Here are the steps:
Open Instagram and go to your profile
Tap the ☰ menu in the top-right corner
Scroll down and tap Account type and tools (under "Your insights and tools")
Tap Switch to professional account, then choose Creator
Pick a category like blogger, artist, or photographer, then follow the prompts to finish
The switch is free and takes about two minutes. Your followers, posts, and messages are not affected, and you can switch back whenever you want.
Using SnapWidget? Meta shut down the Instagram Basic Display API in December 2024. Third-party tools like SnapWidget can now only connect to professional accounts (Creator or Business). If your widget stopped updating, switching your account type is the fix. Once you've switched, reconnect your account and your widget will start updating again.
What is a creator account?
A creator account is one of Instagram's two professional account types. The other is the business account. Instagram built it for influencers, artists, and content creators, but anyone can switch to one for free.
What you get with a creator account
Analytics on follower growth, reach, and engagement
Separate Primary and General inboxes for your DMs
Post scheduling inside the Instagram app
Monetization tools like paid partnership tags and subscriptions
Access for third-party tools like SnapWidget, schedulers, and analytics apps
Step-by-step with screenshots
Open Instagram and go to your profile
Tap the ☰ menu in the top-right corner
Scroll down and tap Account type and tools (under "Your insights and tools")
Tap Switch to professional account, then choose Creator
Pick a category like blogger, artist, or photographer, then follow the prompts to finish
Creator or business account?
Both work with SnapWidget and other third-party tools.
Pick creator if you're an individual: an influencer, artist, photographer, or anyone building a personal following.
Pick business if you're a brand, shop, or organization. Business accounts add contact buttons and shopping features, but have less flexible profile controls.
How to switch back to a personal account
Go to your profile and tap the ☰ menu
Tap Account type and tools
Tap Switch to personal account and confirm
Keep in mind that third-party tools, including SnapWidget, can't access personal accounts. If you switch back, your widgets will stop updating.
Common questions
Is a creator account free?
Yes. Switching costs nothing.
Will I lose followers or posts when I switch?
No. Everything stays: followers, posts, stories, and messages.
I can't find "Account type and tools" in my settings.
Update the Instagram app to the latest version. The option is under the "Your insights and tools" section of your settings.
Do I need a Facebook Page?
No. Creator accounts work without one. Some business account features require a linked Facebook Page.
Why does SnapWidget need a creator or business account?
Meta's current API only lets third-party apps access professional accounts. Personal accounts can't connect to any third-party tool. This is Meta's restriction, not ours.