How to Mention Someone on Instagram

Mentioning someone on Instagram is one of the simplest and most powerful ways to connect with your community, amplify your content's reach, and build meaningful relationships on the platform. This guide breaks down exactly how and when to use mentions and tags across every part of Instagram, from feed posts and Reels to Stories and comments, so you can start using this feature like a pro.

Why Mentioning Others on Instagram Matters

Before jumping into the "how," it's helpful to understand the "why." Mentioning an account isn't just about getting someone's attention, it's a strategic tool for organic growth and community building. When done correctly, it can lead to significant benefits.

• Boosted Reach and Engagement: When you mention or tag an account, they receive a notification. If they find the content valuable, they might share it to their own Story or profile. This simple act exposes your content to their entire audience, driving new viewers and potential followers back to your profile.
• Networking and Collaboration: Tagging brand partners, collaborators, or other creators in your niche is the foundation of digital networking. It acknowledges your relationship, gives them a ready-made piece of content to reshare, and strengthens your professional ties.
• Giving Proper Credit: In the digital world, attribution is everything. If you're reposting a user-generated photo, sharing an idea inspired by another creator, or featuring someone else's work, mentioning them is the right way to give credit where it's due. It shows respect and fosters goodwill within the community.
• Social Proof and User-Generated Content (UGC): Sharing content from happy customers and tagging them is marketing gold. It highlights your products in a real-world context and shows appreciation for your audience. This encourages others to post about you, creating a positive feedback loop of authentic content.

The Key Difference: Mentions (@) vs. Tags

You've probably seen both mentions and tags used, but they serve slightly different functions. Knowing which one to use in different scenarios will make your strategy more effective.

Mentions (@)

A mention happens when you use the "@" symbol followed directly by a username (e.g., @username) within a text field. You can add a mention in:

• Captions
• Comments
• Your bio
• The text field of a Story or Reel

When you mention someone, the text becomes a clickable link that takes people directly to that user's profile. The person you mentioned gets a notification in their activity feed that directs them to where they were mentioned.

Tags

A tag, on the other hand, is when you link an account directly to the photo or video itself. When you tag someone in a feed post or Reel, two things happen:

1. A tag appears on the visual content. If someone taps the post, the usernames of tagged accounts pop up.
2. The content permanently appears in the "Tagged Photos" section of that person's profile (unless they remove it manually).

Think of it this way: a mention calls someone out in a conversation, while a tag attaches them directly to the content. A tag is often seen as a stronger connection, as it adds your content to their public profile.

When to Use Which:

• Use a Mention (@): Perfect for shoutouts in captions, answering a question in the comments by pointing to another account, or giving quick credit in a Story.
• Use a Tag: Best for when a person or brand is physically in the photo/video. It's also the default for creator collaborations and for featuring someone's work in a more "official" capacity.

How to Mention Someone on Instagram: A Step-by-Step Guide

Now, let's get into the specifics for each type of content. The process is straightforward, but each format has its own unique options.

Mentioning Someone in a Feed Post Caption

The caption is the most common place for a mention. It's a great way to thank someone, credit a photographer, or mention a brand you're wearing in the post.

1. Start a New Post: Upload your photo or video and navigate to the final screen where you write your caption.
2. Type the @ Symbol: In the caption box, type the "@" symbol.
3. Start Typing the Username: As you type the username, Instagram will show a list of suggested accounts that match. The list gets more accurate as you type more letters.
4. Select the Correct Account: Tap the profile picture and username of the correct account from the list. The username will turn into a blue, clickable link in your caption once published.

Pro Tip: Always double-check the spelling of the username before selecting it. Many brands and creators have accounts with very similar names, and one wrong character can send your mention to the wrong place.

Tagging Someone in an Instagram Photo or Video

Tagging directly attaches an account to your post, giving it a permanent spot on their "Tagged" tab.

Before Posting:

1. Get to the Final Screen: Create your post and get to the final screen where you add your caption and location.
2. Tap "Tag People": This option is located right below the caption editor.
3. Tap on the Photo: Tap anywhere on the photo where you want the tag to appear. A search bar will pop up.
4. Search and Select the User: Start typing the username and select the correct account from the list. The tag will now appear on your photo.
5. Repeat if Needed: You can add up to 20 tags per post. Just tap another area of the photo and search again. Tap "Done" when you're finished.

