🏷️ Quick Answer
To tag someone on Instagram: In a post, tap "Tag people" before sharing. In Stories, use the @ sticker or type @username. In comments, type @ followed by their username. The tagged person receives a notification and the post may appear in their tagged section.
Tag vs. Mention: What's the Difference?
📌 Photo Tag
A tag is placed directly on the photo/video. Tap to see who's tagged. The post appears in their "Tagged" tab.
Used in: Feed posts, Reels
@ Mention
A clickable @username in text (captions, comments, Stories). Links to their profile but doesn't appear in their Tagged tab.
Used in: Stories, captions, comments, bios
How to Tag by Content Type
Tagging in Feed Posts
Create your post and proceed to the caption screen
Tap "Tag people" below the caption box
Tap on the photo where you want the tag to appear
Search for and select the person's username
Tap Done and share your post
💡 You can tag up to 20 people per photo.
How to Edit Tags on an Existing Post
Go to your post and tap the three dots (⋯) in the top right
Tap "Edit"
Tap "Tag people" to modify tags
Add new tags or tap existing tags and hit X to remove
Tap Done to save changes
Instagram Tagging Etiquette
Do: Tag People Actually in the Photo
Tags should represent people genuinely pictured or directly involved with the content.
Do: Credit Creators and Collaborators
Tag photographers, artists, brands, and anyone who contributed to the content.
Don't: Spam Tag for Attention
Tagging celebrities or influencers randomly hoping they'll see your post is considered spam.
Don't: Tag Without Permission
If someone asks to be untagged from your posts, respect their request immediately.
Manage Your Tag Privacy Settings
Control who can tag you and whether tags need approval:
Settings → Privacy → Posts
- •Allow Tags From: Everyone, People You Follow, or No One
- •Manually Approve Tags: Review tags before they appear on your profile
- •Hide Tagged Posts: Choose to show or hide your Tagged tab
💡 For Stories, go to Settings → Privacy → Story → Allow Message Replies and Reactions
Frequently Asked Questions
Track Who's Tagging You
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