> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.willosend.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Instagram Account Requirements and Setup for WilloSend

> Learn what Instagram account type WilloSend requires, how to switch in 2 minutes, and how to link a Facebook Page before connecting.

WilloSend requires a Professional Instagram account — either Business or Creator. Personal accounts cannot connect to WilloSend. This is a Meta requirement, not a WilloSend limitation: Meta's messaging API, which WilloSend uses to send your automated DMs, is only available to Professional accounts. The good news is that switching takes about 2 minutes, it's completely free, and it doesn't change a single thing about your existing profile.

## What You Need Before Connecting

Make sure you have all three of these in place before you start the connection flow in WilloSend.

<CardGroup cols={3}>
  <Card title="Professional Account" icon="instagram">
    An Instagram Business or Creator account. Personal accounts are not supported by Meta's messaging API.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Linked Facebook Page" icon="square-f">
    Your Instagram account must be linked to a Facebook Page. This is a mandatory requirement from Meta's API — not optional.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Admin Access" icon="shield-check">
    You must have admin-level access to both the Instagram account and the linked Facebook Page to authorize the connection.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  If you're an agency managing a client's account, you need admin access to the client's Facebook Page — not just their Instagram — to connect WilloSend on their behalf.
</Tip>

***

## How to Switch to a Professional Account

Switching takes about 2 minutes and is completely free. Your follower count, posts, content, and profile bio are unaffected — you're simply unlocking additional business tools on top of your existing account.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open your profile in the Instagram app">
    Tap your profile picture in the bottom-right corner to navigate to your profile page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Settings">
    Tap the **three lines** in the top-right corner, then tap **Settings and Privacy**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Find account type settings">
    Scroll down and tap **Account type and tools**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch to a professional account">
    Tap **Switch to professional account** and follow the prompts.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Choose your account type">
    Select either **Creator** or **Business** — both work fully with WilloSend.

    * Choose **Creator** if you're a content creator, influencer, coach, or individual building a personal brand.
    * Choose **Business** if you represent a brand, retailer, agency, or organization.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Note>
  Switching from personal to professional does **not** affect your follower count, posts, engagement history, or content in any way. It only adds business tools — like Insights and messaging access — to your profile.
</Note>

***

## How to Link a Facebook Page

Meta's API requires your Instagram account to be connected to a Facebook Page. If you already have a Facebook Page linked, you can skip this section. If not, follow these steps.

### Create a Facebook Page (if needed)

If you don't yet have a Facebook Page, create a free one at [facebook.com/pages/create](https://www.facebook.com/pages/create). You don't need to actively use or post to the Page — it simply needs to exist and be linked to your Instagram account.

### Link Your Instagram to the Facebook Page

<Steps>
  <Step title="Go to Instagram Settings">
    In the Instagram app, tap the three lines → **Settings and Privacy**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Open Account settings">
    Tap **Account**, then tap **Linked Accounts**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Facebook">
    Tap **Facebook**, then log in to your Facebook account when prompted.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your Page">
    Choose the Facebook Page you want to link to your Instagram account. If you manage multiple Pages, select the one that represents the same brand or identity as your Instagram.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Connecting WilloSend After Setup

Once your account is Professional and your Facebook Page is linked, connecting WilloSend takes under a minute.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Start the connection in WilloSend">
    In your WilloSend dashboard, click **Connect Instagram**.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Log in through the Facebook popup">
    A secure Facebook OAuth login window will appear. Log in using the Facebook account that manages your linked Page.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select your Facebook Page">
    Choose the Facebook Page connected to your Instagram account.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Grant the required permissions">
    Approve the permissions WilloSend requests — specifically the ability to read comments and send messages. These are the only permissions WilloSend needs.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Info>
  WilloSend never sees or stores your Instagram password. The connection is handled entirely through Meta's official OAuth system, which issues a secure access token instead. You can revoke access at any time from Instagram Settings → Security → Apps and Websites.
</Info>