What happens when you change to a business account
When you switch your Instagram account to a business profile, you unlock tools designed for people who use Instagram to promote a service, product, or brand. Your profile gains access to Instagram Insights (which shows you who viewed your posts and when), the ability to add contact buttons like "Call" or "Email" directly on your profile, and the option to run paid promotions through Instagram's ad system.
The change is reversible—you can switch back to a personal account at any time. However, a business account works differently in a few ways: your follower list becomes public (though you can still control who follows you), and Instagram may show your account to people outside your followers if you use certain features. Your posts do not become public; your privacy settings stay the same.
You will need a Facebook Page to complete the switch. If you do not have one, Instagram will walk you through creating one during the process. The two accounts will be linked but remain separate—you can manage them independently.
Key Takeaways
- Switching to a business account requires linking your Instagram profile to a Facebook Page, which you may need to create first.
- The process takes about five minutes and happens entirely within the Instagram app or website.
- You gain access to Insights, contact buttons, and the ability to run ads, but your follower list becomes visible to other users.
- You can switch back to a personal account whenever you want, and the change does not affect your existing posts or followers.
How to switch on the Instagram app
Open Instagram and go to your profile by tapping the person icon at the bottom right. Tap the three horizontal lines (the menu) at the top right, then scroll down and tap Settings and privacy. Tap Account type and tools, then tap Switch to professional account.
Instagram will ask you to choose between a Creator account and a Business account. A Creator account is for people building an audience (musicians, artists, influencers). A Business account is for people representing a company, service, or brand. Choose the one that matches what you do, then tap Next.
If you do not have a Facebook Page linked to your account, you will see a screen asking you to create or connect one. Tap Create a new Facebook Page if you do not have one, or Connect to an existing Page if you do. Follow the prompts to complete the link. Once your Facebook Page is connected, tap Done, and your account will switch when ready.
How to switch on Instagram.com
Go to Instagram.com and log in. Click your profile picture at the top right, then click Settings. On the left sidebar, click Account type and tools. Click Switch to professional account.
Choose between Creator and Business, then click Next. If you need to create or connect a Facebook Page, follow the same steps as the app version. Once your Facebook Page is linked, click Done to complete the switch.
What to do if you do not have a Facebook Page
During the account switch, Instagram will offer to create a Facebook Page for you. If you choose this option, Instagram will create a basic page with your Instagram profile name and photo. You can edit the page details (like adding a description or business category) after the switch is complete.
To edit your new Facebook Page, go to Facebook.com, click the menu at the top left, and select Pages. Find your page in the list and click it. Click Settings at the top, then edit any information you want to change. You can add a business category, phone number, address, website, and hours of operation.
Choosing between Creator and Business account
A Creator account is designed for people building a following around their personality or work—musicians, artists, writers, fitness coaches, or anyone whose audience is interested in them as an individual. Creator accounts show follower counts publicly and emphasize tools for growing your audience, like the ability to see which posts are trending in your niche.
A Business account is for companies, restaurants, shops, service providers, or anyone representing an organization. Business accounts emphasize contact tools (like a "Book Now" button or "Call" button) and let you add business information like your address and hours. Both account types have access to Insights and ads, so the choice mainly depends on whether you are building a personal brand or representing a business.
You can change from Creator to Business (or vice versa) at any time by going back to Account type and tools and selecting Switch professional account type.
What changes after you switch
Your profile will now show a Contact button below your bio. Tap or click it to see the contact options you set up—this might be a phone number, email, or a link to book an appointment. You can customize which buttons appear by going to Settings and privacy, then Account type and tools, then Contact options.
You will also see a new Insights tab on your profile (visible only to you). Tap or click it to see how many people viewed your profile this week, which posts got the most engagement, and when your followers are most active. This information helps you understand what content works for your audience.
Your follower list is now public—anyone can see who follows you by clicking the follower count on your profile. You can still control who follows you by reviewing follow requests, but you cannot hide the list itself. If this concerns you, you can switch back to a personal account at any time.
How to switch back to a personal account
If you decide a business account is not right for you, switching back is just as straightforward. Go to Settings and privacy, tap Account type and tools, then tap Switch to personal account. Confirm that you want to switch. Your posts, followers, and messages stay the same—only the professional tools disappear.
Your Facebook Page will remain linked to your account, but it will no longer be connected to your Instagram profile. You can delete the Facebook Page separately if you do not need it, or leave it there in case you want to switch back to a business account later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I lose my followers when I switch to a business account?
No. Your followers stay the same, and they will not be notified of the change. The only difference is that your follower list becomes visible to other users, but the people following you do not change.
Can I have both a personal and business account?
Not on the same profile. However, you can create a separate Instagram account for your business and keep your personal account as is. To do this, create a new account, then switch that account to a business profile.
What if I do not want my follower list to be public?
Unfortunately, business and creator accounts do not have the option to hide your follower list. If this is a dealbreaker, you can switch back to a personal account, where your follower list remains private.
Will switching to a business account affect my posts or stories?
No. Your existing posts and stories remain exactly as they are. Your privacy settings do not change—if your account was private before, it stays private. The switch only adds new tools; it does not modify what you have already posted.
Do I need to use the contact buttons after I switch?
No. Contact buttons are optional. You can leave them off if you prefer. Go to Settings and privacy, then Account type and tools, then Contact options to turn them on or off.