There was a time when I used to think can I download Instagram app on my PC. Instagram is undoubtedly one of the top social media platforms. It was built for and still exists mostly as a mobile app. But that doesn’t mean you can’t access Instagram on your computer, be it a PC or Mac.
But before you start searching your app store, it’s important to note that there are different ways to get Instagram on PC.
Can I Download Instagram App on my PC to Use?
There is a desktop app and an online version for PC users, each with similar features. The Mac version is mobile-only, leaving you with the website as an option. In the App Store, you will be told that the Instagram app is only available for iPhones.
The good news is, you have everything you need to view your Instagram feed on your desktop, whether you use a PC or a Mac. Just open your favorite web browser and go to Instagram.com. But if you visit Instagram often, the desktop app might be a better option for PC users, and there’s a better desktop option for both PC and Mac.
Why Install Instagram on Your Desktop?
You probably think of Instagram as a mobile app. In fact, when it was first released in 2010, it was exclusive to Apple’s mobile operating system. Android users didn’t get in on the fun until 2012 when a version for these mobile devices was launched.
Instagram makes sense as a mobile app. You can take photos and upload them with minimal additional effort. Chances are, you’re not taking photos from your desktop or laptop computer. But even Instagram acknowledged that desktop users want to access it, too.
Instagram is still primarily a mobile app, but you’ve long been able to access it by opening a web browser and typing in Instagram.com. There, you’ll be able to scroll through your feed, follow other users, and comment.
Until recently, you couldn’t post photos or videos from your desktop. You must use your mobile device for this functionality. The desktop version of Instagram is especially beneficial for business users who need to manage multiple feeds throughout the day.
Instead of having to pick up a mobile device to add content, you can do everything from your desktop. This can be easier for content managers to handle as they can work while looking at their editorial calendars and Trello boards.
How to get Instagram on Your Computer?
If you own a PC, you have options. You can download the Instagram app by visiting the Microsoft Store and typing Instagram in the search box. Click Get and click Launch to open it once installed. If you don’t want to download the app, you can go to Instagram.com in your web browser.
You can even set it as a bookmark and place it in your bookmarks toolbar in Google Chrome. This means you can always reach it with one click.
Another option is to set the website as a shortcut. Google Chrome makes it easy. When you’re on Instagram, click the three vertical dots in the top right corner. Choose Tools-More Tools-Create Shortcut.
Name your shortcut, and you’re done. You can then right-click the shortcut and select Pin to Taskbar if you want it docked to the bottom where you can easily reach it.
How to get Instagram on your Mac?
There may not be a desktop app for Mac, but you can still benefit from this solution. It is available for both Windows and Mac and lets you set an icon for Instagram along with your other favorite apps. This is probably the best option if you have multiple Instagram accounts as you can easily switch between them.
Another option is to use the web version of Instagram. You can even set up a shortcut so it’s easy to access as needed throughout the day. For Chrome, follow these steps:
- Click the vertical dots in the upper right corner of your browser.
- Choose More Tools and create a shortcut
- Name your shortcut.
- Your new shortcut will be saved in a Chrome Apps folder, at which point you can drag it to your desktop or to your dock at the bottom of the screen.
If Safari is your Mac browser, follow these steps to save Instagram as a desktop shortcut:
- Highlight the Instagram.com URL.
- Shrink your browser window slightly until part of your desktop is visible.
- Drag the highlighted URL to your desktop.
A final option that some Mac users find beneficial is to install an Android emulator on their Mac. You can then interact with Instagram just like you would on an Android device. This can be a solution if you have other Android apps that you want to access this way.
Final Words
The use case for the Windows version depends a lot on whether you have a phone, need a keyboard, or can’t go without Instagram until you get your phone back. Maybe you’re in class or you took too much scroll time.