This article explains how to use Instagram's search functionality. The application allows you to search for any type of content, including specific topics, hashtags or users, on both the mobile and desktop versions.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Mobile Device
Step 1. Open Instagram
Tap the app icon, which looks like a multicolored square camera. This will open the Instagram homepage, if you are already logged into your account.
If you are not logged in, enter your email address (or phone number or username) and password before proceeding
Step 2. Tap the "Search" icon
It looks like a magnifying glass and is located in the lower left corner.
Step 3. Tap the search bar
It is located at the top of the screen. This action will cause both the keyboard and the filter tabs to appear at the top of the page.
Step 4. Select a filter
At the top of the search page, tap one of the following tabs:
- Popular - this tab shows the list of users, tags and most popular (or relevant) posts that match your search criteria;
- People - this tab limits the results to people whose usernames match your search criteria;
- Hashtag - this tab limits the results to the hashtags that match your search criteria;
- Places - this tab limits the results to places that match your search criteria.
Step 5. Enter your search term or terms
Type what you want to search for, then tap "Search" on the keyboard.
- On Android you may need to tap "Enter" or the magnifying glass icon instead of "Search".
- When looking for a hashtag, you don't have to enter the hashtag (#) in the search bar.
- Once you have selected a filter, you may need to tap the search bar once more before the keyboard reappears.
Step 6. Review the results
To do this, scroll through the list that appears following the search.
You can open a result (such as a hashtag list or a user's profile) by tapping on it
Method 2 of 2: Computer
Step 1. Open Instagram
Visit https://www.instagram.com/ using a browser installed on your computer. If you are logged in, the home page will open.
If you have not logged in, click on the "Login" link and enter the required data before continuing
Step 2. Click on the search bar
It is located at the top of the page, next to the word "Instagram".
Step 3. Enter your search term or terms
Type in the name, word or place you want to search for.
Step 4. Review the search results
As you type, you will see that a drop-down menu will appear below the search bar. This is where all the results will be listed. You can scroll through them to view them and find what you were looking for specifically.
