Buzz
This guide will walk you through the steps to find and follow people on Instagram. If you know the username of the account you want to follow, you can easily search for it using Instagram's search feature. Additionally, Instagram offers a Discover People tool that provides follower suggestions, including users from your Facebook account and personal contacts.
Steps
Search by Username
Open Instagram. Tap on the orange, pink, and purple camera icon in your app list to launch Instagram. This will take you to the Instagram home page if you're already logged in.
Tap the magnifying glass icon. This is the second icon located at the bottom of the screen.
Tap the search bar. This is the gray field at the top of the screen with the word "Search" in it. Your phone's keyboard will immediately appear.
Tap the Accounts tab. This action ensures that only Instagram accounts are searched.
Enter the name or username. As you type, results will appear below the search bar.
Tap the account you want to follow. The user's profile will immediately appear on the screen. If their profile is public, you'll see their posts. Otherwise, you'll only see their profile picture and bio.
- If you don't see the account you're looking for, try scrolling down.
Tap the blue Follow button at the top left corner of the page. This action allows you to follow the account; from now on, you can find this account in the Following section of your profile.
- If the user's account is set to private, tapping Follow will send a follow request to their account. You will only start following the account once the owner approves your request.
Use the Discover People Tool
Open Instagram. Tap the orange, pink, and purple camera icon in your app list to launch Instagram. This will take you to the Instagram home page if you're already logged in.
Tap the ☰ menu. This three-line icon is located at the top right corner. A menu will appear on the screen.
Tap +Discover People. This is the silhouette of a person with a + next to it. You'll find this option below the menu. A list of Instagram accounts you can follow will appear on the screen.
Find the account you want to follow. Scroll through the suggested accounts until you find the person you wish to follow.
- If you've synced your contacts with Instagram, you'll see some of your contacts with Instagram accounts in this list. Refer to the sync contacts on your phone or tablet section to learn how to sync your contacts.
- If you've linked your Instagram account to Facebook, you'll see "Facebook" with a blue Connect button at the top of the screen. If you want your Facebook friends with Instagram accounts to appear in the Discover People list, tap Connect and follow the on-screen instructions to set it up.
Tap on an account. This will immediately open the account's profile, allowing you to view their information. If it's a public account, you'll see their photo grid. Otherwise, you'll only see their profile picture and bio.
Tap Follow to follow an account. This is the blue button near the top of the screen. You'll start following the account immediately, and from now on, you can access it from the Following section on your profile.
- If the account is private, tapping Follow will send a follow request to the account owner. Once they approve your request, you'll start following the account.
- Tap the back button to return to the Discover People page, where you can find more people to follow.
Sync Contacts on Your Phone or Tablet
Open Instagram. Tap the orange, pink, and purple camera icon in your app list to launch Instagram. This will take you to the Instagram home page if you're already logged in.
Tap the ☰ menu. This three-line icon is located at the top right corner of the screen. The menu will expand here.
Tap Settings. This is the gear icon at the top of the menu.
Tap Account. This option is located below the menu.
Tap Contacts Syncing. This option is in the middle of the menu.
Discover People list- You can disable contact syncing at any time by sliding the toggle back to the Off position.
Tips
- You should set your Instagram account to private if you don't want certain information to be public.
- Syncing your contacts with Instagram will help friends, family, and professional connections find your Instagram account.
