🫂Instagram Profile Types & How to Switch

Important: Due to Instagram API changes, connections to Instagram Personal profiles will stop working after December 4, 2024.

Overview of Instagram Profile Types

Instagram offers three types of profiles:

Personal Profile

• Designed for individual use.

• Does not support third-party tools like UNUM for scheduling or analytics.

Creator Profile

• Ideal for influencers and content creators.

• Offers access to tools for follower engagement and supports direct publishing.

• While it does not officially support advanced analytics, we’re working to provide aggregated follower and engagement insights.

• Auto-publish Stories is now supported.

Business Profile

• Best for brands and businesses.

• Provides direct publishing, detailed analytics, and features like user tags.

• Note: Direct publishing is not exclusive to Business profiles; Creator profiles support it as well.

Starting December 4, Instagram will only allow connections with Creator and Business profiles.

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Key Changes Starting December 4, 2024

What Does This Change Mean for You?

• Personal profiles will no longer be supported. To maintain your connection with UNUM and continue scheduling posts, you’ll need to convert to a Creator or Business profile.

• Enhanced Features with Creator or Business Profiles: Switching your profile unlocks analytics, post scheduling, and more advanced tools.

Why the Change? Instagram’s updated API is designed to provide better tools for creators and businesses while ensuring compliance with platform policies.

Why You Need to Switch

To maintain your connection with UNUM and continue previewing and scheduling posts, you’ll need to convert to a Creator or Business profile. These profiles unlock advanced features, allowing you to:

• Auto-publish Feed, Reels, and Story Posts.

• Schedule posts directly within UNUM.

• Access audience insights (Business profile).

• Tag users in posts and run ads (Business profile).

Instagram Profile Comparison

Feature	Personal Profile	Creator Profile	Business Profile
Schedule Instagram Posts	❌	✅	✅
Auto-Publish Stories	❌	✅	✅
Advanced Analytics	❌	❌	✅
Tag Products in Posts	❌	❌	✅
Boost Posts with Ads	❌	❌	✅

Recommendation:

• Choose Creator Profile if you’re an influencer or content creator.

• Choose Business Profile if you’re a business or need advanced marketing tools like auto-publishing and product tagging.

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How to Switch Your Instagram Profile

Before You Begin

• No Facebook Page Needed: A Facebook Page is only required for Business profiles, not Creator profiles. The Creator profile flow is much simpler now.

Steps to Switch

On Mobile

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.

2. Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top-right corner and select Settings.

3. Go to Account > Switch Account Type.

4. Choose either:

   • Creator Account

   • Business Account

5. Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the setup.

On Desktop

1. Visit instagram.com and log in.

2. Click the More (☰) menu and select Settings.

3. Choose Switch to Professional Account and follow the instructions.

Easier Flow Through UNUM

• Alternatively, reconnect your Instagram account through the UNUM app, and we’ll guide you through the process seamlessly using Instagram’s built-in flow.

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IOS

1. In the Instagram mobile app, go to your profile

1. Tap ☰ in the top right corner

   • You might need to tap Settings and privacy after this step

1. Scroll down to the For professionals section and tap one of the following options (these options will vary based on the profile type you currently have):

   • Business tools and controls if you’re on a Business profile

   • Creator tools and controls if you’re on a Creator profile

   • Account type and tools if you’re on a Personal profile

2. Tap Switch account type (or Switch to professional account if you’re on a personal profile)

1. Select the profile type you’d like to switch to, and review any confirmation messages from Instagram

   • If you’re switching from a personal profile, you may be prompted to select a category for your profile

Desktop

1. Navigate to instagram.com

2. Log in if needed (or, confirm you’re logged in to the correct profile)

3. Select ☰ More > Settings (or click here)

From here, the steps vary based on which profile type you currently have.

If you currently have a personal profile, select Switch to professional account from the Settings sidebar, and select the profile type you’d like to switch to:

If you currently have a business or creator profile, select Professional account from the Settings sidebar, and then select Switch to business account or Switch to creator account (again, depending on which profile type you currently have):

When you're done, don't forget to connect your Instagram business or creator profile to a Facebook Page to be able to connect it to UNUM!

FAQs

What happens if I don’t switch?

You’ll lose connectivity with UNUM, meaning you won’t be able to preview or schedule posts.

Do I need a Facebook Page to switch?

• Creator Profile: No Facebook Page required.

• Business Profile: A Facebook Page is required.

Can I switch back to a Personal profile?

Yes, but switching back will limit your access to professional features and disconnect your account from UNUM.

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Get Help

Need assistance? Here are additional resources to guide you:

• Set Up a Creator Profile on Instagram

• Set Up a Business Profile on Instagram

Or contact us directly:

• UNUM Support Page

• Email: [e-mail]