How to Switch to an Instagram Business Account (2026)
Updated: October 22, 2026 · 2 min read
An Instagram business account is free and the switch takes about a minute. Once you switch, you get insights, contact buttons on your profile and the option to run ads. Most scheduling tools also only work with professional accounts. This guide walks through the steps, the difference between business and creator accounts, and what to know before you switch.
What a professional account gives you
- Insights showing how many people your posts, Reels and Stories reach.
- Contact buttons on your profile, such as call, email and directions, plus a category label.
- Boosted posts and ads.
- Access to tools that schedule posts and manage them from one dashboard. These tools can only connect to Instagram through professional accounts.
How to switch, step by step
- 1Go to your profile and tap the menu in the top right.
- 2Under For professionals, tap Account type and tools.
- 3Tap Switch to professional account.
- 4Pick the category that best describes what you do, like clothing store or gym.
- 5Choose Business or Creator and tap Next.
- 6Add contact details and a Facebook Page now, or skip and do it later.
Your category shows on your profile. You can change it later from Edit profile.
Business or creator?
If you run a store, restaurant, salon or service company, choose Business. If you're building a personal brand, blogging or doing influencer work, Creator fits better. Both get insights and ads; the options and profile buttons differ a little.
Business accounts can have a smaller Reels music library, since only songs cleared for commercial use show up. If your videos lean on popular songs, keep that in mind.
Before you switch
- Professional accounts can't be private. If your account is private, it becomes public when you switch, and pending follow requests are accepted.
- Your followers, posts and username stay the same.
- Connecting a Facebook Page is optional, but it makes things easier if you'll run ads or schedule for Facebook too.
Switching back to personal
If you change your mind, go back the same way: menu > Account type and tools > Switch to personal account. You can also move between Business and Creator at any time.
After you switch
With a professional account you can schedule posts ahead of time. IZY Social connects to Instagram through your professional account, so you prepare a post once and it goes out on time on Instagram and your other networks. The post scheduling guide shows how.
Frequently asked questions
Does an Instagram business account cost money?
No. Business and creator accounts are free. You only pay for ads you choose to run.
Will I lose followers if I switch to a business account?
No. Your followers, posts and username stay the same.
Can a business account be private?
No. Professional accounts have to be public. If you want a private account, switch back to personal.
Do I need a Facebook Page for a business account?
No, it's optional. You can connect one later for some ad and scheduling features.