There's no point in trying to use Meta-crap "privately", as these services main goal is to NOT respect privacy and make life miserable for anyone who dares. If you really need it for work-releated stuff, buy a second phone/device, register another e-mail - basically create separate digital identity for your "public" (non-private) life. Otherwise you will have to deal with various annoyances, like randomly logging you out, demanding SMS authentication or locking your account for some dumb reasons. Insta/FB are absolute garbage, and the last thing we should give them is our anger and stress due to dealing with their BS. It's not good for your health folks :)

Don't use the mobile app and only use it in a FF container with uBO. This will limit your posting options though, as some stuff like reels are only available on the mobile app I believe.

Buy a second hand phone

install a custom ROM / block all the shit corpo stuff

Make an email just for that phone

Get a temp number if needed for registration.

use a prepaid Sim or twillo or something. After registering remove the Sim and only use WiFi.

Install fdroid

install aurora store via fdroid

Install a vpn (próton is free or get mullvad)

force the vpn to always be on

then install Instagram

Dont give the app any permissions and keep private data off the phone.

Put tape over the cameras.

Is this a serious question? There is NO WAY to use Meta products privately. Private Meta is literally an oxymoron.

You'll know that you're doing it right when they lock your account and won't let you login.

These companies profit off of your data. They don't take kindly to users who don't let them link your account to a profile that they can sell.

Good luck creating a new account as folks are suggesting as they will require like scans of your head for ID (that’s what they asked me last time I bothered trying before I realized I was better off without it)

With firefox or a hardened fork of firefox (like mull/fennec/iceraven etc.) there is a button in settings where you can install/add to homescreen and have an app-like experience for any site including instagram. (Not sure if this is on ios though.) You can also have noscript, ublock origin, and privacy badger addons running for a bit of extra protection and as you said email alias and vpn at all times. If you're on a hardened OS like CalyxOS or Graphene you can also sandbox or work profile the browser to add another degree of separation.

You may run into problems during signup because meta has been known to use viseo/photo upload verification for accounts made with alias emails and/or from a vpn IP, but once you're in there shouldn't be an issue. If there is, you might want to bite the bullet and sign up in a normal way, then use privacy measures to mitigate data collection, depending on your threat model.

Like others have stated, using a container is probably the best way to help minimize footprint. Use fake info/data when possible, maybe?

Good luck 🍀

I'm in the same boat as you in that I need Instagram for work. My approach is to create a separate work profile in GrapheneOS. I handle all of my mobile work apps in that profile using a separate VPN from all other profiles. I don't expect to be completely free from tracking in this profile, but for my threat model I don't mind too much. Any web queries I make in this profile I keep strictly work related.

People arguing you just shouldn't use Instagram need to remember Instagram is a tool just like Windows, Adobe, etc. Sometimes you need a specific tool to do your job and I believe as long as you containerize that aspect of your life then you'll be fine.

Just don't use your work Instagram for personal stuff, not even browsing memes.

Use an Instagram-specific site container to isolate your activity from your normal browsing. Imo this is really the only thing that matters that doesn't have to do with your self control. You want to make sure Meta gets nothing from cross-site tracking and containerizing IG should do that. Also, don't visit links to and from IG. Look it up manually through IG search.

firejail firefox

You don't create an account. And do not save coookiies for it. Only use a web browser. This would severy limit your usage as Instagram would constantly nag you to login and deteriorate your experience. But worth it. This is how I use it.

You don't have to go to Instagram frequently but only when someone shares a link with you.