How To Add Pronouns on Instagram

how-to-add-pronouns

There’s a new option on your Instagram profile; did you get a chance to update it?

If you don’t know what we’re talking about, it’s how to add pronouns on Instagram.

Whether you are a public figure or not, this is a significant part of your self-identity and self-image that you willingly share with the rest of the virtual world.

It’s time to check your Instagram app.

We’ll show you how to add pronouns to your Insta profile and reveal one essential part of your social media personality.

Let’s get right into it.

Adding Pronouns on Your Phone

how-to-add-pronouns

With your mobile version, it doesn’t matter whether you’re team Apple or team Android; the process for adding your pronouns is all the same.

If you’re not sure where to start, just follow us.

First, you will check that you’re using your phone’s latest Instagram app version. So, go to PlayStore and check that your Instagram is updated.

Important note:

If you proceed without this, and it turns out your app needs updating, you won’t be able to find the options you need.

Now, it’s time to get into the process.

Click on your Instagram app, and then click on your profile in the bottom-right corner.

Instagram profile

ALT: A screenshot showing your Instagram profile option.

Once you’ve made it to your profile, you should look for the “Edit Profile” option and click on it.

edit profile

ALT: A screenshot showing the Edit Profile option.

Now, this is where it gets interesting.

Once you’ve clicked on it, it will take you directly to your Instagram profile settings. There, you can change your name, username, profile picture, and as of now—add pronouns.

Here’s what you’ll see once you click here.

profile settings

ALT: A screenshot showing Instagram profile settings.

Before adding your pronouns, you’ll have to add your name first. 

Once you’ve typed in your name, go to “Pronouns”.

pronouns option

ALT: A screenshot showing the pronouns option.

For example, if your name is Emily, and you go by she/her/hers, then that’s exactly what you’ll type in. 

When you’re finished, just click on “Done”, and that’s it.

Congrats!

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You’ve successfully added your pronouns, and here’s what your profile will look like now.

updated profile

ALT: A screenshot showing an updated Instagram profile.

Important note:

If you’re not comfortable with people other than your followers seeing what you identify as, just click on the “Show To Followers Only” option. 

After all, it’s YOUR profile.

This was just an example. You can choose from many more options, but we’ll get into that in a minute.

Adding Pronouns on Your Desktop

how-to-add-pronouns

Now, it’s time to switch our focus to the Desktop version.

Although we’re mostly on our phones, there comes a time when our laptop comes in handy, and we find ourselves scrolling through Instagram.

If we’ve caught you in such a moment, let’s make the most out of it and add your pronouns.

No worries, it’s easy.

First, go to your regular browser (Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, etc.)

Next, type in “Instagram Login.”  

Log into your account and find the profile option.

profile option on desktop

ALT: A screenshot showing the Instagram profile option on desktop.

This’ll take you straight to your Insta profile on your Desktop. 

It’s the same as with your phone. Go to the “Edit Profile” option.

edit profile on desktop

ALT: A screenshot showing the edit profile option on the desktop.

Bear with us, cause this is where it gets a bit tricky for those not using the Desktop Instagram version regularly.

Instead of the “Pronoun” option you had on your phone, with Desktop, you should scroll down a bit, and you’ll see “Gender” in the Personal Information section. 

Here it is.

gender option

ALT: A screenshot showing the gender option.

When you click on it, you’ll see the following options:

pronoun options

ALT: A screenshot showing the pronoun options.

As you can see, you can go for the usual Female/Male, or you can choose to add your own pronouns by clicking on the “Custom” option.

Whether it’s she /her / hers, or he / him / his, it’s totally up to you.

Once you’ve filled out this little section, click on “Save”, and the changes will be automatically uploaded to your Instagram profile.

FAQs

Since we still consider this a relatively new option on Instagram, let’s answer some frequently asked questions that Instagram users might be concerned with.

Here are a couple that we think will help you decide on this option.

What Are My Options for Pronouns?

Instagram has done wonders for its users by offering them a dozen different options to choose from. As of recently, you don’t have to confine yourself to just she or he.

Here are your options:

  • co / cos
  • e / ey / em / eir
  • fae / faer
  • he / him / his
  • she / her / hers
  • mer / mers
  • no / nir / nirs
  • nee / ner / ners
  • per / pers
  • they / them / theirs
  • thon / thons
  • ve / ver / vis
  • you / vir
  • xe / xem / xyr
  • ze / zie / zir / hir

Why Should I Add My Pronouns?

Times are changing, and Instagram is trying to keep up with the trends that are present worldwide.

One of those trends is talking about your pronouns. So, why is this important for your Instagram profile, and why should you consider adding them?

Easy. You’re making it clear to your followers and other people how to refer to you. 

For example, if you identify as they / them, you can put this on your Instagram profile so that people don’t get the wrong impression and use the incorrect pronoun when communicating.

As we already mentioned, it’s part of your self-image, making it a rather sensitive issue when someone makes a mistake.

Why Can’t I Add Pronouns?

Don’t worry. Your Instagram probably just needs to be updated.

You can try refreshing your app and going to Settings again, or you can go to the PlayStore and check if you’re using the latest version.

If it still doesn’t show up after you’ve updated it, don’t panic. It’ll pop up in a few days; just give it some time.

If you’re doing this with the help of your laptop, consider refreshing the page or changing the browser. Sometimes, it’s the Internet connection that causes the holdup.

What if I’m Not Sure About My Pronouns?

A-okay.

If you’re not sure what your pronouns are yet, there’s no rush for you to add them to your profile. The option is there to stay, and it’ll be there once you make up your mind.

You can also choose to show your pronouns only to your followers by going with the option “Show to Followers Only.”

There’s no pressure.

Using Pronouns: Respecting Someone’s Identity

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If you’ve been going on other people’s Instagram profiles, you’ve certainly had the chance to see:

  • he / him / his
  • she / her / hers
  • they / them / theirs

This is the basic set of pronouns that have become increasingly common, not only on Instagram profiles but also in email correspondence and face-to-face communication.

Also, emphasizing your pronouns does not only apply only to the LGBTQ+ community; it’s becoming a common thing for all of us.

With such a change comes the importance of respecting one another’s choices in using pronouns and what someone identifies as.

Your gender identity isn’t just your physical appearance. It has to do with who you are socially and emotionally.

A lot of celebrities on social media, starting with Instagram, began to emphasize this way of expressing themselves and encouraging others to do so.

It’s no wonder that more and more Instagram users are looking for the option of adding pronouns on their Instagram profile.

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Wrapping Up

That would be all, folks. We’ve successfully carried you through the process of adding pronouns to your Instagram profile.

Easy peasy lemon squeezy.

Now, you know that you can add pronouns by both using your phone (Apple or Android) and laptop. The difference in steps is almost invisible.

The important thing is that you’ve got the hang of it, and now, you’re ready to show a unique bit of your self-identity with the rest of the Instagram world.

If you’re not ready, though, that’s okay as well.

We believe that Instagram made the right move by adding this feature because now people can rightly refer to you, and continue the conversation by using the right set of pronouns.

See you next time!

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