What's a finsta?

Finsta is short for “fake Instagram,” and it refers to a private Instagram account that someone uses to share more personal, unfiltered content with a small group of close friends. 

Unlike their main or public account (often called a “rinsta,” or real Instagram), a finsta is more low-key and often used to post things like inside jokes, random thoughts, or behind-the-scenes moments that they wouldn’t want the whole world to see.

For example, a person might have a public Instagram where they post polished, curated photos for everyone to see, and then a finsta where they post silly selfies, rants about their day, or more vulnerable content for only their closest friends. Finstas are typically private, and the user only allows a select group of people to follow them.

Having a finsta is a way for people to share more freely without the pressure of maintaining a “perfect” image on social media. It’s a space to be more real and relaxed, away from the polished image they might feel like they need to present on their public accounts.