What does PC on Instagram Mean? The Complete Guide

When you scroll through social media, you often see abbreviations like PC. Many people guess what they mean, but let’s be honest, lots of folks are confused by these terms. Some even think PC means personal computer.

This guide will explain what PC really means on Instagram and how people use it. If you’ve ever wondered about this, you’re in the right place.

So, what does PC actually mean?

Here’s a hint: it’s not about computers anymore. When you see the tag PC in a caption or comment, it stands for photo credit or picture credit. It’s a quick way to say, I didn’t take the photo; this person did.

For example:

– Best day, PC @selly
– Got a new haircut, PC @jacob
– One fine evening, PC @natasha

In each example, the person tagged is the one who took the picture you see on your feed.

But Wait, Isn’t a PC Also a Computer?

This is exactly why people get confused! Yes, outside of Instagram, PC typically means “Personal Computer” – like your laptop or desktop.

Here’s a quick cheat sheet to keep things straight:

• When someone says “PC” while talking about technology = Personal Computer
• When someone says “PC” in an Instagram caption = Photo Credit

Why People Use “PC” in Their Instagram Posts

Using “PC” isn’t just about being trendy – it actually serves some important purposes:

1. Giving Credit Where It’s Due

If there is an amazing photographer who spends hours taking a nice picture will deserves little credit. That credit is done with his PC mention. If somebody likes the photo and wants to work with that photographer this basic credit will help them to reach out to the particular person. Also in a simple example if someone asks you who cooked the food that you didn’t will obviously tell who cooked it right? PC is like telling before they ask.

2. Avoiding Awkward Situations

Sometimes when a professional photographer clicks the photo and you post without mentioning them in PC, they will think you are using their service for free which will lead to some awkward situations. To avoid those uncomfortable situations it is always recommended to use PC to keep the relationship positive and also give the credit for the work done.

3. Building Community Through Recognition

I hope you might have seen photographers sharing the pictures from another account where their name is mentioned as PC and they will also leave some nice comments on the post. This will create a good cycle of support and appreciation in the ecosystem.

4. Staying on the Right Side of Copyright

Here’s something most people don’t think about: posting someone else’s photo without credit could potentially get you in trouble. I learned this the hard way when I reposted a cool street art photo without credit, and the original photographer sent me a pretty stern message.

Where You’ll See “PC” Most Often on Instagram

From what I’ve noticed, “PC” pops up most frequently in these situations:

Professional Photoshoots

My friend who models is constantly posting shots with “PC: @photographername.” It’s basically industry standard in the modeling world to credit your photographer.

Last month, she did a swimwear shoot and forgot to tag the photographer in one post. The photographer commented within minutes! These credits matter to professionals.

Travel Photos

Remember vacations? Those times when we’d hand our phones to strangers and ask them to take our picture?

“Finally made it to the Grand Canyon! PC: random nice tourist” is something I’ve posted before. Though honestly, I doubt that tourist is going to find my post and feel appreciated!

Group Pictures

Ever been to a wedding where one person takes photos of everyone? That’s when you’ll see lots of “PC: @bridesmaid_sarah” captions popping up as everyone posts their favorite shots.

Food and Product Shots

Brands and food bloggers are religious about photo credits. My friend who runs a small bakery always writes “PC: @foodstylist” on her gorgeous pastry photos.

She told me that proper crediting is actually written into her contracts with photographers – that’s how important it is in the business world.

How to Use “PC” the Right Way

If you’re going to use “PC” in your posts, here’s how to do it without looking like you’re trying too hard:

In Regular Posts

The simplest approach is to just add it at the end of your caption:

“Had the best day hiking! PC: @hikingbuddy”

In Stories

When I post to my Stories, I usually:

1. Add the photo
2. Type “PC: @username” in a corner where it doesn’t block anything important
3. Use the mention sticker so the photographer actually gets notified

My photographer friends tell me they really appreciate the mention sticker because it helps them see who’s sharing their work.

With Multiple Photographers

Last month, I posted a carousel of concert pics taken by different friends. I wrote: “Best night ever! PC: slides 1-2 @friend1, slides 3-4 @friend2”

It looked a bit clunky, but everyone got proper credit, and they all appreciated being recognized for their specific shots.

Do You Really Need to Use “PC” Every Time?

This is something I wondered about for a while! Here’s what I’ve figured out:

You Don’t Need “PC” When:

• You took the photo yourself (obviously!)
• You used a self-timer or remote
• You’re posting screenshots (like of a funny text conversation)

I used to write “PC: me” until my younger cousin told me that was extremely uncool. Lesson learned!

PC vs. Other Instagram Credits: What’s the Difference?

“PC” isn’t the only credit abbreviation you’ll see on Instagram. Here are some others I’ve noticed:

DC = Dance Credit

My niece is obsessed with dance videos on Instagram. She always uses “DC” when copying someone else’s choreography. Like: “Tried this routine! DC: @dancerking”

VC = Video Credit

When someone else films your video, you might see “VC” instead of “PC.” My brother uses this all the time for his skateboarding clips.

MUA = Makeup Artist

This one’s not exactly the same, but you’ll see it alongside “PC” in posts like: “New headshots! PC: @photographer, MUA: @makeupgenius”

I once forgot to tag my friend who did my makeup for a special event, and she sent me a “friendly reminder” text within minutes of posting!

OC = Original Content

Some people use “OC” to specifically claim they created something themselves. It’s like the opposite of “PC” – instead of giving credit, you’re claiming credit.

Why Photo Credit Actually Matters More Than You Think

I used to think “PC” was just a formality, but I’ve changed my mind after seeing how much it means to photographers. Here’s why it really matters:

For Professional Photographers

My friend started a photography business last year, and she says Instagram credit is literally how she gets 70% of her new clients. When she shoots a wedding and all the guests tag her in their posts, she often gets booked by their friends who see her work.

For Aspiring Creators

My teenage neighbor loves taking photos and dreams of becoming a professional someday. When people use “PC” to tag him, his face lights up! It’s validation that his work matters.

The Bottom Line

So there you have it – “PC” is just two little letters, but they carry a lot of meaning on Instagram. Using them shows respect for photographers, builds community, and keeps everything above board.

Next time you’re about to post a photo someone else took, remember this article and add those two little letters. Your photographer friends will thank you, and you’ll be doing your part to keep Instagram a place where creativity is properly recognized!