What Is a Finsta (& Does Your Teen Have One)?

Posted on 21st Feb, 2025.

TL;DR (The Short Version)

A Finsta (short for "fake Instagram") or Fake TikTok is a secondary, private social media account.
These accounts are used to post personal, unfiltered, or humorous content, usually shared with a small group of close friends.
While generally harmless, risks include oversharing, exclusion, and a false sense of privacy.
Read on to find out more about Finstas!

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What is a Finsta?

A Finsta is a combination of the words fake, and Insta, AKA a fake Instagram account. While the word originates from Instagram, it can apply to any social media site. Many people have fake TikTok and X accounts, too.

A Finsta is essentially a secondary, private Instagram account that users create in addition to their main, more public profile. Similarly, many TikTok users create a "Fake TikTok" (often referred to as a "spam account") where they post content that doesn’t fit the aesthetic of their main profile.

Unlike on a main profile, where users might focus on gaining views and crafting an eye-catching and professional profile, Finstas are more laid-back.

While Finstas are generally just for fun, personal use, they can pose risks. Since these accounts feel more private, users tend to post personal content that they wouldn't post on their public account, which can lead to harmful oversharing. Likewise, some Finsta accounts take part in catfishing or identity theft, posing as someone else online, which poses its own risks.

If you're a parent worried about your child's Finsta, don't automatically jump to bad conclusions - Finstas can ironically sometimes keep teens safer online. Simply read up about Finstas and use this knowledge to have an open and non-judgemental conversation.

Why Do People Create Finstas or Fake TikToks?

There are several reasons why someone might create a Finsta or Fake TikTok.

Privacy and Selective Sharing

Many users feel pressured to present a polished, idealised version of their lives on their main social media accounts. A Finsta or Fake TikTok gives them a space to share more candid and personal moments with a select group of trusted friends. Many celebs or social media stars have Finstas too - this is typically for them to share with people who know them IRL.

Avoiding Family or Work Oversight

Since these accounts are private, users can post content they wouldn’t want parents, teachers, employers, or colleagues to see. It provides a sense of freedom away from prying eyes. When applying for jobs, for example, some social media users don't want prospective employers to be able to browse their personal life. However, understandably, if it's your child's Finsta, you might want to make sure they're not coming to harm.

Sharing Humorous or Inside Jokes

Many Finstas and Fake TikToks are filled with memes, embarrassing selfies, or humorous posts that don’t fit the aesthetic of a main profile. While many TikTok pages are expertly crafted with high-quality short-form content, people treat their Finsta more like a personal diary.

Vent Accounts

Some people use their Finsta or Fake TikTok as a diary of sorts, where they can vent about emotions, relationships, or daily struggles without fear of judgment. This can pose the risk for some Finsta users - especially teens - of oversharing too much personal info.

Testing Content

Influencers or content creators sometimes use these accounts as a testing ground before posting to their main profiles. It allows them to gauge reactions before sharing with a broader audience and get feedback from a trusted few.

How to Spot a Finsta or Fake TikTok

These accounts are usually private with usernames that don’t directly identify the user. Instead of using their real names, users often create quirky or inside-joke-inspired handles, as well as nicknames that only friends and family would recognise. Profile pictures may also be abstract or humorous rather than personal, such as a silly selfie.

Since these accounts are meant to be exclusive, they typically have only a small number of followers, often close friends or a select inner circle. They're likely to have the privacy settings on private, not public.

How Parents Can Approach the Finsta and Fake TikTok Trend

If you're a parent worried that your child has a Finsta, it's understandable. Learning about the reasons behind these accounts can help you have an open and honest conversation with your child about the potential risks of a Finsta and how to stay safe online. Here are some approaches to take.

Ask Open-Ended Questions. Encourage discussions about why they have a Finsta or Fake TikTok and how they use it. Don't assume the worst - most Finstas are just for fun, not for any negative reasons.
Discuss Online Reputation. Remind your child or teen that even private accounts can be screenshotted and shared beyond their intended audience.
Promote Responsible Posting. Encourage them to think critically about what they post and whether they’d be comfortable with it becoming public.
Respect Their Privacy. While it’s natural to be curious, respecting their need for a personal space online can strengthen trust and open dialogue. Make it clear that they can come to you if their online presence starts to cause problems.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Finsta or Fake TikTok used for?

A Finsta or Fake TikTok is used for sharing more personal, unfiltered, or humorous content with a small group of trusted friends. Many users create these accounts to escape the pressure of their main profiles, vent about personal issues, post inside jokes, or avoid scrutiny from family and work. Teens might have a Finsta to share a more authentic version of their lives or as a result of social pressure.

What is slang for Finsta or Fake TikTok?

The term "Finsta" itself is slang meaning a fake Insta (fake Instagram account), but some people also refer to these accounts as "spam accounts," "privates," or "alt accounts." For Fake TikToks, similar slang includes "spam TikTok," "alt TikTok," or "priv TikTok."

While most Finstas are simply fun and creative outlets, it’s important to recognise the potential risks and use them responsibly. Whether you’re a parent or a social media user considering creating your own Finsta, understanding these private accounts can help you navigate your online privacy.