Instagram is first and foremost designed as a mobile app. You’re really supposed to upload from your phone, using photos you took on the phone, and in real-time (or at least, non-automated).
But that doesn’t work for everyone. Maybe you like to edit your photos in something like Lightroom first. Maybe you want to upload photos or video taken on a camera that’s not your phone. Or maybe you just don’t like typing long captions on your phone and would prefer to use a real keyboard.
Sure, you can email the photos from your computer to your phone, save them on your phone, and then upload through the Instagram app. But that’s pretty cumbersome and tedious. You can also use something like Hootsuite to schedule your Instagram posts, but their approach really only gets you halfway there and doesn’t bypass the need to use your phone to do the actual posting–it’s more like a reminder service. Buffer and Sendible tackle it basically the same way.
But other options do exist that might work better for some Instagram users, whether you’re using it for social media marketing or sharing photos privately with friends and family.
Here are several other ways to post from your PC directly to Instagram without needing to use your phone. They include third-party apps and browser tricks. Some are free; some are paid. Some work on both Mac and Windows; some work on only one or the other. Each app or service and hack works a bit differently, and each has its own pros and cons.
Secondly, to interact with Instagram and post on your account, some of these apps and services require your login details. Unless otherwise noted, I have used the apps and services listed here and haven’t come across any adverse consequences, but you should still be cautious before handing over login details to third-party services. The safest options are ones like the user-agent spoofing method where you don’t hand over your login details to third-parties.
Via a Web Browser
Normally, when you open the Instagram site in your desktop’s web browser you get a stripped-down version of the site. It allows you to do some things like comment on photos, but it doesn’t include a way to create new posts.
Several newer browsers have a function that can be used to make the Instagram site think you’re accessing it with a mobile device so that the posting feature becomes available. It’s called user agent spoofing. You can do it yourself–I’ve put together a detailed guide on how to use user agent spoofing with Instagram with major browsers–or you can use a browser plugin that does the heavy lifting for you, such as Desktop for Instagram for the Chrome browser.
Advantages of this method are that it’s free and doesn’t require installing a third-party app or plugin (unless you’re going the browser plugin route, of course). It also doesn’t require you to hand over your login credentials to a third party. But there are also disadvantages–not all Instagram features are available through the website. So you might run into limitations on features such as in-photo tagging, multi-photo posts, or stories. And there’s no way to schedule posts using this method.
Flume for Mac
Flume is full-featured Instagram client. It’s only available on Mac. There’s a free version with the basic features, but if you want to upload photos or videos directly from your computer or manage multiple accounts you’ll need to do a paid upgrade to Flume Pro.
It has a slick Mac-style interface with quite a bit of flexibility in its display. It supports multi-image carousel posts, includes filters (when using the Pro version), lets you manage activity on your account, and manage your profile. It doesn’t include scheduling.
Flume was originally available through the Mac App Store, but Apple kicked it off the store in early 2017 for possibly violating Instagram’s terms of use. The folks at Flume have bounced back and now make it available exclusively through their own website.
Uplet
Uplet is one of the simplest options if you’re using a Mac. It’s a third-party paid app available at the Mac App Store.
It’s very simple, but it gets the job done. I’ve found it to be lightweight, easy to use, and to work as advertised.
Its core is a drop panel. Simply drop the photo files onto it, fill out the caption info, and hit send. You can upload multiple photos or videos at once (each posts as a single post). It doesn’t have any filters or advanced editing features, but that simplicity is a big part of its appeal. One feature that has been recently added, though, is the ability to work with multiple Instagram accounts and toggle between them.
So if you’re on a Mac and looking for something straightforward, it’s well worth a look.
I’ve put together a more detailed guide on using Uplet to post to Instagram that includes more screenshots.
Deskgram
This is a desktop app for interacting with Instagram. There are versions for PC and Mac.
The reason I say “interacting” is that there are two versions that allow different things, although that’s not as clear as it could be in the app’s documentation.
