth analytics to shoppable posts, Instagram offers a robust set of tools for brands and marketers.
However, this business-centric shift has left some personal users feeling left behind. Many features are now gated off to business accounts only, and the overall vibe of the app has shifted from spontaneous photo-sharing to curated content and ads.
If you‘re one of the many users who converted to an Instagram business account but now regret that decision, you may be wondering how to go back to a personal account. In this guide, we‘ll walk you through the process step-by-step and discuss the key differences between account types.
Instagram‘s Shift to Business and Shopping
Before we dive into the how-to, it‘s worth examining Instagram‘s increasing emphasis on business and shopping features. Over the past few years, the platform has rolled out a steady stream of updates aimed at helping brands sell more on the app.
Some key milestones include:
- 2016: Launch of Instagram Business accounts and analytics tools
- 2017: Introduction of shoppable posts, allowing businesses to tag products
- 2018: Launch of Instagram Checkout for in-app purchases
- 2020: Debut of Instagram Shops for full in-app storefronts
- 2021: Expanded access to Live Shopping and launch of Drops feature for product launches
- 2022: Testing of new subscriptions feature for exclusive content
This shift has been lucrative for Instagram and its parent company, Meta. In 2022, Instagram‘s worldwide ad revenue reached nearly $50 billion, a 25% increase over the previous year. Shopping features have also driven significant sales, with Instagram Checkout alone processing over $1 billion in transactions since its launch.
However, this business focus has come at a cost for personal users. Many of Instagram‘s new features are only available to business and creator accounts, leaving personal accounts with a stripped-down experience. The app‘s feed is also increasingly filled with sponsored content and ads, making organic reach harder to come by.
For those who just want to use Instagram to connect with friends and share snippets of their life, the business-heavy direction can feel alienating. While Instagram maintains that it‘s "committed to supporting personal users," it‘s clear that professional accounts are now the priority.
Removing Your Instagram Business Account: A Step-by-Step Guide
If Instagram‘s business emphasis has you longing for a simpler, more personal experience, you can easily remove your business account. Here‘s how:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap the three lines in the top-right corner to open the menu.
- Tap "Settings," then "Account."
- Scroll down and tap "Switch account type."
- Tap "Switch to Personal Account."
- Confirm the switch by tapping "Switch Back."
And that‘s it! Your business account is now removed and you‘re back to a personal account. The entire process takes less than a minute.
It‘s worth noting that switching from business to personal will remove access to certain features, including:
- Instagram Insights: Instagram‘s built-in analytics dashboard will no longer be accessible. You won‘t be able to view data on your posts, followers, and reach.
- Contact buttons: Business accounts can display contact information like email address, phone number, and physical address. These buttons are removed on personal accounts.
- Ads and promotions: Personal accounts cannot run ads or create promoted posts. If you‘ve been using Instagram advertising, you‘ll lose access to those tools.
- Shopping features: Personal accounts cannot tag products or create shoppable posts. If you‘ve been using Instagram as a sales channel, you‘ll no longer be able to do so with a personal account.
However, for users who don‘t rely on these business features, the switch to personal can be freeing. Personal accounts still have access to all of Instagram‘s core features, like posting, stories, and direct messaging. And perhaps most importantly, personal accounts have the ability to be private, giving you more control over who sees your content.
Instagram Business vs. Personal: Which Is Right for You?
Deciding whether to use an Instagram business or personal account ultimately depends on your goals and how you use the platform. Here are some key considerations:
- Privacy: If you want to keep your posts and stories private and only visible to approved followers, a personal account is the way to go. Business accounts are always public.
- Analytics: If you rely on Instagram Insights to track your performance and make data-driven decisions, a business account is a must. Personal accounts don‘t have access to analytics.
- Advertising: If you use Instagram ads to promote your brand or products, you‘ll need a business account. Personal accounts cannot run ads.
- Shopping: If you sell products and want to use Instagram‘s shopping features, like product tagging and Checkout, you‘ll need a business account.
- Contact info: If you want to make it easy for customers or clients to get in touch, a business account allows you to display contact buttons on your profile.
- Simplicity: If you prefer a stripped-down, no-frills Instagram experience, a personal account delivers that. Business accounts come with extra tabs and features that some find cluttered.
If you‘re a casual user who just wants to share photos and videos with friends, a personal account is probably the best fit. But if you use Instagram for business or professional purposes, the extra features of a business account may be worth the trade-offs.
