To invite a Facebook friend to join Instagram, you cannot send a direct "join Instagram" invitation from the app, but you can reliably share your profile link through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or email. These workarounds let your friend click the link, see your profile, and create an account to follow you.
How to invite your Facebook friend to join Instagram
Instagram does not have an officially documented feature that lets you send a specific "invite your Facebook friend to join Instagram" request from the app. The most reliable way to get your Facebook friends on Instagram is to share your profile link through other apps, which gives them a direct path to sign up and follow you.
Method 1: Share your profile link via Facebook Messenger
This method uses the documented "Share to Messenger" option to send your Instagram profile directly to a Facebook friend. It is the most direct way to reach someone you already talk to on Facebook.
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device and go to your profile.
- Tap on the profile icon located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Tap on the three horizontal lines located at the top right corner of the profile page.
- Scroll down and tap on "Settings" at the bottom of the menu.
- Choose "Invite Friends" in the Account section.
- A list of your Facebook friends who are not on Instagram will be displayed.
- Tap on the "Invite" button next to their name to send them an invitation.
- Find and open the Facebook Messenger app on your mobile device.
- Search for the friend you want to invite using the search bar at the top of the screen.
- Tap on their name to open the chat with them.
- Tap on the "More" icon (three dots) located at the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Select "Share Profile" from the options menu.
Your friend will receive a message in Messenger with a link to your Instagram profile. They can tap the link to view your profile and sign up for an Instagram account.
Method 2: Share your profile link via WhatsApp
If you communicate with your Facebook friend primarily through WhatsApp, sharing your Instagram profile link there is a common and effective workaround. This method works the same way as sharing any other file or link through the app.
- Tap the menu icon (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
- Select "Settings" from the menu.
- Choose "Invite Friends" in the Account section.
- Select the option to share your profile via WhatsApp.
- Choose the contact you want to invite and send the message.
- Open the WhatsApp app on your mobile device.
- Go to the chat with the friend you want to invite.
Your friend will receive a message in WhatsApp containing your Instagram profile link. Tapping the link will open your profile and give them the option to create an account.
Method 3: Share your profile link via email
Sharing your profile link via email uses the documented "Share via Email" option and is useful when you want to include a personal message or when your friend prefers email communication. This method is also helpful for managing Facebook privacy and notifications, as the invitation is sent outside of Facebook's notification system.
- Select "Settings" from the menu.
- Choose "Invite Friends" in the Account section.
- Select the option to share your profile via email.
- Enter your friend's email address, add a personal message if you like, and send the email.
Your friend will receive an email with a link to your Instagram profile. Clicking the link will let them view your profile and sign up for an Instagram account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Instagram have a direct "invite Facebook friend to join Instagram" feature?
No. The documented sharing options are for sharing your existing profile link, not for sending a specific invitation to create an account.
What happens when my friend clicks the shared profile link?
If they do not have an Instagram account, they will see a prompt to sign up. After creating an account, they can follow you directly from your profile.
Can I invite multiple Facebook friends at once?
You must share your profile link individually with each friend through Messenger, WhatsApp, or email.
Will my Facebook friend know I invited them?
Yes, because you are sending them a direct message through Facebook Messenger, WhatsApp, or email. They will see your name and the message containing your Instagram profile link.
Is there a limit to how many times I can share my profile link?
You can share your link with as many friends as you like using these methods.