The free version acts as an Instagram viewer, so you can do things like view images, add comments, and like images. To actually upload images or videos and tag them you’ll need to upgrade to the Pro version for $2.99 a month. (Video upload is not available in the Windows version.)
It’s straightforward enough to use. The screen looks like the older version of the Instagram mobile app and works basically the same way—it’s essentially an emulator without needing to install a separate emulator host. It doesn’t have scheduling or batch uploading options.
You can download it here: PC | Mac.
LR/Instagram
LR/Instagram is a new option for Lightroom users. It’s a plugin that enables a Publish Service linked to your Instagram account.
If you’re already using Lightroom, it’s very convenient to be able to post directly without the need to export the files and upload them as a separate process. You can crop and add padding with Lightroom’s normal editing tools, and there’s no need to open a web browser or other app. You can also add a caption and hashtags from within Lightroom. It doesn’t allow some of the other synchronization options that publish services typically offer–you can’t edit the photo or caption and republish it, for example. You don’t have access to Instagram’s built-in features (although you can, of course, use the much more powerful filter options in Lightroom), and there’s no scheduling functionality.
It’s shareware, with a $10 licensing fee, and you can download it here. I also have a detailed write-up on LR/Instagram.
Gramblr
Gramblr takes a quite different approach. It’s more complicated, but it also offers a lot more features. There are versions for Mac and Windows and is free for the basic functionality.
There are two parts to it, an app that you install on your computer and a web service. They work together in getting your photos from your desktop to posting on Instagram.
The desktop app part of it is a utility app that really just runs in the background. Once you’ve installed it, you open it to launch the main Gramblr screen and then it just quietly takes care of things behind the scenes. All your main interactions are with the web service.
There’s also a full suite of image editing tools like exposure controls and sharpening. There are also features like filters, frames, stickers, adding text overlays, and redeye correction. It also offers scheduling.
I’ve put together a more detailed guide to using Gramblr to post to Instagram. It also includes more screenshots.
You can find Gramblr here.
Other Options
Here are some other alternatives that are available but that I’ve found less useful for one reason or another.
Instagram on PC via Bluestacks: Bluestacks is an Android mobile emulator that runs on your computer. You can then install and run mobile apps inside it, including the Instagram app. I couldn’t get this to work properly on Mac, but your mileage might vary.
Instagram from Computer: This is a Chrome browser extension. I haven’t tried it and can’t vouch for it. It appears that this extension is no longer available.
Kathy McConnell says
I am really far behind on technology. I need a class for posting on instagram.
Aubrey says
I just want to thank you for posting this. I have an ipad that I used to use, but unfortunately it broke to the point I can no longer use it, so I’ve been searching for a way to post using a laptop for almost 2 years now. So thank you so much!!
cheryl says
i have Instagram installed on my android phone and it works fine. I also have instagram on my laptop it worked fine UNTIL a couple of days ago. Now I am not able to like or post a comment. What happened? I use the laptop when I am at home on wifi bc i like the larger screen. Plus I do not have unlimited data on my phone.
How can I use instagram on my laptop they way it was with the ability to like and post comments?
Thank you for your time and any suggestions you can offer.
Enjoy your day!
s says
Hi
Thanks a lot.
Desktop for Instagram worked for me.
Now I am really happy.
Danny Man says
Hey, I would like to know how to get extra likes on my instagram pictures.
Delphine F says
Hey guys,
I am looking for a no crop app to use on my PC and post on Instagram.
Any recommendation?
David says
Sorry, but I’m not sure what you mean by a no crop app. If you mean one that preserves the full aspect ratio rather than forcing a square, most of these options have that available now.
Delphine Fisher says
I am looking to upload the full image on Instagram from my PC. On my phone I use the No crop app or the Square Quick app. I am looking for such app on my PC
.
David says
That functionality is built in to Instagram itself now–you don’t need a separate app to upload and display non-square images. You can toggle as part of the upload process using the button at the bottom left–it’s available on both the regular Instagram app and if you use the user agent spoofing method described above from a PC browser. