If you are trying to connect your Instagram account to Brand Update or any other automation tool, you have probably seen the message: "You need a Business or Creator account." Do not worry — switching is free, takes less than a minute, and you will not lose any followers or posts.
This guide walks you through every step with illustrations so you know exactly what to tap.
Why You Need a Business or Creator Account
Instagram offers three account types: Personal, Business, and Creator. The Instagram API (which tools like Brand Update use to publish posts on your behalf) only works with Business and Creator accounts. This is a requirement set by Instagram itself, not by Brand Update.
Beyond API access, a professional account gives you:
- Instagram Insights:see how many people view and interact with your posts
- Contact button:let customers call, email, or get directions directly from your profile
- Post scheduling:schedule posts through authorized tools
- Ad creation:promote your best posts to reach more people
Brand Update requires a Business or Creator account to publish posts on your behalf. If you have a personal account, follow the steps below to switch. It takes less than a minute.
Business vs Creator: Which Should You Choose?
Both account types work with Brand Update and the Instagram API. Here is a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Feature | Business | Creator |
|---|---|---|
| Instagram Insights | Yes | Yes |
| Contact button | Yes | Yes |
| Works with Brand Update | Yes | Yes |
| Instagram Shopping | Yes | No |
| DM filtering & folders | No | Yes |
| Best for | Shops, restaurants, local businesses | Influencers, artists, freelancers |
Our recommendation: If you sell products or run a local business, choose Business. If you are an influencer, content creator, or freelancer, choose Creator. Either way, Brand Update works the same.
Step-by-Step: Switch to a Business or Creator Account
Follow these steps on your phone. The entire process takes less than a minute.
1 Open Instagram and go to your profile. Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner of the app.
2 Tap the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top-right corner. Then tap Settings and privacy.
3 Tap "Account type and tools" (you may need to scroll down to find it).
4 Tap "Switch to professional account". This begins the conversion process.
5 Review the benefits and tap "Continue" or "Next". Instagram will show you what you get with a professional account.
6 Choose a category that best describes your business. Popular choices: Local Business, Shopping & Retail, Restaurant, Health/Beauty, Artist. You can change this later.
7 Choose "Business" or "Creator". Both work with Brand Update. Pick Business if you sell products or run a shop. Pick Creator if you are an influencer or freelancer.
8 Review your contact info. Add your email address and phone number if you want them on your profile. You can skip this step if you prefer.
9 Connect a Facebook Page — or tap "Skip". This step is optional. You do not need a Facebook Page to use Brand Update. Tap Skip if you do not have one or do not want to connect it.
Done! Your account is now a professional account.
Important Things to Know
Your account will become public. Business and Creator accounts cannot be set to private. If your account is currently private, it will automatically switch to public when you convert.
It is completely free. Instagram does not charge anything for Business or Creator accounts. There are no hidden fees or premium tiers for the account type itself.
It is reversible. You can switch back to a personal account at any time from the same settings menu. However, you will lose access to Insights data if you switch back.
Your followers are not affected. All your existing followers, posts, likes, comments, and DMs remain exactly as they are. Nothing changes except the account type and the new features you get.
Connect to Brand Update
Now that you have a Business or Creator account, you are ready to connect it to Brand Update and start posting to Instagram from WhatsApp.
- Save the Brand Update WhatsApp number: +91 63798 12984
- Open WhatsApp and send the message START
- Follow the link to connect your Instagram account
- Verify the connection and start posting
For a detailed walkthrough of the full setup process, read our complete guide to posting on Instagram from WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will I lose my followers if I switch to a Business account?
No. All your followers, posts, likes, and comments remain exactly as they are. Nothing changes except the account type.
Can I switch back to a personal account later?
Yes, you can switch back at any time from the same settings menu. However, you will lose access to Instagram Insights data and the contact button.
Is switching to a Business account free?
Yes, it is completely free. Instagram does not charge anything for Business or Creator accounts.
Do I need a Facebook Page to switch?
No. Instagram will ask if you want to connect a Facebook Page, but you can tap Skip. A Facebook Page is optional.
Will my account become public?
Yes. Business and Creator accounts on Instagram are always public. If your account is currently private, it will be switched to public when you convert.
Which category should I choose?
Pick the category closest to your business. Popular choices include Local Business, Shopping & Retail, Restaurant, Health/Beauty, and Artist. You can change it later, so do not worry too much about this step.
Does a Creator account work with Brand Update?
Yes. Both Business and Creator accounts work with Brand Update. Choose whichever fits your needs better.
Ready to automate your Instagram posts?
Now that your account is set up, send START on WhatsApp to connect your Instagram and start posting in under 2 minutes.
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