Here's how to post on Instagram from a Windows PC, Mac, or Chromebook. It's easy to share photos using your desktop or laptop.
Do you like to post your photos on Instagram and want to do it using your computer too? Since the service focuses on mobile devices, uploading to Instagram from your computer isn't the primary use case. But it's definitely possible to post to Instagram from a Mac, Chromebook, or any other desktop device.
Below, we show you several ways to post on Instagram from your PC or Mac.
How to post on Instagram from any desktop browser
In late 2021, Instagram finally added an official solution for uploading images from a laptop or desktop. You can now visit in any browser, log into your account, and post images as you do on your phone.
Click the button Further up on the right to start this process.
This is the best and fastest way to post on Instagram from any computer, but we also include other methods below, so you are aware of other ways.
How to post on Instagram from a Windows PC
Apart from the main option above, Windows users can also use the following methods to post on Instagram. They will work whether you are posting from a Windows laptop or desktop.
Use the Windows Store Instagram app
Instagram doesn't offer a traditional Windows desktop program, but Windows 10 and 11 users can use. It's essentially just a mobile app port, so while it's nothing fancy, it does the job.
After installing the app, log in and you will see your feed as usual. To post on Instagram, click on the icon More in the upper right corner, just like on the website. From there, drag and drop the images into the box or click the button Select from computer to choose some.
From here, you can use Instagram's familiar interface to edit the image, apply a filter, and add a caption. If you prefer an app instead of visiting a website to post every time, this method is great.
Use the mobile Instagram website in Chrome
Before the native support for posting to Instagram using the website, the best method was to use a hack where you post to Instagram from Chrome. This involves swapping the browser user agent to trick the Instagram website into thinking you are using a mobile device.
Open the Instagram website and log in. Then press F12 (or right-click and choose Inspect ) to open the Developer Console. Press the shortcut Ctrl + Maiusc + M or click the button Toggle the device toolbar on / off (highlighted below) to switch to the mobile website for Instagram.
You will see an interface just like the mobile app, complete with click and drag functionality. Click on the icon Plus at the bottom center and you can add a photo from your PC. If you don't see this icon, refresh the page with F5 or go to a different page and it should be displayed.
On the resulting screen, use Modification to edit the photo e Filter to change its appearance. Click NEXT for the final steps of adding a location, tagging others, including hashtags, and posting a caption. After clicking Share , you are good.
How to post on Instagram from a Mac
Methods for posting to Instagram from your Mac are similar to Windows steps, but we'll share Mac-specific tips here. Remember that by using the main Instagram site, you don't have to worry about any of these workarounds.
Use the mobile Instagram website with Safari
We detailed how to change your user agent in Chrome above, which will also work on a Mac. If you prefer to use Safari, follow these instructions.
Open the window of Safari preferences using Safari> Preferences or the shortcut Cmd + Comma . Switch to the tab Advanced and check the box below Show Develop menu in menu bar .
Then, open the Instagram website and log in. Open the new tab Development on the menu bar and choose User Agent > Safari — iOS xx — iPhone .
The page will refresh and you will see the icon bar along the bottom just like in the mobile app. Click on the icon More in the center and you will be asked to upload an image from your computer.
From there, follow the steps to edit, add a filter if you like, and publish.
How to post on Instagram from a Chromebook
If you're using Chrome OS, the instructions are exactly the same as above with the Instagram desktop site. If you need an alternative method for any reason, you can follow the instructions in the “Use the Instagram mobile website in Chrome” section above. It works exactly the same way, allowing you to publish an image from the Chromebook's memory.
Most modern Chromebooks have the ability to download and use Android apps as well. If you prefer, you can download the Instagram app for Android and use it to post, similar to the Microsoft Store app on Windows.
Just open the Play Store and search for it like you would on your phone. From there, you can log into the mobile app and share your photos.
A notice on third-party Instagram apps
On both Windows and Mac, you'll find several third-party apps that offer the ability to upload images to Instagram, among other features. Flume is one example among many. We recommend that you avoid using these apps for two reasons.
First, if they don't redirect you to the official Instagram login page, you have no guarantee that they will keep your password secure. Entering your credentials in third-party apps could lead to compromise of your account. Apple has banned several third-party Instagram apps from the App Store for violating this policy.
Second, most of these apps require paying for the premium version to upload the images (or more than some in the free trial version). This is a waste of money for something you can do for free.
Also, some apps include questionable features like "Free Likes" which are spam and against. Even if you don't abuse these features, Instagram may disable your account for using unauthorized apps like this one.
Stick to one of the original methods above and you shouldn't encounter any of these problems.
