Business

What is “About this account” on Instagram?

Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, and it’s always rolling out new features to keep things fresh. One of the more recent additions is the “About This Account” section. You might have noticed it popping up on some profiles and wondered, What’s this all about?

Well, wonder no more! Let’s break down what the “About This Account” feature is, why it matters, and how it can be useful for you. Plus, we’ll sprinkle in a few real-life examples to keep it fun!

What is “About This Account”?

Simply put, the “About This Account” feature provides transparency about an Instagram profile. It gives you extra details about how the account operates, like when it was created, any changes to the name or username, and whether it’s been active with ads or political content.

In short, it’s like peeking behind the curtain of an Instagram account to see the story behind it. Whether you’re following your favorite influencer or checking out a local business, this feature helps you learn more about who’s running the account.

What Can You Find in “About This Account”?

Here’s a quick rundown of the key details you’ll find when you click the “About This Account” button:

  1. Account Creation Date – When did the account get started? This can help you get a sense of the profile’s authenticity or how long it’s been around.
  2. Name and Username History – Has the account changed its name or username? If you notice a handle change, this can shed light on the profile’s evolution.
  3. Ad Activity – Was this account running ads? This section tells you if the account has used Instagram ads in the past 90 days.
  4. Country Information – Sometimes, this section will show you the country where the account is based (or where Instagram thinks it’s located based on certain factors).

Real Life Example 1: Your Favorite Influencer

Imagine you’re following an influencer named @emma_loves_travel who posts stunning photos of her adventures around the world. One day, you’re curious about how long Emma has been sharing her travel experiences, so you tap into the “About This Account” section. You discover that she created her account in 2016, and her username used to be @emmagoesabroad. This extra info adds a personal touch and gives you a deeper connection with her journey as an influencer!

Real Life Example 2: A Local Business

Let’s say you’re thinking about ordering from a cool local bakery on Instagram, @deliciousbakesnyc. You want to know more about the business before placing an order. By checking the “About This Account” section, you find out that the bakery started its account in 2020, and that it has been running ads to promote its seasonal cupcakes. Knowing this helps you feel more confident about supporting a legitimate business!

Why Should You Care About “About This Account”?

  1. Spotting Fake Accounts – One of the main benefits of this feature is that it helps you spot fake or suspicious accounts. If you’re following someone new and they have no account history or shady details, this section can help you make a more informed decision about whether to trust the account or not.
  2. Learning More About Content Creators – If you’re an aspiring influencer or just curious about how people grow their Instagram profiles, this feature can offer insights. You’ll see how accounts evolve, including name changes or shifts in focus.
  3. Business Transparency – For businesses using Instagram, being transparent with followers about ads and account activity helps build trust. Customers are more likely to support brands that are open about their operations.

FAQ: All Your Questions Answered

1. How do I access the “About This Account” section?
Simply go to the Instagram profile you’re curious about. Tap on the three dots (menu) in the top-right corner and select “About This Account.” It will give you all the details mentioned earlier!

2. Can I see “About This Account” for any account?
Yes! This feature is available for all public accounts, so whether it’s a personal account or a business, you can see this info.

3. What if an account doesn’t have any ad activity?
If the account hasn’t run ads recently (or ever), it will simply say “No ad activity” in the Ad Activity section. Not everyone uses Instagram ads, after all!

4. Can an account hide or change this info?
Nope! This section is part of Instagram’s transparency efforts, and users can’t hide or alter the information shown. The details provided are based on Instagram’s data.

5. Can I see when someone’s account was created?
Yes! The “Account Creation Date” section will show you the date when the account was first made. It’s like a digital birth certificate for an Instagram profile!

Conclusion

Instagram’s “About This Account” feature might seem like a small addition, but it’s a big step towards transparency. Whether you’re just curious about your favorite influencers or making sure a business is legit, this feature gives you the behind-the-scenes scoop.

So, next time you stumble upon a profile you’re interested in, take a moment to click the “About This Account” button. You might just discover something new or feel a little more confident about who you’re following. Happy Instagramming!

Jame Miller

I'm Jame Miller, a cybersecurity analyst and blogger. Sharing knowledge on online security, data protection, and privacy issues is what I do best.