Instagram has become an integral marketing channel for businesses to engage with customers and promote their brand. However, there may come a time when you need to delete your business Instagram account permanently.
Deleting an Instagram account is an irreversible process. So it’s crucial to understand the implications and follow the proper steps to avoid data loss. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to delete your business Instagram account successfully.
Why Delete a Business Instagram Account?
Here are some common reasons businesses choose to delete their Instagram account:
- Going out of business – If your company is closing down, you would want to remove the Instagram account.
- Brand pivot – If your business undergoes a major rebranding, it may warrant deleting the old brand Instagram account.
- Consolidating accounts – Businesses with multiple accounts sometimes delete redundant ones.
- Start afresh – You may want to wipe the slate clean and create a new Instagram account from scratch.
- Personal reasons – The business owner may choose to maintain just a personal profile on Instagram.
No matter the reason, account deletion is permanent, so the decision requires careful consideration.
Step-by-Step Guide to Delete Business Instagram
Follow these steps to delete your business Instagram account correctly:
1. Download Your Instagram Data
Your first step should be to download a copy of your Instagram data for records. This includes photos, videos, posts, insights data and more.
To download data:
- Go to your Instagram profile and click the menu (3 horizontal lines)
- Navigate to Settings > Security > Download Data
- Select the data types you want to download
- Provide an email address to receive the download link
2. Inform Your Followers
Since your business Instagram will no longer exist, inform your followers and connections on the platform.
You can post stories or make a final post explaining that you are deleting the account permanently. Also inform partners and influencers connected to the account.
This allows your engaged followers to find you on other platforms if needed.
3. Remove Business Account Linking
Unlink your Instagram account from any connected business platforms like Facebook, analytics tools, commerce platforms, etc.
This ensures no disruption to your other accounts once the Instagram is deleted.
4. Deactivate First (Optional)
You can optionally temporarily deactivate your Instagram account first before permanent deletion.
Deactivation removes your profile and posts from visibility to other users. Your account will still exist in the backend.
This gives you some buffer time before the account is gone for good. Reactivate within 30 days to undo deactivation.
5. Delete Instagram Account
Once you have downloaded your data and are ready, follow these steps to permanently delete your Instagram:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile
- Tap the menu (3 horizontal lines) and go to Settings
- Scroll down and select “Account”
- Tap “Delete Account” at the bottom
- Select “Permanently delete my account” on the pop-up
- Re-enter your password when prompted to confirm deletion
Your account will be scheduled for deletion immediately. It cannot be undone.
6. Create New Business Instagram (Optional)
If you still need an Instagram presence for your brand, consider creating a new business profile from scratch. You get a blank slate to rebuild your audience.
Make sure your new username and profile details fit your current business messaging and goals.
What Happens When You Delete Instagram?
Here are the key effects of deleting your business Instagram account:
- Your profile, photos, videos, and other data are erased permanently.
- Followers and connections to your account are removed.
- Any incoming messages or notifications are disabled.
- You lose access to Instagram Insights analytics for that account.
- Hashtags and mentions pointing to your account will no longer work.
- Any commerce features like Instagram Shop will stop functioning.
Essentially, it will be like your business never had an Instagram presence. The action cannot be reversed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Recover a Deleted Instagram Account?
No, there is no way to recover a deleted Instagram account. The process is designed to be permanent. However, any data you downloaded before deleting will still be available.
Does Deactivating Delete Instagram Account?
No, deactivation just hides your account temporarily. Your account still exists in Instagram’s system. Only permanent deletion via the app removes your account fully.
Can You Temporarily Deactivate Business Instagram?
Yes, business accounts on Instagram also have the option to temporarily deactivate the profile just like personal accounts. Just toggle the deactivation setting in your account settings.
Does Instagram Send Notification Before Deletion?
When you delete your Instagram account, there is no notification sent to your followers. Your profile simply disappears from their point of view without warning.
How Long Does it Take to Delete Instagram Account?
Once initiated, Instagram schedules your account for permanent deletion immediately. It may take up to 30 days for the actual deletion to be fully completed from their systems. However, the account enters a deactivated state instantly.
Conclusion
Deleting your business Instagram account means losing access to your followers, content, and insights data permanently. Hence, it merits proper consideration. Use this comprehensive guide to understand the implications and follow the right steps to delete your account successfully.
