How to Remove Category on Instagram: A Guide & Alternatives

From “Entrepreneur” to “Musician” and everything in between, categories provide a quick snapshot of your Instagram profile. 

While they can be helpful for attracting the right audience, there are times when you might want to remove or modify them to better align with your evolving brand identity or personal preferences.

In this comprehensive guide, I’ll break down each step in detail so that you can remove, or modify a category on your Instagram profile with ease. And as categories are crucial for showcasing your expertise, I’ll also discuss how you can maintain that personality even after removing the category!

5 Simple Steps to Remove Category on Instagram and Undo it Anytime

1. Open your Instagram app and navigate to your profile.

2. Tap “Edit Profile” located just below your bio and username.

3. Scroll down until you see the “Profile Display” section and tap on it.

4. Inside the “Profile Display” menu look for the toggle button called “Display Category label”. Simply, toggle the switch to the off position.

5. Once you’ve made your choice, don’t forget to tap “Done” in the top right corner to save your changes.

So, that’s it, you have successfully removed the category from your account.

But, someday, you may want to change your profile category and show it again on your profile! To do that-

1. Again, go to your profile and access to the “Edit Profile” menu.

2. Within the Edit Profile menu, you’ll find an option labeled “Category.” Tap on this option to reveal a dropdown menu containing a list of predefined categories. 

3. Take a moment to browse through the options and select the category that best represents your profile. Whether you’re a fitness guru, a travel enthusiast, or a fashion icon, there’s a category for everyone.

4. After selecting your category click on the “Done” button on the top right corner and come back to the “Edit Profile” menu.

5. Once you are back on the “Edit Profile” menu, simply scroll down and go to the “Profile Display” option and then turn on the “Display Category Label” option, and click on the done button on the top to save your action.

In this way, you can remove and change your category to re-display it on your profile whenever you want.

Indeed, removing the category can contribute to a clean and minimalist aesthetic for your profile if you prefer a more streamlined look. And as you have decided to remove the category from your Instagram profile, we showed you the path.

However, there are some potential downsides to consider:

Cons of Removing Your Instagram Category

• Reduced Discoverability: Categories help users searching for specific types of businesses or creators find you. Removing it might make it harder for potential followers who rely on category browsing to discover your profile.
• Loss of Context: Your category provides a quick and easy way for visitors to understand what you do. Without it, they might need to spend more time deciphering your brand from your bio and content.
• Limited Targeting Options: If you plan to run Instagram ads in the future, having a relevant category allows for more targeted campaigns. Without it, your ad reach might be less precise.

But don’t worry, there are effective strategies you can implement to compensate for this and maintain strong account performance:

Compensating for a Hidden Category: Leveraging Hashtags and Optimizing Bio

1. Hashtag Powerhouse:

Hashtags are a fantastic way to reach a targeted audience on Instagram, even without a displayed category. Here’s how to leverage them effectively:

• Research is Key: Dedicate time to researching relevant hashtags associated with your niche or industry. Utilize Instagram’s search suggestions and explore third-party hashtag research tools to identify popular and niche hashtags.
• The Mix Matters: Create a balanced mix of popular and niche hashtags in your captions. Popular hashtags attract a wider audience, while niche hashtags target highly interested users within your specific area. Aim for a mix of 5-10 hashtags per post, striking a balance between reach and relevance.
• Track and Analyze: Monitor which hashtags perform best for your content. Tools like Instagram Insights or third-party analytics platforms can reveal valuable data on reach and engagement for each hashtag. This allows you to refine your hashtag strategy over time and focus on the ones that generate the most results.

2. Use The Bio as Your Spotlight:

Your bio becomes even more crucial when your category is hidden. It’s your primary opportunity to make a strong first impression and tell visitors exactly who you are and what you do. Here’s how to optimize your bio:

• Keyword Magic: Integrate relevant keywords related to your niche or industry throughout your bio. This helps users searching for specific terms discover your profile more easily. Utilize keyword research tools to identify the most relevant terms your target audience might be searching for.
• Clear and Concise: Keep your bio concise and easy to read. Use clear, concise language that effectively conveys your brand essence and value proposition. Aim for around 150 characters to ensure everything is displayed without truncation.
• Call to Action: Conclude your bio with a clear call to action (CTA). This could be inviting users to visit your website, learn more about your services, or follow a link in your profile. A strong CTA encourages engagement and helps you achieve your desired outcome.

3. Bonus Tip: Compelling Content is King (and Queen):

Remember, regardless of your category status, the most important factor for sustained account performance is consistently creating high-quality, engaging content. Focus on producing visually appealing photos and videos, crafting informative and interesting captions, and fostering interaction with your audience through comments and stories.

By providing valuable and engaging content, you’ll naturally attract followers and maintain a thriving profile, even without a displayed category.

By implementing these strategies, you can effectively compensate for a hidden category and ensure your Instagram profile continues to perform well.

But if you’re experiencing issues with Instagram, such as categories not updating or changes not saving, it’s crucial to understand the underlying problems that might be affecting your app. Sometimes, these issues are connected to broader problems within the platform. For instance, users often report that Instagram couldn’t load activity, which could be a sign of similar underlying issues.

To troubleshoot these effectively and ensure a smoother experience on Instagram, check out our comprehensive guide on resolving activity loading problems.

Final Words: Curating Your Instagram Presence