Where to find and update your pronouns on Instagram

Instagram lets you add pronouns to your profile in two places: your bio and your profile grid. The pronouns you set appear next to your name when someone visits your profile, and you can change them whenever you want. The process takes less than a minute and works the same way on the mobile app and on a web browser.

To add pronouns to your bio, open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap or click "Edit profile." In the bio field, type or paste your pronouns directly into the text — for example, "she/her" or "they/them." Save the changes. Your pronouns now appear in your bio under your name.

If you want pronouns to show up in a dedicated spot separate from your bio text, use the pronouns field instead. In the same "Edit profile" screen, scroll down until you see a field labeled "Pronouns." Tap or click it and type your pronouns. You can use both the bio and the pronouns field at the same time — Instagram will display them both.

Key Takeaways

  • You can add pronouns in your bio or in the dedicated pronouns field on your profile, or use both at the same time.
  • Go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and type your pronouns into either the bio field or the pronouns field.
  • Your pronouns appear next to your name on your profile and in search results when other people look you up.
  • You can change or remove your pronouns at any time by editing your profile again.

How pronouns display on your profile

When you add pronouns using the dedicated pronouns field, they appear in a colored box directly under your name and username on your profile. This makes them visible at a glance when someone visits your page. If you add pronouns only in your bio, they show up as part of your bio text, which means someone has to read your full bio to see them.

Other Instagram users can see your pronouns on your profile page, in search results when they look you up, and sometimes in comment threads, depending on your account settings. The pronouns field is public by default, but you can control who sees your profile through your privacy settings.

Changing or removing pronouns

To change your pronouns, follow the same steps: go to your profile, tap "Edit profile," and update the pronouns field or bio text. Delete the old pronouns and type new ones, then save. Instagram saves the change when ready.

To remove pronouns entirely, delete the text from the pronouns field or bio, leaving it blank, and save. Your profile will no longer display pronouns. You can add them back at any time.

What to do if the pronouns field is not showing

The pronouns field may not appear if you are using an older version of the Instagram app. Update Instagram from your device's app store — go to the App Store (iPhone) or Google Play (Android), search for Instagram, and tap "Update." After the app restarts, the pronouns field should appear when you edit your profile.

If you are using Instagram on a web browser and the pronouns field does not show, try a different browser or clear your browser cache. Sometimes cached data prevents new features from loading. You can also try logging out and logging back in.

Pronouns and account privacy

Your pronouns are part of your public profile information. If your account is public, anyone on Instagram can see them. If your account is private, only people you have approved as followers can see your pronouns.

You can change your account privacy settings separately from your pronouns. To make your account private, go to Settings, tap "Privacy," and toggle "Private account" on. This does not change your pronouns — it only controls who can see your entire profile.

Using pronouns in your bio alongside other information

Many people include pronouns in their bio along with other details like their location, interests, or a link to their website. Instagram allows up to 150 characters in the bio field, so you have room for pronouns plus other text. A common format is "she/her | artist | NYC" or "they/them | writer."

If you use the dedicated pronouns field, your bio space is freed up for other information. You can use both fields together — pronouns in the pronouns field and a bio description in the bio field — to keep your profile organized.

Pronouns on business and creator accounts

Business accounts and creator accounts have the same pronouns options as personal accounts. You can add pronouns to a business profile the same way: go to "Edit profile" and fill in the pronouns field or add them to your bio. Many businesses and creators use pronouns to signal inclusivity or to reflect the identity of the person running the account.

If you manage a business account for someone else, you can add or change pronouns if you have edit access to the profile. The person who owns the account can always override your changes by editing the profile themselves.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can other people see when I change my pronouns?

No, Instagram does not notify your followers when you change your pronouns. The change appears on your profile when ready, but there is no notification sent to other users. People will only see your new pronouns the next time they visit your profile.

Can I use multiple sets of pronouns?

Yes. You can type multiple pronouns in the pronouns field or bio — for example, "she/her or they/them." Instagram does not limit you to one set. Type whatever pronouns you want separated by a slash or the word "or."

What if I want to hide my pronouns from certain people?

Instagram does not have a feature to show pronouns to some followers and hide them from others. Your pronouns are either visible to everyone who can see your profile or not visible at all. If you want to control who sees your pronouns, make your account private so only approved followers can view your profile.

Do pronouns show up on Instagram Stories or Reels?

Your pronouns appear on your profile page and in search results, but not automatically on Stories or Reels. If you want pronouns visible in a Story or Reel, you can type them into the caption or add them as text using Instagram's text tool.

Can I change my pronouns on Instagram if I use a username instead of my real name?

Yes. The pronouns field works the same way regardless of what name or username you use on your account. You can add pronouns to any Instagram profile.