Instagram has now become one of the most powerful social media platforms globally. Latest figures indicate that Instagram has more than 1 billion active users. Today, businesses leverage this platform to connect with a larger audience. This underscores the decision between using a personal account and a business account.
In this blog, I will explain the differences between Instagram business account vs personal, and which one is right for your business. Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each account type.
Types of Instagram Accounts
There are mainly three types of Instagram accounts. Personal, business, and creator accounts. Every account is used differently and serves a particular purpose.
The table below shows in brief the key differences between each Instagram account.
| Feature | Personal Account | Business Account | Creator Account |
|---|---|---|---|
| Target Audience | Friends, family, casual followers | Customers, clients, general audience | Fans, followers, content enthusiasts |
| Main Purpose | Share personal content | Promote business or services | Build personal brand, collaborate with brands |
| Instagram Insights | Not available | Available (post's performance, audience data) | Available (focus on content engagement) |
| Contact Options | Direct messages only | Contact button (email, phone, directions) | Contact button (email, DM) |
| Monetization | Not available | Available (ads, shoppable posts) | Available (brand partnerships, collaborations) |
| Advertising | Not available | Available (Instagram Ads, Boost Posts) | Limited options compared to Business |
1. Personal Account
This is the default account type. People who are casual users of social media generally opt for this. The goal is to share and connect with friends and family through personal content. For growth and analytics, it has limited features.
2. Business Account
This account is designed for businesses. It comprises tools that help with target audience, marketing, and analytics. When you set up a business account, you will need to select a business category that best describes your operations.
Moreover, having a business Instagram account offers analytics on follower activity and post performance. 90% of Instagram users follow at least one brand on the platform, which makes it a powerful tool for businesses to connect with customers.
3. Creator Account
Creator account is for influencers, artists, and public figures. The advanced features of this account are similar to an IG business account. But, the main focus here is given on content creation, audience engagement, and partnerships with brands.
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When promoting a product or service, you should choose a professional account instead of a personal one. Almost 61% users use Instagram to find new products. It opens up essential features like Instagram ads, insights, and monetization options.
Let’s have a look at the pros and cons of a business account on Instagram.
Pros of Business Account
- Targeted Advertising: With Instagram advertising, you can target your ads to a specific section of the audience. This helps to increase visits on your website.
- Create Shoppable Posts: You can tag the products directly in your posts. This facilitates the users to make a purchase without leaving the app.
- Instagram Automation: Tasks such as posting schedule and engagement can be streamlined by Instagram automation tools. It helps you to stay active even when you are busy.
- Shared Inbox: You get to manage your customer inquiries and engagement more efficiently through Instagram shared inbox.
Cons of Business Account
- Limited Organic Reach: The organic visibility on these accounts may be reduced sometimes. If you don’t pay for ads, it can make it difficult for your posts to be seen.
- Increased Competition: This platform is highly competitive. To stand out from others, you need to consistently post high-quality content.
- Less Personal Interaction: A professional Instagram account can feel more formal. This can hinder personal connections that some users prefer to have.
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Who Should Use a Personal Instagram Account Over a Business Account?
If you don’t want to build a brand or monetize your content, an Instagram personal account is an ideal option for you. With this account, people engage in and share content or moments from their life with friends and family. Below are the pros and cons of an Instagram personal profile.
Pros of Personal Account
- More Organic Reach: Personal accounts have better visibility in the feed section. Because Instagram prioritizes such content over business posts.
- Casual and Authentic: You can interact with your audience in a more personal way through Instagram stories. This builds more genuine connections.
- No Pressure to Post Regularly: You don’t need to worry about the engagement aspect. There is no such expectation to create high-quality Instagram posts or run ads from time to time. You get the freedom to share whatever feels right.
Cons of Personal Account
- Limited Features: Personal Instagram accounts don’t have tools like Instagram insights, ads, or shippable posts. So, if you want to promote a brand, this is not an ideal option for you.
- Lack of Contact Options: You can’t add a contact button. This makes it more difficult for followers or potential business partners to contact you directly.
- Missed Monetization Opportunities: When you don’t have business tools, you lose the ability to monetize your content with ads, etc.
How to Switch Between Instagram Business and Personal Account?
The great part is that you can switch between both profiles by simply following a few easy steps. Here is how:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to go to the menu.
- Go to Settings > Account.
- Tap Switch Account Type.
- Choose either Switch to Personal Account or Switch to Business Account.
You can switch from one account type to another whenever needed. Just remember that when you switch from an Instagram business profile, it may remove some features like Insights or ads.
Conclusion
In the end, the choice between Instagram personal vs business depends on your goals and use case. If you want to promote a brand and connect with a larger audience, a business account is recommended. If you just want to have an Instagram presence to share photos or posts with friends or family, a personal account is a better choice.
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It all depends on what your purpose is. If your objective is to share fun moments with your connections, open a personal account. But if you want to grow your business brand or run advertisements, opt for a business account.
No, you don’t have to pay any charge for business accounts. But if you want to run ads or promote your content, Instagram charges fees for that.
When you switch to business from a personal account, you can access tools like Instagram insights, ads, and shoppable posts. But, some features may not be available. And you won’t be able to keep your account private.
The choice between Instagram account types comes down to your goals. A personal account is great for casual use. On the other hand, a business account is ideal if you are a business owner or want to promote products and reach a wider audience.
Updated : July 24, 2025
Jainy Patel is a content strategist who specializes in omnichannel communication solutions. She develops innovative marketing strategies that unify messaging across various channels, ensuring a consistent and engaging customer journey. Jainy is passionate about optimizing communication processes and crafting targeted content that resonates with audiences at every touchpoint.