To post on Instagram, open the app, tap the plus (+) button, choose Post, pick a photo or video, tap Next, edit it, tap Next again, write your caption and tap Share. That's the whole process for a normal feed post, and it takes about a minute once you've done it twice.
The same plus button also opens Reels and Stories, which are different formats with their own steps. I've covered each one below, along with posting from a computer and what to do when Share won't work.
Post a photo on Instagram: step by step
- Open the Instagram app and make sure you're logged in to the right account.
- Tap the plus (+) button. On most phones it's at the bottom of the screen or at the top of your feed.
- Choose Post if you're asked what you want to create.
- Pick a photo or video from your gallery. Tap the arrows or the album name to switch folders.
- Tap Next.
- Choose a filter or tap Edit to change brightness, contrast and crop. Keep edits light, because heavy filters can make faces look odd.
- Tap Next again.
- Write your caption. Add people with Tag people, and a place with Add location if you want one.
- Tap Share. Your post goes live straight away on your profile and in your followers' feeds.
Menus move around in each update. If a name looks different on your screen, search the app for the word Create or look for the plus icon on your profile.
Post a carousel with several photos
A carousel is one post that people swipe through. On the picture-picking screen, tap the icon that looks like stacked squares, then tap each photo or video in the order you want. Instagram announced in 2024 that carousels can hold up to 20 photos or videos. Then carry on with Next, edit, caption and Share as before.
Put your strongest picture first, because that's the one people see in their feed. Keep the shapes consistent where you can, so one tall image doesn't push the others out of line.
Post a Reel
Tap the plus button and choose Reel. You can record with the camera or pick a video from your gallery. Add music, text or effects if you like, tap Next, write a caption and tap Share. Reels are shown to people who don't follow you yet, so a clear first second and a short, plain caption matter more than fancy editing.
Post to your Story
Tap the plus button and choose Story, or swipe right from your feed. Take a photo, or pick one from your gallery. Add text, stickers or a tag, then tap Your story at the bottom. A Story disappears from view after a day unless you save it as a Highlight on your profile.
Post on Instagram from a computer
You don't need your phone for a simple post. Here's how it works:
- Open Instagram in a web browser and log in.
- Click Create (the plus icon) in the menu.
- Choose Post.
- Drag your photos or videos into the window, or click the button to select them from your computer.
- Crop if needed, click Next, edit, click Next again.
- Add a caption, tag people or a location, then click Share.
Some features, like certain stickers and music, are easier on the phone app. A computer is great for posting a photo you've already edited on a big screen.
Before you tap Share: a quick checklist
- Caption: put the useful part in the first line, because longer captions get cut off with a "more" link. I like a plain sentence, then a question for readers to answer. If you'd like a different look for your text, here's how to change the font on Instagram.
- Alt text: in Advanced settings, find Accessibility and write a short description of the picture. It helps people who use screen readers.
- Tags: only tag people who are in the photo, and check their spelling. Tagging strangers to get attention is poor manners.
- Location: add one only if you're comfortable showing it. Think twice before tagging your home or a place you visit every day.
- Settings: Advanced settings also lets you hide like counts or turn off comments on one post.
- Timing: if you care about reach, pick a time when your followers are online. My guide to the best time to post on Instagram in the UK is a good starting point.
One last thing on privacy: a public account shows every post to anyone, while a private account only shows posts to approved followers. Check which one you have before you share a family photo, because it's much easier to decide now than to explain later.
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When the Share button won't work
| What's happening | Likely cause | What to try |
|---|---|---|
| Share spins and never finishes | Weak connection | Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data, then try again |
| Post says it couldn't be posted | App glitch or old version | Update the app, close it fully, reopen and retry |
| Video stuck on processing | Large or unusual file | Trim the video or export it again, then retry |
| Button is greyed out | Missing caption rule or no file selected | Check you've picked media and haven't hit a caption limit |
| Message about an action being blocked | Too much activity in a short time | Wait for a while, then try again without rushing |
| Nothing works anywhere | Instagram having problems | Wait and try later, as a wider issue is out of your hands |
If none of those work, I've written a longer fix list: why Instagram isn't letting you post. And please don't use apps that promise to post for you in exchange for your password. They're a quick way to lose an account.
A few good habits for your first posts
Use clear, bright photos and avoid heavy filters. Reply to comments in the first hour or two if you can, because it keeps the conversation going. Post what you'd want to see yourself. You don't need a perfect grid to begin, and you can always delete or edit a post later from the three dots above it.
Related guides live in the Instagram Help: 81 Guides to Followers, Hashtags, Money, Accounts and Fixes.
Frequently asked questions
How do I post on Instagram for the first time?
Tap the plus (+) button, choose Post, pick a photo, tap Next, edit it, tap Next, add a caption and tap Share. If a menu name looks different, search the app for the word Create.
How many photos can I put in one Instagram post?
A carousel can hold up to 20 photos or videos, according to Instagram's 2024 announcement. Select several on the picture-picking screen to build one.
Can I post on Instagram from my computer?
Yes. Open Instagram in a web browser, click Create, choose Post and drag your files in. Then add a caption and click Share.
Why is my Instagram post stuck on Share?
Usually it's a weak connection or an out-of-date app. Switch networks, update the app, restart it and try again.
