Instagram introduced the business category feature in 2016, allowing users to categorize their accounts as businesses, brands, or creators. This category appears below your bio and helps people understand the nature of your profile. While having a business category can be beneficial for discoverability and access to certain features, there are times when you might want to remove or hide it.
Why You Might Want to Remove the Business Category
There are several reasons why you might want to remove the business category from your Instagram profile:
- Personal Branding and Focus: If you primarily use Instagram for personal purposes, having a business category can make your profile feel too commercial or professional. Removing the category can align your profile with a more casual, personal brand.
- Incorrect Category Assigned: Sometimes, the category assigned to your profile might be inaccurate or misleading. In such cases, it’s better to remove or change the category to avoid confusion.
- No Longer Running a Business: If you previously used your Instagram profile for a business that you no longer operate, removing the business category can help declutter your profile and make it more relevant to your current situation.
Removing the Business Category: Hiding vs. Switching Accounts
There are two main ways to remove the business category from your Instagram profile: hiding it or switching account types.
Hiding the Business Category
Hiding the business category allows you to keep it associated with your profile internally (for potential discoverability benefits) while removing it from public view. Here’s how to hide the category:
1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile page.
2. Tap the “Edit Profile” button beside your username.
3. Scroll down until you find the “Category” section, usually below your bio.
4. Tap the toggle next to “Display Category on Profile/ Display category label” to switch it to “Off.”
5. If prompted, tap “Save” to confirm the change.
Note: If you decide to unhide the category later, simply follow the same steps and toggle the “Display Category on Profile” option back to “On.”
It’s important to note that hiding the category might have an impact on any existing Instagram ads or promotions tied to your business category. If you’re actively running campaigns, you may want to consult Instagram’s advertising guidelines or seek professional advice before making changes.
Switching to a Personal Account
Switching your Instagram account from a business or creator account to a personal account will completely remove the business category. However, there’s a crucial caveat: you’ll lose access to valuable insights and features available to business and creator accounts, such as Instagram Shopping, promotions, and branded content tools.
If you still value some basic analytics but don’t need the full suite of business features, consider switching to a Creator account instead. Creator accounts offer insights like post reach and engagement while maintaining a more personal feel.
To switch to a personal account, follow these steps:
1. Go to your profile and tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top-right corner.
2. Select “Settings” > “Account” > “Switch to Personal Account.”
3. Review the information about the changes, and if you’re sure, tap “Switch to Personal Account.”
Keep in mind that switching account types is a permanent change, and if you want to switch back to a business account in the future, you’ll need to follow a separate process, which might have consequences or limitations.
Alternatives to Taking Off Business Category on Instagram
Leaving the Category But Hiding It
In some cases, keeping the category associated with your profile for discoverability while hiding it from public view might be a good strategy. For example, an artist showcasing personal projects might benefit from being categorized as an “Artist” internally but hide the category on their profile for a more casual, personal feel.
Changing the Category
If your current business category is inaccurate or outdated, you can change it to something more fitting. To do so:
1. Follow steps 1-3 from the “Hiding the Business Category” section above.
2. Tap on your current category label (e.g., “Restaurant”).
3. A search bar will appear. Use it to search for a more accurate category and select it from the list.
4. Tap “Done” to save the changes.
Creating a Separate Account for Personal Use
If you want to maintain a clear separation between your personal and business/creator presence on Instagram, you can create a separate account for personal use. This approach allows you to keep your existing business account intact while having a dedicated space for sharing personal content.
Pros:
– Clear distinction between personal and professional content
– Ability to tailor each account’s content and branding separately
– Potential for better organization and focus
Cons:
– Managing multiple accounts can be time-consuming
– Potential confusion or overlap between audience segments
– Challenges in cross-promoting content between accounts
Troubleshooting Possible Instagram Category-Changing Issues
Missing “Category” Section: If you can’t find the “Category” section in your profile settings, it might be due to an outdated app version. Check the app store for updates. If the issue persists, consider contacting Instagram support for assistance.
Unable to Toggle Display: If the “Display Category on Profile” toggle option is unresponsive or doesn’t seem to save your changes, try restarting the Instagram app. If the problem continues, reach out to Instagram support for further troubleshooting.
Incorrect Account Type: In some cases, your account type (business, creator, or personal) might be incorrectly assigned or displayed. If you encounter this issue, try logging out and back in, or contact Instagram support for help resolving the issue.
Common Errors: Users might encounter various errors or issues during the process of hiding or removing the category, such as connectivity problems or app glitches. If you face any unexpected issues, try restarting the app, checking your internet connection, or waiting a few minutes before attempting the process again.
Final Thoughts
Removing or hiding the business category on Instagram can be a simple yet effective way to adjust the tone and focus of your profile. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can take control of your Instagram presence and tailor it to your preferences.
Remember, the key is to find the approach that works best for you and your specific situation. Don’t hesitate to experiment, seek advice from professionals if needed, and leverage the various tools and resources available to create an Instagram profile that truly represents you or your brand.
