How to Set Up Instagram Professional Account for Real Estate

To publish real estate content automatically from tools like Pedra to Instagram, you need a Professional Instagram account (Business or Creator type) that's linked to a Facebook Page.

This guide walks you through the complete setup process, step by step.

Why You Need an Instagram Professional Account

Instagram requires a Professional account for third-party apps to publish content directly. Here's why this matters for real estate agents:

• Automate posting from real estate marketing tools
• Access Instagram Insights and analytics
• Add contact buttons (Call, Email, Directions)
• Run Instagram ads if needed
• Schedule posts through approved platforms
• Connect to Facebook for cross-platform publishing

The good news? Switching to a Professional account is free and takes less than 5 minutes.

Requirements Before You Start

Make sure you have:

• An active Instagram account
• A Facebook account
• A Facebook Page (we'll show you how to create one if you don't have it)

Step 1: Switch Your Instagram to a Professional Account

On Mobile (Instagram App)

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Go to your Profile (bottom right)
3. Tap the menu icon (three lines, top right)
4. Tap Settings and privacy
5. Scroll down and tap Account type and tools
6. Tap Switch to professional account
7. Choose a category (e.g., "Real Estate Agent" or "Real Estate")
8. Tap Business (recommended for real estate agents)
9. Review your contact information
10. Tap Done

What's the Difference: Business vs. Creator?

For real estate agents, we recommend Business:

• Business: Best for companies, brands, and service providers (like real estate agents)
• Creator: Best for influencers, public figures, and content creators

Both allow you to connect to third-party tools, but Business accounts have better features for real estate marketing.

Step 2: Create a Facebook Page (If You Don't Have One)

To publish to Instagram through tools like Pedra, your Instagram must be linked to a Facebook Page.

How to Create a Facebook Page

1. Go to facebook.com/pages/create
2. Click Get Started
3. Choose Business or Brand
4. Enter your Page name (e.g., "John Smith Real Estate")
5. Choose a category: Real Estate Agent or Real Estate Company
6. Add a description (optional, you can do this later)
7. Click Create Page
8. Upload a profile picture (your logo or headshot)
9. Upload a cover photo (optional)
10. Click Save

Already have a Facebook Page? Skip to Step 3.

Step 3: Link Your Instagram Account to Your Facebook Page

Now you need to connect your Instagram Professional account to your Facebook Page.

Option A: Link Through Instagram

1. Open the Instagram app
2. Go to Settings → Account
3. Tap Linked accounts
4. Tap Facebook
5. Log in to Facebook if prompted
6. Select the Facebook Page you want to link
7. Tap Allow to connect

Option B: Link Through Facebook

1. Go to your Facebook Page
2. Click Settings (left menu)
3. Click Instagram (under "Linked accounts")
4. Click Connect account
5. Log in to Instagram
6. Confirm the connection

Step 4: Connect Instagram and Facebook in Meta Accounts Center

This final step ensures both accounts are properly connected through Meta's system.

How to Connect in Accounts Center

1. Open Instagram
2. Go to Settings → Accounts Center
3. Tap Accounts
4. Tap Add accounts
5. Select Instagram (if not already added)
6. Select Facebook (if not already added)
7. Log in to both if prompted
8. Tap Continue to link them

Verification: You should now see both Instagram and Facebook listed under "Accounts" in Accounts Center.

Step 5: Verify Your Setup is Complete

To confirm everything is set up correctly:

Check 1: Instagram Account Type

• Go to Instagram → Settings → Account
• You should see "Professional account" or "Switch account type"

Check 2: Facebook Page Connection

• Go to Instagram → Settings → Account → Linked accounts
• Facebook should show as "Connected" with your Page name

Check 3: Accounts Center

• Go to Settings → Accounts Center → Accounts
• Both Instagram and Facebook should be listed

✅ If all three checks pass, you're ready to connect to Pedra and start posting automatically!

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"I don't see the option to switch to Professional account"

Solution: Make sure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version. If still not available, try:

• Log out and log back in
• Reinstall the Instagram app
• Check if your account is restricted or flagged

"I can't find my Facebook Page when linking"

Solution: Make sure:

• You're an admin of the Facebook Page
• The Page is published (not in draft mode)
• You're logged into the correct Facebook account

"Accounts Center isn't showing both accounts"

Solution:

• Make sure you're logged into both Instagram and Facebook on the same device
• Go to Settings → Accounts Center → Add accounts
• Manually add both accounts again

"I linked my Page but third-party apps still can't connect"

Solution:

• Disconnect and reconnect your Facebook Page to Instagram
• Go to Settings → Accounts Center → remove accounts, then add them again
• Wait 10-15 minutes for Meta's systems to sync

What Happens After Setup?

Once your Instagram Professional account is properly set up and linked to Facebook, you can:

✅ Connect to Pedra and publish real estate content automatically ✅ Schedule posts without being online ✅ Share virtual staging before/after directly to Instagram ✅ Post property videos and Reels in one click ✅ Maintain a consistent social media presence without manual posting

FAQ

Does switching to Professional cost anything?

No, Instagram Professional accounts are completely free.

Will my followers know I switched to a Professional account?

No, your followers won't be notified. Your account will look the same to them.

Can I switch back to a personal account later?

Yes, you can switch back to a personal account anytime through Settings → Account → Switch account type.

Do I need a Facebook Page even if I don't use Facebook?

Yes, Instagram's API requires a Facebook Page connection for third-party publishing. You don't need to post on the Page—it just needs to exist.

Can I use my personal Facebook profile instead of a Page?

No, Instagram requires a Facebook Page, not a personal profile, for third-party app connections.

Can I connect multiple Instagram accounts to one Facebook Page?

Yes, you can connect multiple Instagram accounts to the same Facebook Page.

Ready to Connect Pedra to Your Instagram?

Now that your Instagram Professional account is set up and linked to Facebook, you're ready to connect Pedra and start posting real estate content automatically.

👉 Learn how to connect Pedra to Instagram

👉 Try Pedra Free and start automating your real estate social media today.