Instagram is a popular social media platform where users share photos and videos, connect with others, and engage with content through features like Stories and Reels.
- Instagram: Instagram is a dynamic social media platform that enables users to share photos, videos, and stories. (ref.: social media glossary)
- Feed: The main stream of photos and updates from users you follow on your Instagram home page.
- Post: An individual photo or video shared on Instagram.
- Caption: A description or explanation accompanying an Instagram post.
- Hashtag (#): A keyword or phrase preceded by the pound sign used to categorize and discover content.
- Explore Page: A page on Instagram that showcases popular and trending content based on user interests.
- Followers: Users who subscribe to receive updates from your Instagram account.
- Following: The list of users whose updates you subscribe to see on your feed.
- IGTV: Instagram TV, a feature for sharing longer-form videos on Instagram.
- Story: A short-lived photo or video post visible to followers for 24 hours.
- Reels: Short, entertaining videos set to music, similar to TikTok, on Instagram.
- Highlight: A collection of Stories grouped together on a user’s profile and can be viewed beyond the 24-hour limit.
- Bio: A brief description about yourself or your brand on your Instagram profile.
- DM (Direct Message): A private conversation between Instagram users.
- IG Live: Instagram Live, a feature for broadcasting live video to followers.
- Tagging: Associating another user in a post using the @ symbol, linking to their profile.
- Geotagging: Adding a specific location to a post to indicate where it was taken.
- Instagram Business Account: An account type for businesses that provides additional features like insights and promotion options.
- Insights: Analytics and data about the performance of your Instagram account and posts.
- Carousel: A post containing multiple photos or videos that users can swipe through.
- Instagram Ads: Paid promotional content on Instagram to reach a broader audience.
- Instagram Influencer: A user with a large following who collaborates with brands to promote products.
- IG Algorithm: Instagram’s algorithm that determines the content shown to users based on their activity and interests.
- Verification Badge: A blue checkmark that indicates a verified, authentic account.
- Shadowban: When an account’s posts are hidden from users without the account owner’s knowledge.

Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. It fosters connections through following, liking, and commenting on content. With features like IGTV and Reels, it caters to diverse content formats, making it a hub for visual storytelling and influencer collaboration, shaping digital culture and trends.