It‘s also worth noting that you can switch back and forth between business and personal accounts as often as you‘d like. So if you‘re not sure which is right for you, you can always try out both and see what works best.
Instagram Business Accounts vs. Other Social Platforms
Instagram isn‘t the only social platform offering business-specific accounts and features. Competitors like TikTok, YouTube, and Snapchat all have their own tools for brands and creators. So how does Instagram stack up? Let‘s compare:
- TikTok: TikTok‘s business accounts are fairly basic, offering analytics and the ability to run ads. However, TikTok‘s self-serve ad platform is less robust than Instagram‘s, with more limited targeting and formatting options. TikTok also doesn‘t offer in-app shopping.
- YouTube: YouTube has long catered to both personal and professional users, with a range of account types. Personal accounts can access most features, while business accounts can access advanced analytics and advertising tools. YouTube also offers robust shopping features through its partnership with Shopify.
- Snapchat: Snapchat‘s business accounts are geared more towards large brands and advertisers, with high minimum spends for ads. Smaller businesses may find Snapchat‘s tools inaccessible. However, Snapchat does offer unique AR advertising formats not available on other platforms.
Overall, Instagram still offers some of the most comprehensive and accessible business tools, particularly for small to medium-sized brands. But TikTok is quickly catching up, with a fast-growing user base and increasing interest from advertisers.
Making the Most of Your Personal Instagram Account
If you do decide to remove your Instagram business account and switch to personal, there are a few tips and best practices to keep in mind:
- Use hashtags: Hashtags are one of the best ways to expand your reach on Instagram, even without a business account. Use relevant, specific hashtags on your posts to make them more discoverable.
- Engage with others: Commenting on other users‘ posts, responding to comments on your own posts, and participating in Instagram‘s communities can help you build relationships and gain followers.
- Post consistently: Consistently posting high-quality content is key to maintaining engagement on Instagram. Aim to post at least once a day, and experiment with different content formats like carousels and Reels.
- Utilize stories: Instagram stories are a great way to share more casual, behind-the-scenes content and drive engagement. Use interactive features like polls and questions to encourage followers to participate.
- Consider a creator account: If you‘re a content creator or influencer, you may want to consider switching to a creator account instead of a personal account. Creator accounts have access to some analytics tools and other features not available to personal accounts.
By following these tips, you can still build a strong presence on Instagram and connect with your audience, even without a business account.
The Future of Instagram for Personal Users
As Instagram continues to prioritize business and shopping features, some personal users worry about being left behind. Could Instagram eventually become a purely commercial platform, with no room for casual sharing?
While that extreme scenario seems unlikely, it‘s clear that personal users will have to be more intentional and strategic to stand out in Instagram‘s increasingly crowded and commercialized feed. Organic reach will likely continue to decline as more ads and sponsored content take over.
However, there are some promising signs for personal users. In 2022, Instagram‘s head Adam Mosseri assured users that the app is "always going to stay committed to personal sharing and expression." Instagram also continues to develop new creative tools like Collabs and Remixes that are accessible to all users.
Ultimately, the future of Instagram for personal users will depend on how well the app is able to balance its business ambitions with the needs and preferences of its core user base. If Instagram becomes too commercialized and impersonal, users may increasingly jump ship to other platforms like TikTok or BeReal.
As social media expert Matt Navarra puts it: "Instagram‘s challenge is to not lose sight of what made it special in the first place – the ability to connect with friends and express yourself visually. If it becomes just another online mall, it risks losing its soul."
Key Takeaways
Removing your Instagram business account and switching back to a personal account is a quick and easy process that can be done in just a few taps. For casual users who don‘t need business tools like analytics and shopping, a personal account offers a simpler, more privacy-focused experience.
However, Instagram‘s increasing emphasis on business and shopping features does raise some long-term questions about the platform‘s direction. While Instagram remains committed to personal expression, the reality is that professional accounts are getting more attention and resources.
As a personal user, the best way to thrive on Instagram is to be intentional and strategic with your content. Post consistently, use hashtags and stories, and focus on building genuine connections with your audience. And if Instagram does become too commercial for your taste, don‘t be afraid to explore other platforms.
Ultimately, social media is always evolving, and what works today may not work tomorrow. The key is to stay true to yourself and your goals, whether you‘re using Instagram for business or pleasure. With the right approach, you can still build a meaningful presence on the platform, no matter what account type you choose.
