What is a Finsta?

Finsta, a combination of "fake" and "Instagram," is a slang term for a “fake Instagram” account. It's a secondary, private Instagram account where users share more authentic, unfiltered content with a smaller, trusted circle of close friends. Unlike a user's main account (sometimes called "Rinsta" or "real Instagram"), Finstas typically have stricter privacy settings and feature more candid, less curated content.

Finstas are popular among younger users who want a space to be silly, honest, or casual without worrying about how they appear to a wider audience. For example, a user might post memes, inside jokes, or candid selfies on their Finsta—things they wouldn’t normally post on their public profile. While originally meant for private fun, some have raised concerns about Finstas being used to hide online behavior from parents or peers.