Instagram Glossary for Beginners: What Everything Actually Means
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by Instagram jargon — Reels, carousels, CTAs and algorithms — you’re not alone. When you’re new to using Instagram for your creative business, it can feel like a whole new language. That’s why I’ve put together this simple glossary, breaking down the most common Instagram terms in plain English. Whether you’re just starting out or want a refresher, here’s everything you need to feel more confident on the platform.
-
Instagram’s behind-the-scenes system that decides what content shows up in your feed. It prioritises posts that get good engagement and match what users interact with.
-
A free Instagram account type designed for brands and businesses. Gives you access to Insights, contact buttons, ad tools, and content scheduling.
-
A post with multiple images or videos that people can swipe through. Ideal for tutorials, portfolios, or storytelling.
-
Short for “Call To Action.” A prompt that tells your audience what to do next — like “Click the link in bio” or “Comment below.”
-
Any interaction someone has with your post: likes, comments, shares, saves, replies, or taps on your profile.
-
The main screen you scroll through when you open Instagram. It shows content from the people you follow, plus suggestions from the algorithm.
-
Your personal profile view, showing all your posted content in a 3-column grid. This is what others see when they visit your account.
-
A keyword or phrase preceded by a hash symbol (e.g. #branding). Hashtags help categorise your content and make it discoverable by new audiences.
-
Data provided by Instagram (for business accounts only) showing how your content performs: reach, saves, likes, clicks, etc.
-
Mentioning or identifying another Instagram user in your post or story. You can tag someone in the image, caption, or comments.
-
A temporary piece of content that disappears after 24 hours. Great for casual updates, polls, questions, and real-time engagement.
-
A short vertical video (up to 90 seconds) often set to music or trending audio. Designed to be entertaining and shown to new audiences.
A-Z of Instagram Terms Every Creative Should Know
Ready to feel confident using Instagram for your business?
If this glossary helped clear things up, you’ll love my INSTAGRAM FOR BEGINNERS course — designed for creatives, musicians, and small business owners who want to build a consistent, engaging presence online.
