While Instagram is primarily designed to be used on the Instagram app, it is also available for web browsers. So, you can post content on Instagram from a web browser using Instagram’s website. Well, you are not aware of how to use Instagram on a web browser? There’s no need to worry, this guide is just for you.
Using Instagram on a web browser can feel a little different at first but once you get hang of it, it is very simple to use. It is a great alternative to the Instagram app. You can also connect and interact with users using Instagram on a web browser.
Though initially Instagram web version had limited features now it offers almost all the features of the Instagram app like posting photos or videos or viewing Instagram live. It even offers functionality like shopping options that might not be available on the Instagram app.
What is Instagram’s web version?
The Instagram web is the desktop version of the social media platform Instagram. The version can be e accessed through a web browser and you do not need to install the Instagram app.
The Instagram web version offers the same features as the Instagram mobile app like posting videos or photos or seeing others’ stories etc. However, there is some difference in functionality and the interface.
I ti soften said that the Instagram app has a more streamlined and intuitive look while the Instagram web version is more inclined towards a traditional desktop look. Overall, it can be said it is a great alternative to the Instagram app and can be used on any device.
Instagram Web Login
To log in to your Instagram account on the Instagram web, here’s what you need to do:
- Open your web browser on your device.
- Now in the URL bar, type “instagram.com” and press enter.
- Now once the Instagram page loads, type your username and password in the given fields to log in to your account.
- If you want your browser to remember your login information, kindly tick the “remember me” box.
- Now tap “Login” and you will enter your Instagram account.
How to Use Instagram on a Web Browser
Using the Instagram web version might seem a little intimidating initially, but knowing a few basics can easily ace it. Here are some basics that you should know about the Instagram browser and how to use it:
- Home- You will see a “hut-shaped icon” on your homepage. This is where users can view Instagram posts from Instagram accounts they follow in a curated feed.
- Create posts- Users will see a “+” icon on the screen which is used to create an Instagram post. Users can use this option to upload a photo or video with captions or hashtags on their Instagram account.
- Explore icon- users will also see a “Compass icon” on their screens. People can discover different and new content on Instagram using this feature. You can also see Instagram posts from accounts you don’t follow.
- Messages: The message icon will take you to your direct messages, including personal chats and groups.
- Profile: Users can see their “profile picture” on the screen, which will take them to their Instagram profile page. There you can see your Instagram posts, stories, highlights, bio, etc. You can also access Instagaram’s settings using this option.
- Activity and recent mentions: The “heart icon” enables users to see recent activity on their account including recent likes, comments, or mentions.
Apart from the abovementioned features, you can like, comment and share Instagram posts or videos from other Instagram accounts. Using these features is similar to the Instagram app version.
This means you can like a photo using the “heart icon” or share using the “arrow icon”. Similarly, you can comment using the “comment feature”.
How to post on Instagram from a computer
Posting on Instagram from a computer is very much simple. Here’s a step-by-step guide for how to post on Instagram from a computer:
- Open your web browser and go to “instagram.com”. “Login” to your account.
- Locate the “+” symbol in the top right corner of the page.
- Choose the photo or video you want to post from your computer by clicking ”Select Files”.
- Now you can edit your photo or video by adjusting the brightness and filters and then add a caption to your post. You can also add hashtags or locations if you want to.
- Now “Share” to post your content.
Please note that not all features of the Instagram app are available when you use Instagram from a computer. Nevertheless, it is a very convenient option when you don’t have the Instagram app within your reach.
How Instagram web differs from the mobile app
Instagram on mobile App and the web are very much similar. However, there is some difference in functionality. Here are some key differences we could find-
- User Interface- The interface on the Instagram web is very different from the app. Instagram app is generally considered more user-friendly and easy to navigate. On the other hand, Instagram Web is a desktop-life interface with menus and buttons.
- Features- The features offered on the Instagram web are incomplete. Adding stories or reels is not supported on the Instagram web version. Now certain things like the option to shop is not available on the Instagram app.
- Posting content is easy on the app as users can take photos or record videos from their device and directly post on Instagram. However, on Instagram web, you can only upload which is a little time-consuming.
In short, the Instagram app is more accessible and easy to use and Instagram web differs from it in these aspects.
Latest Instagram Web Features
Following are some of the latest Instagram web features you will find:
- Share Posts- Instagram allows users to share photos or videos using the “+” icon on the Instagram web version. Users cannot however upload their photos or videos using the Instagram story feature.
- Send Private Messages- Earlier, sending or receiving messages was not permitted on the Instagram web. However, users can exchange messages in personal or group chats.
- View Instagram live- Before, only users can view Instagram live on the Instagram app. However, they can also see Instagram live using their Instagram on web browsers.
- Explore content- In the early days, users can only see content from their posts; however, using the explore feature they can see content from other Instagram accounts and explore more on the Instagram web version.
Why the web version of Instagram is better than the app
There are certain reasons we can say that the web version of Instagram is better than the Instagram app. We will list down the reasons for you:
- Multitasking- You can open different windows on a browser and navigate between all the windows effectively. Thus, multitasking is easy.
- Easy to type long comments and captions- If you use the Instagram web version on a laptop or PC, then it will be easier to type anything on Instagram using the keyboard.
- Save Storage- the Instagram app will take up storage on your device. However, there is no such thing when you use the Instagram web version. Thus Instagram web version will help you save storage.
- Shop from Businesses- With Instagram’s web version, you can easily shop from Instagram’s businesses which are not possible on the Instagram app.
- Larger screen- If you use Instagram on a desktop, you can experience using Instagram on a larger screen, which is impossible on the phone Instagram app.
Can I use Instagram in Safari?
Safari is a browser developed by Apple and available on Apple’s devices. Yes, you can use Instagram in safari. Here’s what you need to do to use Instagram safari:
Open safari> Go to “instagram.com”> Enter username and password> Login. Now you can enjoy Instagram on the safari browser.
How do I use the Instagram web on my phone?
You can also use Instagram on the Instagram web browser of your phone. Here’s how to use the Instagram web on your phone:
- Open your web browser on your device.
- Now in the URL bar, type “instagram.com” and press enter.
- Now once the Instagram page loads, type your username and password in the given fields to log in to your account.
- If you want your browser to remember your login information, kindly tick the “remember me” box.
- Now tap “Login” and you will enter your Instagram account.
Once you log in, you can either post content on your own account or interact with the Instagram posts from other accounts.
The Instagram web version is thus a little different from the Instagram app but essentially the basic features remain the same. It is entirely your choice which version you want to choose. Happy Instagramming!
