The message “user not found” on Instagram indicates that the account being searched for is either non-existent, has been deactivated, or the username has been altered. For example, if an individual attempts to view the profile of an account that was recently deleted by its owner, this notification will appear.
This response is a critical component of user privacy and platform security. It ensures that accounts removed from the system are no longer accessible, safeguarding personal information. Understanding this message helps users differentiate between temporary glitches and permanent account changes, providing clarity about the status of a specific profile.