> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://snapwidget.com/docs/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Switch to a Creator Account on Instagram (2026 Guide)

> Switch your personal Instagram account to a free creator account in the Instagram app, so SnapWidget can show your posts.

SnapWidget can only show posts from creator and business accounts. Personal accounts stopped working on December 4, 2024, when Meta closed the API for personal accounts. A creator account is free, and you can switch in the Instagram app.

## Switch to a creator account

**1. Go to your profile**

Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right.

![An Instagram profile with the menu icon in the top right](https://mintcdn.com/snapwidget/QJTE73Rcy1kqujES/images/instagram/switch-to-a-creator-account/1.jpg?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=QJTE73Rcy1kqujES\&q=85\&s=163fd827c032dda023925432402baa28)

**2. Open Settings and activity**

Tap the menu icon (☰) in the top right. This opens **Settings and activity**.

![The Settings and activity screen in Instagram](https://mintcdn.com/snapwidget/QJTE73Rcy1kqujES/images/instagram/switch-to-a-creator-account/2.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=QJTE73Rcy1kqujES\&q=85\&s=6ba5b4e9105efb82a1fee8d4e4d36d12)

**3. Tap Account type and tools**

Scroll down and tap **Account type and tools**. If you cannot find it, type "account type" in the search box at the top.

![Account type and tools in the Settings and activity list](https://mintcdn.com/snapwidget/QJTE73Rcy1kqujES/images/instagram/switch-to-a-creator-account/3.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=QJTE73Rcy1kqujES\&q=85\&s=11686b1ef1c1c6f8f34087df0d30cf9b)

**4. Tap Switch to professional account**

Tap **Switch to professional account**.

![The Account type and tools screen with Switch to professional account](https://mintcdn.com/snapwidget/QJTE73Rcy1kqujES/images/instagram/switch-to-a-creator-account/4.png?fit=max\&auto=format\&n=QJTE73Rcy1kqujES\&q=85\&s=0dbb0a1c75dedf27eb3b4e798182738e)

**5. Choose a category**

Choose the category that best describes you, for example a blogger or an artist. Then tap **Switch to professional account**. The category does not decide if you get a creator or a business account.

**6. Choose Creator**

Choose **Creator**, then tap **Next**. Complete the optional steps, or tap **X** in the top right to skip them.

> [!WARNING]
>
> A creator account is always public. If your account is private, it becomes public when you switch, and Instagram accepts all follow requests that are waiting.

## Connect your widget again

If your widget stopped updating, connect it again after you switch:

1. [Log in](https://snapwidget.com/login) to SnapWidget and click your widget on your dashboard.
2. Click **Reconnect** next to **Username**, then click **Sign In With Instagram**.
3. Click **Update & Get Widget**.

You do not need to change the code on your website.

## Creator or business account?

Both work with SnapWidget.

* **Creator** is best for public figures, artists, content producers and influencers.
* **Business** is best for shops, brands, local businesses and organizations. See [Convert to a business account](/docs/instagram/convert-to-a-business-account).

## What else you get

* A professional dashboard with insights about your posts and followers.
* A message inbox with **Primary**, **General** and **Requests** folders.
* An optional category label and contact details on your profile.

## Switch back to a personal account

1. On your profile, tap the menu icon (☰).
2. Tap **Account type and tools**, then tap **Account type**.
3. Tap **Switch account type**, choose a personal account, and tap **Switch**.

> [!NOTE]
>
> SnapWidget cannot read posts from a personal account. If you switch back, your widget stops updating.

## Common questions

**Is a creator account free?**

Yes.

**Will I lose followers or posts when I switch?**

No. Your posts and followers stay on your account.

**Do I need a Facebook Page?**

No. A creator account works with **Sign In With Instagram** without a Facebook Page. You only need a Page for **Sign In With Facebook**, for example for a [hashtag widget](/docs/instagram/hashtag-widget).

**I cannot find "Account type and tools".**

Update the Instagram app to the latest version. Then use the search box at the top of **Settings and activity**.

**Why does SnapWidget need a creator or business account?**

Meta only lets other apps read posts from creator and business accounts. This applies to every tool that shows Instagram posts.


This documentation is built and hosted on [Mintlify](https://mintlify.com), a developer documentation platform.