Multi-account switching on the mobile version of Instagram is now possible on the iOS.
Instagram officially announced the update via a blog post on Monday. It might not come as big news to some, but it’s definitely something that frequent users of the photo-sharing app have been waiting for.
The feature isn’t exactly new, though. The beta update version 7.12.0 that brought it to the table rolled out back in November 2015, but it was only available to Android users. This time around, everyone can use it.
“Starting this week, you can quickly and easily switch between multiple accounts on Instagram!” the company says, addressing all users on every mobile platform and noting that the feature is part of version 7.15.
Why Is It Important?
To start things off, multi-account switching on Instagram will benefit social media managers and other heavy users who use numerous accounts on the app. The traditional manual method of switching around could be considered a nightmare, and this feature just makes things a lot easier.
Now, most users own several accounts, and because it’s a widely used practice, they even created slang terms for other accounts. They call them “finstagram” or simply “finsta,” which stands for “fake Instagram account.”
Finstas sit in contrast with “rinstas” or "real Instagram" accounts that users show to the public. These accounts are full of select and edited photos, and they don’t necessarily have a “personal touch” of their owners. Ironically, finstas are the accounts that reveal the real lives of users, where it’s usually set in private and shared only with a few friends.
Meanwhile, social media managers usually use plenty of Instagram accounts to keep tabs on various followers and post updates on the pages they have the responsibility of maintaining. Having the option to switch accounts not only makes their jobs easier to handle, but it’ll also boost their productivity and perhaps reduce stress.
How To Use Multi-Account Switching For Instagram Mobile
Step 1: Go to Settings.
Step 2: Look for Add Account at the bottom portion of the menu and tap on it.
Step 3: Key in another account that you’d like to use.
Note: You will be able to conveniently switch accounts now by tapping on the username you want to use. Also, the layout is designed to let you know which account you’re currently using so that you won’t get confused about which username is active.
Bottom Line
The multi-account switching on Instagram is an easy-to-use feature that provides considerable benefits to certain users.
It’ll be familiar to users who had the chance to try it out on the Android beta, as it’s more or less the same thing.
It’s also worth noting that Instagram appears to be encouraging users to stay longer on the photo-sharing app, and this new feature will probably help on that end.
As additional evidence to that fact, the company also implemented a cinematic experiment dubbed “Shield 5.” With Anthony Wilcox at the helm, it’s a 28-episode thriller that’ll likely keep viewers on the edge of their seats. Each episode only lasts for 15 seconds, so it will be interesting to see how viewers will receive the series.
