How to switch your Instagram to a professional account (and why automation needs it)

If you've tried to connect Instagram to a scheduling or DM automation tool and it wouldn't work, the reason is usually simple: your account is still a personal account. Instagram only lets apps publish posts and answer messages for professional accounts, Creator or Business. The good news is that switching is free, takes about a minute, and nothing on your profile disappears.

Switch in the Instagram app

1. Open the Instagram app and go to your profile (your picture, bottom right).
2. Tap the ☰ menu in the top right corner.
3. Scroll down to “For professionals” and tap Account type and tools.
4. Tap Switch to professional account and go through the short intro screens.
5. Pick a category that describes you. You can choose whether it's shown on your profile.
6. Choose Creator or Business, and tap Done.

Creator or Business: which one?

• Creator: for people. Influencers, coaches, artists, educators and anyone who is the face of their account.
• Business: for shops, brands, restaurants, studios and services. It adds contact buttons like email, call and directions.
• Both work with AiHopper the same way: scheduling, comment-to-DM, story replies, the inbox and AI replies.
• Not sure? Pick the one that fits today. You can switch between them later.

What changes, and what stays the same

Your posts, Reels, followers and DMs stay exactly as they are. You get Insights (reach, views and followers over time) and a few professional tools. If your account is private, Instagram may ask you to make it public, because professional accounts are meant to be found.

Connect it to AiHopper

1. Open AiHopper and go to Settings → Instagram (or the Connect step when you sign up).
2. Tap Connect Instagram. You log in on Instagram's own page, so AiHopper never sees your password.
3. Approve the permissions. You come straight back, and your posts and messages start syncing.

You don't need a Facebook Page. AiHopper connects with Instagram's own login for professional accounts.

Can I switch back?

Yes. In the same menu (Account type and tools), choose to switch back to a personal account. Apps connected to your account stop working until you switch to professional again, and you lose access to Insights.