How to Give Someone a Shoutout on Instagram

An Instagram shoutout is a screenshot of another user's profile page uploaded to your account to show support and give exposure to the other user. Shoutouts can increase a user's followers and provide advertising to small businesses and websites. By shouting out to other users, you may get shoutouts to your account in return.

Screenshots on Newer Devices

If you're using an iPhone, press the “Home” and “Sleep” buttons together to save a screenshot in your Camera Roll. If you have an Android phone with version 4.0 or above, press the “Volume Down” and “Power” buttons together to save a screenshot in your Gallery application. Some earlier Android devices have a screenshot function, but since the method isn't standard, you must refer to your owner's manual for instructions.

Screenshots on Older Android Devices

If you have an older Android phone without a screenshot function, you must download a screenshot program and connect your device to a computer to take a screenshot. Open Google Play on your phone and download a program such as Screenshot Ultimate, Screenshot Free or No Root Screenshot It (links in Resources). These programs all use a similar method for taking a screenshot, and each program provides specific instructions for downloading a companion desktop application from the developers' website when you open the software on your Android device the first time. Before pairing your device with the desktop software, you must enable USB debugging by tapping “Settings,” “Applications,” “Development” and “USB Debugging.” Install the companion software on your computer and connect your Android device using its USB cable. Your computer immediately detects your device and you don't need to tap “USB Connected” since you're not transferring files. When you run the desktop application, your device's screenshot capability is unlocked and you can capture a screenshot by shaking your device.

Upload a Shoutout to Instagram

Open an Instagram user's profile page on your device and capture a screenshot. When uploaded, the picture is cropped into a square, so you don't need to edit it with external software. Tap the “Camera” button in the Instagram menu bar and choose “Library” to upload the screenshot from your device. The bottom portion of the screenshot is removed, and the square top portion, including the other user's main profile picture, is displayed on your Instagram page.