Summary: Investing directly in Instagram isn’t possible since it’s not a publicly-traded company. However, investors can buy stock of its parent company, Meta (NASDAQ: META). The most convenient way to do so is through a regulated online broker platform. Our brokerage of choice for buying Meta stock is eToro.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
About Instagram
Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram quickly rose to fame as a photo-sharing app that allowed users to capture and share their life moments through captivating images.
The platform’s user base grew exponentially, attracting the attention of Facebook, which acquired Instagram in 2012. Under Facebook’s ownership, Instagram continued to evolve, introducing features like Stories, IGTV, and shoppable posts, transforming it into a robust social media and e-commerce platform.
Instagram IPO
Note
However, as of 2024, Instagram has not conducted a separate IPO since it was acquired by Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook). But this doesn’t mean that it’s not possible to invest in it. Investors can, instead, purchase shares of Instagram’s parent company, Meta.
How to buy Instagram stock: Step-by-step
In case you’re looking to invest in Instagram indirectly through its parent company, Meta, you can do so by following our step-by-step guide below:
Step 1: Choosing a right broker
Note
Once you conduct thorough research about the stock market, you can move on and look for a stock broker. Search and select a reputable brokerage that aligns with your investment goals, all while offering a user-friendly platform.
When it comes to investing in META stock, our brokerage of choice is eToro. Licensed and regulated by FinCEN in the US, eToro is home to over 30 million investors worldwide. Some of the reasons for such high numbers include:
- Commission-free stock trading;
- 2,000+ stocks from 17 exchanges;
- Fractional shares;
- User-friendly platform.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
Step 2: Open an account
With your eyes set on a certain brokerage that meets your investment needs, the next step will be to open an account. To do so, you should simply follow your chosen broker’s instructions. This process is usually rather simple. All you have to do is provide your personal information and financial details, along with verification.
Step 3: Deposit funds
With a newly-made account, you’ll need to fund it with the money you’re willing to invest. However, make sure that you’re comfortable with the risk associated with stock trading, and never invest more than you can afford to lose.
Step 4: Place an order
Once you fund your account, you’ll be ready to place an order. Therefore, use your brokerage account to search for Meta by typing its ticker symbol META. Afterward, you can choose between market orders and limit orders.
- Market orders: Buying at the current market price;
- Limit orders: Buying at a specific price.
Note
Step 5: Monitor your investment
Purchasing META stock won’t be the end of your investment journey. At least not if you’re looking to be a smart and responsible investor. To be one, you should keep an eye out for your investment by monitoring it every now and then. Luckily, most brokerages offer tracking tools, so you can keep track of your investment’s performance and make necessary adjustments if needed.
Pros and cons of investing in Meta
Pros
- Diverse platform portfolio: Meta’s portfolio includes some of the world’s most widely used social media and communication platforms, reaching billions of users. This diversification can provide stability and growth potential, as the company taps into different markets and demographics;
- Innovation and research: Meta is at the forefront of technological innovation. They are investing in virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and other emerging technologies. If these endeavors succeed, they could open up new revenue streams and boost the company’s long-term growth;
- Monetization strategies: Meta has successfully monetized its platforms through advertising and e-commerce features. Instagram, for instance, has become a hub for influencers and e-commerce, potentially driving higher revenues in the future;
- Global presence: Meta maintains a vast global presence through its diverse portfolio of social media platforms, including Facebook, collectively engaging with over 3 billion users worldwide.
Cons
- Regulatory and privacy concerns: Meta has faced regulatory scrutiny over data privacy and antitrust issues. Government regulations could impact the company’s operations, leading to fines or changes in business practices;
- Competition: The tech industry is highly competitive, with other companies vying for users’ attention. Rivals can quickly innovate and capture market share, potentially affecting Meta’s growth;
- User engagement challenges: Changes in user behavior, such as reduced engagement with social media or shifts to newer platforms, could impact Meta’s platforms negatively.
META stock price today
Common mistakes to avoid when buying stocks
Any form of investing, buying stocks included, carries inherent risks. It’s, therefore, essential to avoid making common mistakes like some other novice investors. Some of these include:
- Lack of research: Failing to research the company and market trends can lead to uninformed decisions;
- Emotional trading: Letting emotions drive your trading decisions can result in impulsive actions and losses;
- Overlooking fees: Some brokerages charge fees for transactions. Be aware of these costs, as they can impact your returns;
- Not diversifying: Investing solely in one stock exposes you to higher risk. Diversify your portfolio to spread risk across different investments.
Note
How to Buy TikTok Stock, How to Buy YouTube Stock, and How to Buy WhatsApp Stock.
Disclaimer: The content on this site should not be considered investment advice. Investing is speculative. When investing, your capital is at risk.
FAQs
Can I directly buy Instagram stock?
No, since Instagram is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook), you’ll need to buy META shares to invest indirectly in Instagram.
Is stock trading risky?
Yes, stock trading involves risks. Prices can fluctuate, and there’s a potential for loss. It’s essential to invest only what you can afford to lose.
How do I choose a reliable brokerage?
Look for brokerages with a good reputation, user-friendly platforms, reasonable fees, and a variety of research tools. That said, our go-to option is eToro.
Should I invest for the short or long term?
Your investment horizon depends on your goals. The thing is—short-term trading aims for quick gains, while long-term investing involves holding stocks for years to benefit from potential growth.
Highly Rated Stock Trading & Investing Platform
-
Invest in 2,800+ stocks and other assets including 70+ cryptocurrencies and commodities.
-
0% commission on buying stocks - buy in bulk or just a fraction from as little as $10. Other fees apply. For more information, visit etoro.com/trading/fees.
-
Copy top-performing traders in real time, automatically.
-
eToro USA is registered with FINRA for securities trading.
