Instagram pronouns are a simple way to let people know how you prefer to be addressed. Whether you are updating your profile for the first time or wondering which pronouns to use, understanding this feature can help you make your Instagram presence more personal and inclusive.
In this guide, we explain what Instagram pronouns mean, how to add them to your profile, how to manage their visibility, and which pronouns you can choose.
How to Scan a QR Code With Your Phone in Seconds, No Extra App Needed
What Are Pronouns on Instagram?
Before Instagram introduced its dedicated pronouns feature, users who wanted to share their pronouns had to include them in their bios. This approach had two main drawbacks: it used up part of the bio's limited 150-character space, and it was not a standardized way to display pronouns.
Instagram addressed this by introducing a separate pronouns field, giving users a dedicated place to indicate how they prefer to be addressed.
But what do Instagram pronouns actually mean?
Pronouns are words used to refer to someone without repeating their name. On Instagram, the pronouns field allows users to communicate their preferences directly on their profiles. Rather than being just another profile detail, the feature supports more respectful and inclusive online communication.
When people can see your pronouns, they have a clearer idea of how to refer to you in conversations, comments, and other interactions. This can help prevent misgendering, which occurs when someone refers to another person using pronouns that do not align with their gender identity. Misgendering can be particularly upsetting for transgender and non-binary people.
Why Do Instagram Pronouns Matter?
Instagram pronouns are not exclusively for LGBTQ+ users. Their broader purpose is to make sharing pronouns a normal part of online communication.
For example, a cisgender man might include He/Him on his profile, while a cisgender woman might choose She/Her. When people share their pronouns regardless of their gender identity, it can help normalize the practice and make it easier for others to do the same.
This can also be a way to show support for people who use gender-neutral or less familiar pronouns. When sharing pronouns becomes more common, individuals may feel more comfortable expressing their identities without feeling singled out.
Ultimately, adding pronouns to your Instagram profile is a personal choice. You can use the feature if it helps you communicate how you want to be addressed, or leave it blank if you prefer not to share that information.
How to Add Pronouns to Your Instagram Profile
Adding pronouns to Instagram is straightforward. However, the availability of the feature and the exact steps may vary depending on your account, region, and app version. The dedicated pronouns field is primarily available through the Instagram mobile app for iOS and Android.
Follow these steps to add pronouns to your profile:
- Open the Instagram app on your smartphone and navigate to your profile.
- Tap Edit Profile, located beneath your profile information.
- Look for the Pronouns field and tap it. If you cannot find this option, the feature may not be available for your account or region.
- Start typing the pronouns you want to use. Instagram will suggest options from its available list.
- Select your preferred pronouns. Depending on the options available to your account, you can add up to four pronouns.
- Tap Done to save your selection.
Once saved, your pronouns will appear in the designated area of your profile, near your name or other profile information, depending on the app's current layout.
Can You Add Custom Pronouns to Instagram?
Instagram's dedicated pronouns field uses a predefined list rather than allowing users to enter any word or phrase they choose. This means you may not be able to add a pronoun that is missing from the available suggestions.
If your preferred pronouns are not listed, you can consider adding them to your Instagram bio instead. You can also check Instagram's official help resources to see whether there is a way to request support or provide feedback about the available options.
Can You Add Instagram Pronouns on a Computer?
Instagram's pronouns feature has primarily been designed for the mobile app, and availability on the web version may differ.
If you cannot find the Pronouns field when using Instagram on a desktop computer, try opening the official app on your iPhone or Android device. Make sure the app is updated to the latest version before checking again.
How to Control Who Can See Your Instagram Pronouns
Sharing personal information online is a matter of individual comfort and privacy. Although Instagram's pronouns feature is intended to encourage respectful communication, some users may prefer not to make their pronouns visible to everyone.
Instagram has offered a visibility setting that allows users to limit who can see their pronouns. When available, this option is labeled Show to followers only.
With this setting turned off, your pronouns may be visible to anyone who visits your profile. When it is turned on, your pronouns are restricted to your followers.
This can be useful if you want to share your pronouns with people in your existing social circle without displaying them publicly to everyone who visits your profile.
Keep in mind that Instagram may change its privacy controls over time, so the exact wording and availability of this setting may vary.
Instagram Pronouns and Teen Account Privacy
Instagram applies additional protections to accounts belonging to teenagers. Some privacy settings may be enabled automatically for users under 18, depending on their location and account type.
Your date of birth can affect which age-related protections apply to your account. If your birthday is incorrect, review the information in Instagram's Accounts Center and follow the platform's official instructions for correcting it.
Accurate account information helps Instagram apply the appropriate age-related settings. However, the availability of individual features can also depend on other factors, including regional restrictions and account eligibility.
What Are the Best Pronouns for Instagram?
If you are wondering what to write in your Instagram pronouns field, you are not alone. Many users search for the best Instagram pronouns, particularly when setting up a new profile or updating their personal information.
The important thing to understand is that there is no universally best or worst set of pronouns. The right choice depends on how you identify and how you want other people to refer to you.
Here are some of the most common pronouns you may encounter on Instagram.
1. He/Him/His
These pronouns are commonly used by men and some other people who identify with them.
- He: He is my friend.
- Him: I spoke to him yesterday.
- His: That is his account.
On Instagram, users often display the shorter form He/Him.
2. She/Her/Hers
These pronouns are commonly used by women and some other people who identify with them.
- She: She creates digital content.
- Her: I follow her on Instagram.
- Hers: That account is hers.
The shorter form She/Her is widely recognized on social media profiles.
3. They/Them/Theirs
They/Them can be used as gender-neutral pronouns. Some non-binary people use these pronouns because they do not identify exclusively as male or female. Other people may also prefer them.
For example:
- They: They are a talented designer.
- Them: I sent them a message.
- Theirs: The decision was theirs.
They/Them can also be used when a person's gender is unknown or when referring to someone in a general context.
4. Combined Pronouns, Such as He/They or She/They
Some people use more than one set of pronouns. Examples include He/They and She/They.
These combinations indicate that the person is comfortable being referred to using either set of pronouns. However, individual preferences vary, so it is always best to respect the person's stated preferences rather than make assumptions about their identity.
Instagram Pronouns List: What Are Neo-Pronouns?
When you open Instagram's pronouns field, you may find options beyond He/Him, She/Her, and They/Them. These can include neo-pronouns, which are pronouns used by some people who feel that traditional pronouns do not adequately reflect their identity.
Neo-pronouns are not used by everyone, and their meanings and preferred grammatical forms can vary. Their inclusion in a pronoun list reflects the diversity of language people use to describe themselves.
Some examples you may encounter include:
- Ze/Zir
- Xe/Xem
- Fae/Faer
- Co/Cos
- Per/Pers
- Ve/Ver
- E/Ey/Em
These pronouns do not have universally established equivalents in every language, including Persian. Their meanings and usage may also differ from one person to another.
If you come across unfamiliar pronouns on someone's profile, you can use the pronouns they have provided rather than assuming what they mean based on appearance or other personal details.
The options available on Instagram may change over time, and not every account will necessarily have access to the same list.
Should You Put Pronouns in Your Instagram Bio?
If you do not want to use Instagram's dedicated pronouns field, you can write your pronouns directly in your bio instead.
For example:
- He/Him | Photographer
- She/Her | Digital Creator
- They/Them | Writer
- She/They | Designer
Adding pronouns to your bio can be a practical alternative if the dedicated feature is unavailable or does not include your preferred pronouns.
However, you do not need to add pronouns simply because other people do. Your Instagram profile should reflect the information you feel comfortable sharing.
