# Getting started
## Prerequisites

Before working with Infobip to get Instagram Messaging enabled, you must have the following:

- Infobip official account. If you do not have an Infobip account, [sign up](https://www.infobip.com/signup) for an account.
- Administrator access to Facebook and Instagram accounts.

## Connection

Contact your Infobip Account Manager to request this channel to be enabled in your Infobip web interface. The Infobip Account Manager will inform you when the  request is approved and the channel is enabled.

After the channel is enabled, go to the Infobip web interface > **Channels and Numbers** > **Instagram Messaging**, and carry out the instructions in the following sections.

### Convert your Instagram account into a Business account [#convert-your-instagram-account-into-a-business-account-connection]

 Note
If you have a business Instagram account already, ignore this section.

To [convert](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/502981923235522) your Instagram account into a professional account, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Instagram account.
2. In the top-right corner of the page, click your profile > **Settings**.
3. In the menu on the left, click **Switch to Professional Account**.
4. Click **Continue**.
5. Choose a category for your account.
6. Follow the onscreen instructions to complete the conversion.

### Connect your Instagram account with your Facebook account [#connect-your-instagram-account-with-your-facebook-account-connection]
 Note
If your Instagram account is connected with your Facebook account already, ignore this section.

To [connect](https://www.facebook.com/business/help/898752960195806) your Instagram account with your Facebook account, follow these steps:

1. Log in to your Facebook business page as an administrator.
2. Open your Facebook business page.
3. In the menu on the left, choose **Settings**.
4. Choose **Instagram**.
5. To add an Instagram account to your page, choose **Connect account**.
6. Enter your Instagram username and password.

### Connect your Instagram account with your Infobip account [#connect-your-instagram-account-with-your-infobip-account-connection]

1. Click **Instagram Messaging**.
2. Click **Connect account**.

You will receive a notification that you have successfully connected your Instagram account with Conversations.

### Configure your Instagram account [#configure-your-instagram-account-connection]

To send messages from your Instagram account through the Infobip web interface, you must enable permissions in your Instagram account.

Follow these steps:

1. In the Instagram Messaging application, log on to your Instagram account.
2. Go to **Settings** > **Privacy** > **Messages**.
3. Under **Connected Tools**, enable **Allow Access to Messages**.

## Channel specifics

Instagram Messaging is a session-based channel.

Bots can message a customer directly within 24 hours of receiving the last message from the customer.

Agents can message a customer directly within 7 days of receiving the last message from the customer. When an agent responds within this period, the tag ''HUMAN_AGENT'' is added to the message automatically.