Instagram Business Categories: The Complete Guide

What are Instagram Business Categories? 

An Instagram business category is the category that a business can list itself as in their Instagram bio. There are over 1,500 different Instagram categories that a business can choose from: everything from fast-food restaurants to architectural designer has a category on Instagram. You cannot choose a business category for a personal account, so if you want to select a business category, you will have to create or convert to a business account.

Why Are Instagram Business Categories Important? 

Instagram business categories are important because they help people to find your business. They do this by telling Instagram’s search algorithm to display your business when people search for businesses in your niche and area. For example, if you have an Italian restaurant in Pasadena, then your business category should say Italian restaurant and your location should be marked as Pasadena, California as well. 

It is important to be as specific as you can when you are choosing your Instagram business category. This is because the more specific you are, the easier it will be for your customers to find. For example, as an Italian restaurant, you should choose the category “Italian Restaurant,” as opposed to “Restaurant.” Need more convincing? Check out why you should switch to an Instagram business account here.

How to List an Instagram Category 

When you are setting up your business account on Instagram, you will be automatically asked to choose a business category. When you are prompted to answer this question, make sure that you choose the most accurate answer possible. After you finish the steps to complete your business account setup on Instagram, the business category will automatically be displayed beneath your business name in your Instagram bio

How to Change Your IG Business Category 

Many businesses end up changing their business category either because they found a different category that they thought was more appropriate for their business or because they changed their business model. If you find yourself in a similar situation and want to change your business category, then you can change it quite easily. All that you have to do to change your business category on Instagram is log in to your Instagram business account, click “Edit Profile,” scroll down to the business category section, and select a new business category. 

List of Most Popular Instagram Business Categories:

For the full list of all 1500 categories, click here. And below are the most popular categories:

  • Advertising/Marketing
  • Agriculture
  • Arts and Entertainment
  • Automotive, Aircraft and Boat
  • Beauty, Cosmetic and Personal Care
  • Commercial and Industrial
  • Education
  • Finance
  • Food and Beverage
  • Hotel and Lodging
  • Legal
  • Local Service
  • Media/News Company
  • Medical and Health
  • Non-Government Organization
  • Nonprofit Organization
  • Public and Government Services
  • Real Estate
  • Science, Technology and Engineering
  • Shopping and Retail
  • Sports and Recreation
  • Travel and Transportation
  • Armed Forces
  • Charity Organization
  • Community Service
  • Country Club / Clubhouse
  • Environmental Conservation Organization
  • Labor Union
  • Private Members Club
  • Religious Organization
  • Social Club
  • Sorority and Fraternity
  • Sports Club
  • Youth Organization
  • Art
  • Book and Magazine
  • Music
  • Show
  • TV and Movies
  • ATM
  • Campus Building
  • City Infrastructure
  • Landmark and Historical Places
  • Locality
  • Meeting Room
  • Outdoor Recreation
  • Public Toilet
  • Religious Place of Worship
  • Residence
  • Brand
  • Cause
  • Just for Fun
  • Public Figure
  • Model
  • Writer

Final Thoughts:

If you want your business to thrive and be successful on Instagram, then it is critical that you have a business category listed in your bio and that this category is chosen wisely. The more accurate and specific that your business category is, the better. Having a very specific business category can help you stand out from your competitors. So, choose wisely! 


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