Ask HN: Why does Instagram ask users about their gender (in profile settings)?

2 pointsRizkSaade2 comments

It's not a required information but it is listed as a field in the Private Information section of the profile settings. Thank you

Probably just to collect demographic info for marketing, future design/enhancement considerations, etc.

+1 - that's the reason. Same reason why Facebook collects demographic data, interests, favorite tv shows, martial status, etc. It's all targetable.