What happens when you go from private to public on Instagram?

Answered by Willian Lymon

When you switch from having a private Instagram account to a public one, there are several changes that occur in terms of who can see your profile and posts. It’s important to understand these differences so you can make an informed decision about the privacy settings of your Instagram account.

Firstly, when your account is set to private, only the followers you have approved can see your profile and the content you share. This means that your photos, videos, and stories will only be visible to a select group of people who you have granted access to. Additionally, your posts will not appear on hashtag or location pages, meaning they won’t be discoverable by users who are browsing those specific tags or places.

However, when you switch your account to public, your profile and posts become visible to anyone, whether they have an Instagram account or not. This means that your content can be seen by a much larger audience, potentially reaching people from all around the world. Public accounts also allow your posts to appear on hashtag and location pages, increasing the chances of your content being discovered by users who are interested in those specific topics or locations.

It’s worth noting that when you make your account public, your followers and following lists will also become visible to anyone who visits your profile. This means that people can see who you follow and who follows you, which may impact your privacy and the level of anonymity you have on the platform.

Going from a private to a public account can have both positive and negative implications. On the positive side, it allows you to reach a wider audience and potentially gain more followers and engagement on your posts. It can also make it easier for people to discover your content and connect with you based on shared interests.

However, there are also potential downsides to having a public account. With a larger audience comes a higher risk of encountering unwanted attention, such as spam comments or messages. Additionally, having a public account means that your content is accessible to anyone, including people you may not know or trust. This can raise concerns about privacy and the potential for your content to be used in ways you didn’t intend.

Ultimately, whether you choose to have a private or public Instagram account depends on your personal preferences and goals. If you value privacy and want to have more control over who sees your content, keeping your account private may be the best option. On the other hand, if you enjoy sharing your photos and videos with a wider audience and potentially growing your online presence, switching to a public account could be a good choice.

It’s important to regularly review your privacy settings on Instagram and adjust them as needed. You can always switch back to a private account if you decide that a public profile is not suitable for your needs or if you encounter any privacy concerns.

When you go from private to public on Instagram, your profile and posts become visible to anyone, your content can appear on hashtag and location pages, and your followers and following lists become visible to anyone who visits your profile. It’s essential to consider the potential benefits and drawbacks before making this change and regularly reassess your privacy settings to ensure they align with your preferences and goals.