A fake Instagram account may sound dramatic, but in practice people often mean a second account, an anonymous profile or a test account. That is usually allowed, as long as 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 behavior 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 forbidden by itself. Many people have more than one profile. Think of 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 recognizable.
The difference is in 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 in an artificial way is risky. Instagram does not only look at the name of your account, but also at your behavior. 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. In simple words, 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 ways to get attention.
A second account is usually fine
These types of accounts are normally not a problem:
- A private account next to your public profile.
- An account for your business, online store, brand or service.
- A hobby account, for example for fitness, travel, art or gaming.
- A fan page, as long as you make it clear that you are not the official person or organization.
- A test account to try new Reels, bio texts 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 take action sooner:
- You pretend to be a real person, brand or organization without permission.
- You use someone else’s photos as if 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: if a real person looked at the account, it should be clear that it is not a scam, imitation or spam. That does not only help you avoid problems with Instagram, it also helps you build trust with real followers.
Safely create a second Instagram account
If you want to create a second or anonymous Instagram account, do it calmly and properly. A profile that is created in five minutes, has no photo, immediately follows dozens of people and posts the same comment everywhere can quickly look suspicious. A well set up account feels more human and is also nicer to use.
How to create an extra Instagram account
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Tap your username at the top or go to your account settings through the menu.
- Choose to add a new account or create an account.
- Choose a username that fits the purpose of the account.
- Use an email address or phone number that you can actually access.
- Add a profile photo, bio and, if needed, a link.
- Check your privacy settings before you start following and posting.
Instagram sometimes changes its menus. If you do not see the option right away, search in the app for add account or go to the account section through your profile menu.
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, lots of followed accounts and almost no followers. That does not mean your account will be removed right away, but it does make your profile look less trustworthy.
| What you do | Why this is better |
|---|---|
| Use a clear bio | People understand faster what your account is for. |
| Post a few normal posts or Reels first | Your profile looks less empty and less like spam. |
| Do not follow lots of accounts all at once | Mass following often looks like bot behavior. |
| Comment personally and do not say the same thing everywhere | Repeated comments are more likely to be seen as spam. |
| Use your own images or images you have permission to use | You avoid problems with imitation or copyright. |
Privacy settings for an anonymous account
If you want to stay more anonymous, it is usually best to set your account to private. That 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 special attention to these points:
- Set your profile to 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 looks like your real name, nickname or email address.
- Check who can tag you, mention you and send you messages.
- Use strong login details and keep access to your email.
An anonymous account does not mean you are completely invisible. Instagram can still use data to recognize 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 that people you know discover your profile through recommendations, this guide about turning off suggestions for you on Instagram can also help.
Manage multiple Instagram accounts without problems
Instagram makes it easy to switch between multiple accounts. In the app, you can usually add several profiles and switch quickly through your profile photo or username. That is useful if you use a personal account, a business account and a test account, for example.
It only becomes difficult when you manage many accounts at the same time. Not only because you lose overview, but also because many identical actions from the same phone or network can look strange. Think of ten accounts that all follow the same people, post the same comments or are active at the same times.
Use multiple accounts in a normal way
This helps you keep things clear and safe:
- Give every account a clear purpose.
- Use a unique tone, bio and content style for each account.
- Do not repeat exactly the same comments or messages on 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 every 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 look usually grows better than five profiles that are only partly maintained.
Why bots and automatic tools are risky
Bot accounts are accounts that perform actions automatically. They follow people, like posts, send messages or post comments without a real person behind them. This may seem useful, but it often leads to poor quality followers, strange comments and a bigger risk of restrictions.
Tools that promise to grow dozens of accounts at the same time with automatic 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, temporarily limit features or remove your account.
If you want to grow, it is better to choose a strong profile, recognizable content and normal activity. If you want extra support for your visibility, take a 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 replacement for a trustworthy account.
Spot and report a fake Instagram account
Sometimes you do not want to create a second account yourself, but you want to know whether another profile is fake. That can be tricky, because not every empty or new account is suspicious right away. Still, there are clear signals that often appear with fake accounts, spam accounts and imitation profiles.
