Creating, deleting and managing fake Instagram accounts: everything you need to know

A fake Instagram account might sound dramatic, but in practice people often mean a second account, an anonymous profile or a test account. That is usually allowed, provided you do not pretend to be someone else, send spam, harass people or use the account to get around rules. Instagram mainly has a problem with accounts that mislead people, use automated behaviour or spread fake engagement. If you want to create, manage or delete an extra profile without trouble, it is important to set it up properly and make it look credible.

Can you create a fake Instagram account?

Yes, creating an extra Instagram account is not prohibited in itself. Many people have more than one profile. This could be a personal account, an account for a hobby, a fan page, a business page, a test account or a profile where you prefer not to be directly recognisable.

The difference is what you do with the account. An anonymous profile is not automatically wrong. An account that pretends to be someone else, sends spam or builds followers artificially is risky. Instagram does not only look at your account name, but also at your behaviour. If a profile acts like a bot or misleads people, it can be restricted, removed or blocked.

The basic rules are in the Instagram Terms of Use. Put simply, it comes down to this: use your account honestly, do not harass anyone, do not pretend to be someone else and do not use misleading methods to get attention.

A second account is usually fine

These types of accounts are normally not a problem:

• A private account alongside your public profile.
• An account for your business, online shop, brand or service.
• A hobby account, for example for fitness, travel, art or gaming.
• A fan page, provided you make it clear that you are not the official person or organisation.
• A test account for trying new Reels, bio text or content ideas.
• An account for a pet, project, community or event.

When does a fake account become risky?

An account becomes risky when it is used in a misleading or unnatural way. These are examples where Instagram may act sooner:

• You pretend to be a real person, brand or organisation without permission.
• You use someone else’s photos as though you are that person.
• You create multiple accounts to stalk, bully or harass someone.
• You use accounts to fake comments, likes or followers.
• You send the same messages to many strangers.
• You use bots or software that automatically follows, likes or comments.
• You keep creating new accounts because earlier accounts were blocked.

A useful rule of thumb is that if a real person looked at the account, it should be clear that it is not a scam, imitation or spam. This not only helps you avoid problems with Instagram, but also helps you build trust with real followers.

Create a second Instagram account safely

If you want to create a second or anonymous Instagram account, take your time and set it up properly. A profile created in five minutes with no photo, which immediately follows dozens of people and posts the same comment everywhere, can quickly look suspicious. A properly set up account feels more human and is also more pleasant to use.

How to create an extra Instagram account

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap your username at the top or use the menu to go to your account settings.
3. Choose the option to add a new account or create an account.
4. Choose a username that suits the account’s purpose.
5. Use an email address or mobile number that you can actually access.
6. Add a profile photo, bio and, if needed, a link.
7. Check your privacy settings before you start following accounts and posting.

Instagram sometimes changes its menus. If you do not see the option straight away, search the app for add account or use your profile menu to go to the account section.

Do not make your account look suspicious for no reason

An account does not have to show your real name, but it should look credible. Instagram and other users often notice simple things: an empty bio, no profile photo, no posts, many followed accounts and almost no followers. That does not mean your account will be removed straight away, but it does make your profile look less trustworthy.

Privacy settings for an anonymous account

If you want to remain more anonymous, it is usually best to make your account private. This lets you decide who can see your posts, Stories and Reels. Also check whether your account is connected to contacts, Facebook or other Meta features if you do not want people you know to find your profile easily.

Pay particular attention to these points:

• Make your profile private if you only want to allow a small group.
• Do not use a profile photo that leads directly to you through Google or other platforms.
• Do not choose a username that resembles your real name, nickname or email address.
• Check who can tag you, mention you and send you messages.
• Use strong login details and retain access to your email.

Having an anonymous account does not mean you are completely invisible. Instagram can still use data to recognise abuse, and other people can see your profile name, comments or public activity if your account is not private.

If you want to reduce the chance of people you know discovering your profile through recommendations, this guide to turning off suggestions for you on Instagram can also help.

Manage multiple Instagram accounts without problems

Instagram makes switching between multiple accounts easy. In the app, you can usually add several profiles and switch between them quickly through your profile photo or username. This is useful if, for example, you use a personal account, a business account and a test account.

It only becomes difficult when you manage many accounts at the same time. This is not only because it becomes harder to maintain an overview, but also because many identical actions from the same mobile or network can look unusual. For example, ten accounts might all follow the same people, post the same comments or be active at the same times.

Use multiple accounts normally

These steps help you keep things clear and safe:

• Give each account a clear purpose.
• Use a unique tone, bio and content style for each account.
• Do not repeat exactly the same comments or messages across multiple accounts.
• Do not keep logging in and out on all kinds of devices without a reason.
• Keep the correct email address and recovery details for each account.
• Use two step verification for important accounts.

For creators and brands, it is often smarter to manage fewer accounts well than to have many empty accounts. One active profile with good content, real interaction and a clear appearance usually grows better than five profiles that are only partly maintained.

Why bots and automated tools are risky

Bot accounts are accounts that perform actions automatically. They follow people, like posts, send messages or publish comments without a real person behind them. This might seem useful, but it often leads to poor quality followers, strange comments and a greater risk of restrictions.

Tools that promise to grow dozens of accounts at the same time through automated actions are also risky. Instagram wants interactions to be real. If your account suddenly performs an unnatural number of actions, Instagram may ask you to verify it, temporarily limit features or remove your account.

If you want to grow, it is better to choose a strong profile, recognisable content and normal activity. If you want extra support for your visibility, look at the Instagram services from SocialKings. For an existing profile, Instagram followers, Instagram likes or Instagram views can help your profile look fuller and more active. Always use this alongside real content, not as a substitute for a trustworthy account.

