I never thought I’d care so much about privacy on a social media app, but here I am, sharing what I’ve discovered about setting up an anonymous Instagram account.
It all started when I realized how much of my personal life I was unconsciously broadcasting every day my name, pictures, videos, even details I didn’t realize were visible to strangers.
At first, I thought, “Hey, it’s just Instagram what’s the worst that could happen?” But after hearing about people’s information being siphoned off or sold, I got worried.
Why I Needed an Anonymous Instagram Account
Social media has become this ubiquitous part of life. With billions of users worldwide, including platforms like Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram itself, it’s easy to forget how exposed you really are.
Instagram in particular has exploded into a powerhouse from the rise of influencers to brands and everyday users, everyone’s on it. I love browsing Insta Stories and Reels, and hashtags make discovering new content addictive.
But the more I used it, the more I noticed how much personal data I was handing over just by scrolling or liking posts.
One annoying issue I faced was how easy it is to stumble across people I didn’t want knowing I was checking their profiles.
I wanted to stay connected with friends and brands without broadcasting my real identity or having my profile exposed to billions of strangers. I knew there had to be a way to use Instagram safely, without losing that sense of connection.
How I Made My Instagram Account Private (And Why You Should Too)
First, I made my main Instagram profile private. This might sound obvious, but so many people leave their accounts public without realizing the risks.
Making your account private means only the followers you approve can see your posts photos, videos, stories, hashtags, and even locations. It instantly gave me peace of mind knowing strangers couldn’t just scroll through my life like it was an open book.
Here’s what I did to make it happen:
- Opened the Instagram app.
- Tapped my profile picture at the bottom right.
- Clicked the three-line icon on the top right and selected “Settings.”
- Went into “Privacy” and toggled on “Private Account.”
It took me less than a minute, but it made a huge difference. Suddenly, I wasn’t broadcasting everything to the world just my trusted circle.
Why I Created a “Finsta” (And Why It’s a Game-Changer)
Still, I wanted to explore Instagram a bit more anonymously, especially for checking out trends, marketing ideas, or even stalking (no judgment) exes without the awkwardness of being found.
That’s when I learned about a “finsta,” which is basically a fake Instagram account designed for private posting and interacting.
Creating a finsta felt a little sneaky at first, but it quickly became my secret weapon. Here’s how I set it up:
- Opened Instagram and went to my profile.
- Tapped the menu and chose “Add Account.”
- Selected “Create New Account.”
- Picked a unique username unrelated to my real identity.
- Used a dummy email and fake phone number to avoid linking it to my personal info.
- Skipped linking it to any other social media to keep things airtight.
- Uploaded a profile pic carefully to avoid reverse image search revealing me.
Using a finsta means I can follow people, like posts, and browse stories without worrying about my main account being tracked or exposed. It gave me freedom to experiment and stay under the radar.
How I Secured My Finsta So It Doesn’t Give Me Away
One frustrating thing I learned is that Instagram suggests similar accounts to people meaning my finsta could accidentally pop up on someone’s radar. To avoid that, I had to dig into my profile settings again:
- Logged into Instagram on a desktop browser (you can’t disable this on the phone).
- Went to “Edit Profile.”
- Scrolled down and unchecked “Similar Accounts Suggestions.”
- Hit submit to confirm.
This little trick helped me stay truly hidden while still enjoying Instagram anonymously. It felt like unlocking a secret mode.
Why I Still Use My Main Account (And How I Balance Both)
Even with my finsta, I still love using my main Instagram account. It’s where I share real moments with friends and family, follow brands I care about, and engage in the community.
But having that private account and finsta balance means I’m not worried about every like, comment, or follow being linked to me personally.
If you’re a content creator or brand, a finsta can be a safe testing ground for marketing strategies or competitor research without making your main account public or cluttered. For everyday users like me, it’s a way to be your true self without feeling the pressure to curate an image constantly.
What Using Instagram Anonymously Has Taught Me
- Social media doesn’t have to come at the cost of your privacy.
- Making your account private is a quick and easy step that protects you instantly.
- Creating a finsta gives you a sandbox to explore, experiment, and stay anonymous.
- Small privacy tweaks like disabling similar account suggestions make a big difference.
- Balancing multiple accounts lets you connect genuinely without oversharing.
If you’ve ever felt worried about your Instagram privacy or just want to browse without being tracked, setting up an anonymous Instagram account is worth a try. It’s about feeling safe while still enjoying all the cool features Instagram offers from photos and videos to stories and hashtags. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t regret the peace of mind.
Want to get more insights and tips to keep your devices running smoothly? Check out our blog for additional troubleshooting guides and tech news.
What are you waiting for? Follow our advice to stay updated and keep your device in top condition. If you like this article, please follow us on Facebook and Pinterest for more free technology tutorials and updates.