After Posting:

Forgot to tag someone? No problem. You can always add tags later.

1. Find Your Post: Go to the post on your profile.
2. Tap the three dots: Tap the three dots in the top-right corner of the post.
3. Select "Edit": This will open the editing options for your post.
4. Tap "Tag People": The 'Tag People' icon (a small person silhouette) will appear on the bottom left of your photo. Tap "Tag People" and then follow the same steps to search for and add an account to your photo or video.

Mentioning Someone in an Instagram Story

Mentions in an Instagram Story are especially powerful. When you do it, the user receives a notification AND a direct link to instantly share your Story to their own Story. This is one of the easiest ways to get your content reshared.

Method 1: The @MENTION Sticker

1. Create Your Story: Take a photo, record a video, or upload content from your camera roll.
2. Open the Sticker Tray: Tap the sticker icon (the square smiley face) at the top of the screen.
3. Choose the "@MENTION" Sticker: Find and tap the sticker that says "@MENTION".
4. Search and Select: Start typing the username, find them in the list, and select their account. You can tap the sticker to cycle through a few different colors and styles.
5. Position and Resize: Drag the sticker where you want it and use two fingers to resize it.

Method 2: The Text Tool

1. Create Your Story: Get your Story content ready in the editor.
2. Open the Text Tool: Tap the "Aa" icon to start typing.
3. Type "@" and the Username: Just like with a caption, type "@" followed by the account name you wish to mention. Select the correct user from the popup list. That name will become a clickable link that you style, color, and format as you would any of your Story text.

Mentioning and Tagging in Instagram Reels

For Reels, you have a few options for including other accounts:

• In the Caption: Before publishing, write your Reel's caption and use the "@" symbol to mention accounts, just as you would with a feed post.
• On-Screen Text: While in the Reel editor, use the "Aa" Text tool to add an on-screen "@username" mention at any point in the video.
• Tagging: On the final share screen, tap "Tag People." From here, you can tag accounts just like you would on a static photo, or you can invite a "Collaborator." This is an extremely valuable tool for businesses and brand partners.

Inviting a Collaborator on a Post or Reel

The "Invite Collaborator" feature is a game-changer for partnerships. When a collaborator accepts your invite, the post or Reel will appear on both your profile grids. More importantly, it will share the same view count, like count, and number of comments, making it a true joint post.

1. Go to "Tag People": Follow the same steps as regular tagging.
2. Tap the "Invite Collaborator" button.
3. Search for and select the user you want to invite: You can only have one collaborator per post.
4. Share your post: The person you invited will receive an invitation to accept the collaboration. Once accepted, the post will appear on their profile too.

Best Practices for Mentions and Tagging

To get the most out of your tagging strategy, keep these tips in mind:

• Don't Spam Tags: Resist the urge to tag numerous accounts in the hopes of getting noticed. This is spammy and can lead to your account being blocked or reported. Only tag accounts that are relevant to the content.
• Use Mentions to Encourage Sharing: When sharing user-generated content or featuring someone in a Story, always use the @MENTION sticker. It makes it easy for them to repost it to their own Story with just a single tap.
• Always Confirm the Right Username: Using the correct account is key to a good tagging strategy. A typo can mean the difference between "random" and "official," so take a few seconds to verify the official account before posting.
• Use a Mix for Extra Visibility: For your most important posts, like announcements, consider using both! Tag the brand and mention it in the caption to ensure your audience sees it no matter which way they interact with the content.
• Engage with Mentioned Accounts: If an account you tagged responds or shares your post, reply! Thank them or engage with their content. It's more about building relationships than just broadcasting.

Final Thoughts

Mastering mentions and tags is a simple yet effective way to grow your Instagram presence. By focusing on genuine interactions, giving proper credit, and encouraging collaboration, you can build a stronger, more engaged community. Use these strategies to connect with your audience, amplify your reach, and build meaningful relationships on the platform.