Signs of a fake Instagram account
- The profile has no real profile photo or uses a photo that seems to belong to someone else.
- The username contains many random numbers or strange 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 pic” or only emojis.
- The account quickly sends private messages with links, giveaways or crypto promises.
- The posts do not fit together or seem copied from other accounts.
- The account pretends to be a famous person, company or friend.
Spotting a fake account is mostly about the full picture. One strange detail does not say everything. A profile without posts may simply be new. But an empty profile that follows lots of people, sends suspicious links and uses photos from others deserves caution.
What can you do if someone is pretending to be you?
If someone uses your name, photos or brand, report the account to Instagram right away. First collect the username, screenshots and links to the profile. That makes it easier to explain what is happening.
You can report a profile through Instagram itself:
- Go to the profile you want to report.
- Tap the three dots at the top right.
- Choose report.
- Select the reason, for example imitation, spam or misleading behavior.
- Follow the steps Instagram shows.
If you can no longer access your own account or think your account has been taken over, use the official help through Meta account recovery support. Do not wait too long, especially 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. Deleting is final after the waiting period Instagram shows. Temporarily disabling is a softer option, because your profile is hidden until you log in again.
Temporarily disable an account
Temporarily disabling is useful if you want to take a break, but may come back later. Your profile, photos, comments and likes are hidden as long as the account is disabled. As soon as you log in again, the account becomes active again.
The option is usually available in Instagram through the Account Center or through Instagram in your browser. Menus can differ per user, 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 through the official help page about deleting an account. Instagram usually asks for your password and a reason. After that, a period starts in which you can still change your mind. If you log in again during that period and choose to keep the account, the deletion can be stopped.
If you are unsure, use Instagram’s official explanation: delete or deactivate an Instagram account.
| Choice | What happens? | When to choose it? |
|---|---|---|
| Temporarily disable | Your profile is hidden until you log in again. | When you want to take a break or are still unsure. |
| Delete | Your account and data are permanently removed after the stated period. | When you are sure you no longer need the account. |
| Delete the app | Only the app disappears from your phone. Your account still exists. | When you want to scroll less, but keep your profile. |
Check this before you delete
- Download important photos, videos or messages that you want to keep.
- Check whether the account is still connected to a business page, ad 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 needed.
- Make sure you delete the right account, especially if you have multiple profiles in the app.
If your main reason for deleting 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 low quality Instagram account
A low quality account is not always fake, but it does feel unreliable. It has little context, little real activity and often a messy look. Because of that, people are less likely to follow back, respond or trust the profile, and your reach may disappoint you.
If you want your account to be taken seriously, focus on the basics:
- Choose a name that fits 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 stays within 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 extra important for business accounts. People are less likely to click a link or send a message if your profile looks empty, vague or fake. So first 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 rules.
Can Instagram see that I have multiple accounts?
Instagram can use different data to secure accounts and recognize abuse. Think of login details, devices and account activity. So use multiple accounts in a normal and honest way, and do not try to get around restrictions with tricks.
How many Instagram accounts can I manage?
In the Instagram app, you can add multiple accounts and switch quickly. In practice, a small number of accounts is easier to manage well. Once you use many profiles at the same time, it becomes harder to keep them active, safe and credible.
Can I create a fan account?
A fan account is usually allowed, as long as you do not pretend to be the official person, artist, club or organization. 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, for example a new login, many actions in a short time or doubt about who owns the account. That is why you should always use an email address or phone number that you can access.
Can I get a deleted Instagram account back?
If your account is still in the deletion period, you may be able to log in and stop the deletion. If the deletion is 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.
What 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 if you want to keep private and business use separate.
An extra Instagram account can be perfectly fine, as long as you use it honestly. Make clear what your profile is for, avoid imitation and spam, and choose real activity instead of quick tricks. That way, your account stays safer and becomes much more valuable for the people you want to reach.