Spot and report a fake Instagram account

Sometimes you do not want to create a second account yourself, but want to know whether another profile is fake. This can be tricky because not every empty or new account is immediately suspicious. Even so, there are clear signs that often appear with fake accounts, spam accounts and imitation profiles.

Signs of a fake Instagram account

• The profile has no genuine profile photo or uses a photo that appears to belong to someone else.
• The username contains many random numbers or unusual characters.
• The bio is empty, vague or full of suspicious links.
• The account follows many people but has few followers.
• Comments are short, general and repeated, such as “nice photo” or just emojis.
• The account quickly sends private messages containing links, giveaways or crypto promises.
• The posts do not fit together or appear to have been copied from other accounts.
• The account pretends to be a famous person, company or friend.

Spotting a fake account is mainly about considering the whole picture. One unusual detail does not tell you everything. A profile without posts may simply be new. However, you should be cautious about an empty profile that follows many people, sends suspicious links and uses other people’s photos.

What can you do if someone is pretending to be you?

If someone uses your name, photos or brand, report the account to Instagram straight away. First collect the username, screenshots and links to the profile. This makes it easier to explain what is happening.

You can report a profile through Instagram itself:

1. Go to the profile you want to report.
2. Tap the three dots in the top right.
3. Choose report.
4. Select the reason, such as imitation, spam or misleading behaviour.
5. Follow the steps shown by Instagram.

If you can no longer access your own account or think it has been taken over, use the official help available through Meta account recovery support. Do not wait too long, particularly if someone is sending messages in your name or changing your profile details.

Delete or temporarily disable an Instagram account

If you no longer use a second account, you can delete it or temporarily disable it. Deletion is final after the waiting period shown by Instagram. Temporarily disabling the account is a less permanent option because your profile remains hidden until you log in again.

Temporarily disable an account

Temporarily disabling an account is useful if you want to take a break but may return later. Your profile, photos, comments and likes remain hidden while the account is disabled. The account becomes active again as soon as you log in.

The option is usually available in Instagram through the Account Centre or through Instagram in your browser. Menus may differ between users, but look for personal details, account ownership and control, deactivate or delete.

Delete an Instagram account

If you really want to stop using an account, you can delete it through Instagram settings or the official help page about deleting an account. Instagram usually asks for your password and a reason. A period then begins during which you can still change your mind. If you log in again during that period and choose to keep the account, you can stop the deletion.

If you are unsure, use Instagram’s official explanation: delete or deactivate an Instagram account.

Check this before deleting your account

• Download any important photos, videos or messages you want to keep.
• Check whether the account is still connected to a business page, advertising account or external tool.
• Remove important links from your bio or Story highlights if you need them elsewhere.
• If it is a business account, inform customers, followers or team members if necessary.
• Make sure you delete the correct account, especially if you have multiple profiles in the app.

If your main reason for deleting the account is that you want a cleaner follower list, it may be smarter to clean up your audience first. This guide explains how to delete followers on Instagram in a smart way.

How to avoid a poor quality Instagram account

A poor quality account is not always fake, but it can feel unreliable. It has little context, little genuine activity and often a messy appearance. As a result, people are less likely to follow you back, respond or trust the profile, and your reach may be disappointing.

If you want people to take your account seriously, focus on the basics:

• Choose a name that suits your goal and is easy to remember.
• Use a clear profile photo or logo.
• Write a short bio that says who you are or what people can expect.
• Post content that remains focused on the same topic.
• Respond to others normally without spamming standard phrases.
• Use Stories and Reels to show that the account is active.
• Remove suspicious links or exaggerated claims from your bio.

Trust is particularly important for business accounts. People are less likely to click a link or send a message if your profile looks empty, vague or fake. Make sure your account feels right before you focus on growth.

Frequently asked questions about fake accounts on Instagram

Is a fake Instagram account illegal?

An anonymous or second account is usually not illegal. It can become a problem if you impersonate someone, scam people, threaten people, bully people or misuse private information. Instagram can also remove your account if you break the platform’s rules.

Can Instagram see that I have multiple accounts?

Instagram can use different data to secure accounts and recognise abuse. This may include login details, devices and account activity. Use multiple accounts in a normal and honest way, and do not try to get around restrictions using tricks.

How many Instagram accounts can I manage?

You can add multiple accounts and switch between them quickly in the Instagram app. In practice, a small number of accounts is easier to manage well. Once you use many profiles at the same time, it becomes more difficult to keep them active, safe and credible.

Can I create a fan account?

A fan account is usually allowed, provided you do not pretend to be the official person, artist, club or organisation. Clearly state in your bio that it is a fan page and do not use a misleading name or profile photo.

Why does Instagram ask for verification on my second account?

Instagram can ask for verification if something unusual happens, such as a new login, many actions in a short period or uncertainty about who owns the account. This is why you should always use an email address or mobile number that you can access.

Can I recover a deleted Instagram account?

If your account is still within the deletion period, you may be able to log in and stop the deletion. If the deletion has been fully completed, recovery is usually no longer possible. If your account was hacked or taken over, it is best to use Meta’s recovery help as quickly as possible.

Which is better, creating a new account or cleaning up my old account?

If your old account still has real followers, good posts and a normal reputation, cleaning it up is often smarter. Remove old content that no longer fits, improve your bio and start again with a clear direction. A new account is especially useful if the goal is completely different or you want to keep personal and business use separate.

An extra Instagram account can be perfectly acceptable, provided you use it honestly. Make your profile’s purpose clear, avoid imitation and spam, and choose genuine activity instead of quick tricks. This helps your account remain safer and makes it much more valuable to the people you want to reach.