How to Create an Instagram Account in 2026

Nowadays, having an Instagram account is essential for sharing photos, videos, and Reels on the platform. If you wish to create your own Instagram account, this post provides a step-by-step guide on how to set up an Instagram ID in 2026.
Creating an Instagram ID or account is very simple. You can set it up using either your mobile number or email ID. By following the steps outlined below, you can easily create your new Instagram account.

Open the Instagram App to Create an Account

First, open the Instagram app on your phone. Once the app opens, you will see its interface. To create a new Instagram account, click on the “Create New Account” option.

Create an Instagram ID Using Email or Mobile Number

You can use either a mobile number or an email ID to create an Instagram account; the process is nearly identical for both.
If you prefer to create an account using an email ID, click on the “Sign Up With Email Address” option. Next, enter the email ID (such as a Gmail ID) you wish to use for your Instagram account and click “Next.”

Verify Your Email

A 6-digit code will be sent to your email ID. You will need to enter this code into the Instagram app. If you chose to create an account using a mobile number, a 6-digit OTP will be sent to that number instead. The OTP may verify automatically; if it doesn’t, you can manually enter the OTP received in your text messages. Once the code is entered, your email or mobile number will be verified.

Create a Password for Your Instagram Account

After email verification, you will see the “Create Password” option. Here, you need to create a password for your Instagram ID.
The password must be at least six characters long. You should create a strong password that cannot be easily guessed by others. After entering the password, click “Next.”

Select Your Date of Birth

Now, you need to select your date of birth. Enter your birthday details here: first, select the day of your birth, followed by the month. Next, select the year of your birth. After selecting your date of birth, click on the ‘Set’ option and then click on ‘Next’.

Enter your full name on Instagram

You will now see the “What’s Your Full Name” option. Enter your name here; for example, if your name is Manish, you can enter “Manish”.

Choose an Instagram username

Next, you need to choose an Instagram username. If your preferred username isn’t available, you can add numbers or other characters to it. A green tick will appear next to any username that is available. Once you have selected your username, click on ‘Next’.

Accept Instagram’s Terms and Policies

Now, you must accept Instagram’s Terms and Policies. Click on the ‘I Agree’ option to do so. Shortly after, the process of creating your Instagram account will be complete.

Permissions for contacts and notifications

Instagram may ask for permission to access your contacts and send notifications. Click on ‘Next’ to proceed. You can choose to ‘Allow’ notifications if you wish to receive alerts from Instagram. Instagram may also request access to your contacts; if you want to grant this access, click on ‘Allow’.

Add an Instagram Profile Picture

You will now see an option to select a profile picture (DP). Click on the “Add Photo” option to set your profile picture. You can then select a photo from your gallery to use as your profile picture. After selecting the photo, click on the “Done” option.

Connect Facebook Friends

Instagram may now offer you the option to connect with your Facebook friends. This allows the app to suggest Facebook friends who are also on Instagram. If you wish to connect your Facebook account, click on “Continue.” If you do not want to connect Facebook, you can click on the “Skip” option.

Add a Mobile Number

If you created your Instagram account using an email ID, Instagram might also prompt you to add a mobile number. You can add your mobile number here if you wish. If you do not want to add a mobile number at this stage, you can click on the “Skip” option.

Follow People on Instagram

Instagram may now suggest some people for you to follow. You can choose to follow people who interest you. If you do not wish to follow anyone, you can click on the “Skip” option. You also have the option to follow multiple people at once.

Instagram Reels Suggestions

Next, Instagram might suggest a Reel to you so it can show you more content of a similar nature. If you do not like it, you can indicate that you like it less or more; alternatively, you can simply click the “Skip” option. After this, click on “Got It.”

Instagram Account Created

When you visit your profile section, you will see that your Instagram account has been created. You can post photos and videos by clicking the designated posting option. To watch Instagram Reels, simply click on the Reels option. By following the steps outlined above, you can easily create your own Instagram account.