Posted on 16th May, 2025.
TL;DR (The Short Version)
- You can create up to five Instagram accounts to switch between without logging in and out.
- Creating multiple Instagram accounts allows you to separate your personal and professional life and have profiles just for your close friends.
- You could, in theory, have more than five accounts, but you wouldn't be able to switch between them seamlessly.
- Read on for more tips on having multiple Instagram accounts!
Why might somebody want more than one Instagram account? Well, there are a few reasons.
Perhaps you have a business and you want an Instagram account for it while keeping your personal account. Maybe you're already a public figure or hoping to make it as one, and you want a main, public account to
grow your follower count, and one just for your closest friends and family. Whatever the reason, let's dive into why you might want multiple Instagram accounts and how to make them.
The Official Limit: What Instagram Allows
Instagram, owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), officially allows you to add and manage up to five accounts on a single device without needing to log out and back in. This means you can switch between five accounts easily from the app’s interface.
Here’s what Instagram says:
“You can add up to 5 Instagram accounts and quickly switch between them without having to log out.”
So, whether you have a personal account, a business profile, a pet’s page, a hobby-based account, or one for freelance work, you can manage all five seamlessly through the Instagram mobile app or website. However, it's important not to get confused between them. After all, you don't want to be posting your hungover selfies on your skincare brand's page!
How to Add Multiple Accounts
Adding multiple Instagram accounts is relatively easy:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (hamburger menu) at the top right.
- Tap “Settings and privacy.”
- Scroll to the bottom and tap “Add account.”
- Choose “Log into existing account” or “Create new account.”
- Follow the on-screen instructions.
Once added, you can switch between accounts by holding down your profile picture in the bottom right corner or tapping your username at the top of your profile page and selecting the desired account.
Why Have Multiple Instagram Accounts?
Personal and Professional Separation
If you're a content creator or run a business, it's normal to want a separate Instagram account for each. After all, personal and professional content doesn't always overlap. Many users maintain a personal account alongside a business or public figure profile for privacy and to post more personal content for those closest to them. Keeping your personal stuff separate from your influencer account can help you
grow your profile.
Privacy
Users may want a private
“Finsta” (fake Instagram) to share more personal or humorous content with a close circle. For public figures, this also means they can share personal updates without worrying about them reaching the press.
Business Diversification
Entrepreneurs or marketers often create different accounts for different products, brands, or audiences. If you want to diversify your income, creating different businesses is one way to do it, and each business will benefit from a strong social media presence.
Niche Content
Some creators build different accounts around
specific interests like travel, fitness, food, or fashion. If you're mainly known for general content creation but want to become more of a fashion specialist, for example, posting on a new, fashion-focused account can ensure you avoid alienating your core audience.
Can You Have More Than 5 Instagram Accounts?
You could have more than five Instagram accounts, but you wouldn't be able to manage them in the same account. The five-account restriction only applies to the app’s quick-switch feature. You can still log out and log into additional accounts beyond the five.
Some people use multiple devices or rely on third-party social media management tools to handle more accounts, especially agencies and influencers who manage a high volume of profiles.
However, as an individual, it's not recommended to create 5+ Instagram accounts. Not only would it be hard to keep track of what to post where, but it can also quickly lead to burnout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you create 100 Instagram accounts?
Yes, you can technically create 100 Instagram accounts, but there are important caveats. Each account must be registered with a unique email address or phone number, and Instagram monitors for suspicious or automated behaviour. Plus, you'll only be able to manage five from one device.
Creating that many accounts manually is possible, but doing so rapidly or for spammy purposes could trigger account restrictions, phone verification requirements, or bans. If you're managing accounts at scale (e.g., for a business or agency), consider using approved tools and keeping your activity in line with Instagram's terms of service.
Is there a limit to how many Instagram accounts?
There is no official limit to how many Instagram accounts you can create overall. However, the Instagram app allows you to log into and switch between up to five accounts simultaneously on one device.
If you need to use more than five, you’ll have to log out of one to access another, or use multiple devices or third-party management tools. Additionally, Instagram may flag unusual account creation or login activity as suspicious, so it’s best to proceed with caution and legitimate use in mind. It's unlikely that a regular user would need so many accounts, agencies or content management businesses might.
What happens if you have more than 5 Instagram accounts?
If you have more than five Instagram accounts, you won't be able to easily switch between them on one device. The Instagram app limits users to being logged into five accounts simultaneously, so you'd need to use another device. Plus, you'd need different phone numbers and emails to create all the accounts.
Whether you need two accounts or ten, the key to managing them successfully lies in organisation, clear branding, and responsible use of the platform. Make sure to check which account you're using before going ahead and posting, and keep a strong distinction between all your accounts so the content doesn't blend into one.