How to Change Your Pronouns on Instagram: A Definitive Guide

Changing your pronouns on Instagram is a simple yet powerful way to express your identity and ensure you’re addressed respectfully online. It’s a small feature with a significant impact. Let’s dive into how to do it.

To change your pronouns on Instagram, follow these simple steps:

1. Open the Instagram app on your iOS or Android device.
2. Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
3. Tap Edit Profile, located near the top of the screen.
4. Under the “Pronouns” section, you’ll find a field where you can add up to four pronouns.
5. Begin typing your desired pronouns. Instagram will offer a list of suggested pronouns to choose from, such as he/him, she/her, they/them, ze/zir, and many more. You can also manually enter less common or custom pronouns.
6. Choose your pronouns from the suggested list or type your own.
7. You can also choose who can see your pronouns – either everyone or just your followers. This is an important privacy consideration.
8. Tap the checkmark (iOS) or the tick (Android) in the top right corner to save your changes.

That’s it! Your pronouns are now displayed on your Instagram profile.

Understanding Pronouns on Instagram

Instagram’s pronoun feature provides a crucial space for users to express their gender identity. This feature isn’t merely a trend; it reflects a broader cultural shift towards inclusivity and respect. By displaying your pronouns, you’re making it easier for others to address you correctly and contributing to a more respectful online environment. Furthermore, normalising the sharing of pronouns helps to reduce misgendering which can improve the Instagram experience for transgender and non-binary users.

FAQs: Everything You Need to Know About Instagram Pronouns

1. Why Should I Add Pronouns to My Instagram Profile?

Adding pronouns to your Instagram profile is about self-expression and respect. It lets others know how you want to be referred to, preventing accidental misgendering and promoting inclusivity. It’s a simple way to show solidarity with transgender and non-binary communities and create a more welcoming online space for everyone.

2. What Pronouns Can I Use on Instagram?

Instagram offers a wide range of pre-selected pronouns, including commonly used ones like he/him, she/her, and they/them. It also includes less common pronouns like ze/zir, xe/xem, and ey/em. If your preferred pronouns aren’t listed, you can manually enter them in the designated field. The choice is yours, and Instagram is designed to accommodate various expressions of identity.

3. How Many Pronouns Can I Add to My Instagram Profile?

Instagram allows you to add up to four pronouns to your profile. This allows for flexibility in expressing your identity, including using multiple sets of pronouns or indicating that you’re comfortable with different options.

4. Can I Change My Pronouns on Instagram Later?

Yes, you can change your pronouns at any time. Simply follow the same steps outlined above to edit your profile and update your pronoun selection. This is useful if your gender identity evolves or if you simply want to try something different.

5. Who Can See My Pronouns on Instagram?

You have control over who sees your pronouns. You can choose to display them publicly (so that everyone can see them) or only to your followers. This privacy setting allows you to manage your comfort level with sharing this information.

6. How Do I Hide My Pronouns on Instagram?

If you no longer wish to display your pronouns, you can remove them from your profile. Go to the “Pronouns” section in your Edit Profile settings and delete the pronouns you’ve entered. This will effectively hide them from your profile.

7. Why Don’t I See the Pronoun Option on My Instagram Profile?

If you don’t see the Pronoun option, make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. Older versions of the app may not support this feature. Go to your device’s app store (Google Play Store or Apple App Store) and update Instagram. If the problem persists, try restarting the app or your device. In rare cases, the feature might be rolling out gradually, so check back later.

8. Is Adding Pronouns Mandatory on Instagram?

No, adding pronouns is entirely optional. It’s a feature designed to empower users, not force them into sharing information they’re not comfortable with. You can use Instagram without specifying your pronouns.

9. How Does Instagram Use My Pronoun Information?

Instagram uses your pronoun information to display it on your profile for others to see. The platform doesn’t use this data for any other purpose, such as targeted advertising or sharing with third parties (beyond what is covered in their general privacy policy). Your pronoun information is primarily intended to facilitate respectful communication and understanding.

10. Can I Report Someone for Misusing My Pronouns on Instagram?

While Instagram doesn’t have a specific reporting option for misgendering, you can report instances of harassment or abusive behavior. Misusing someone’s pronouns can be considered a form of disrespect or harassment, especially if it’s done intentionally and repeatedly. Use Instagram’s reporting tools to flag the behavior and provide context.

11. How Can I Be Respectful of Others’ Pronouns on Instagram?

The most important thing is to respect the pronouns that someone chooses to display. If you’re unsure, you can refer to the person by their name or ask politely what pronouns they prefer. Avoid making assumptions about someone’s pronouns based on their appearance or name. Active listening and a willingness to learn are key to creating a respectful online environment.

12. What If I Use Instagram for Business? Should I Add Pronouns?

Whether to add pronouns to your business Instagram profile is a matter of personal preference and brand values. If your business is committed to inclusivity and diversity, adding pronouns can be a powerful statement. It shows that you value respect and understanding in your interactions. However, consider your target audience and whether this aligns with your brand identity. If you’re unsure, start by adding pronouns to your personal profile and observing the response before extending it to your business account. Adding your pronoun can humanise the brand.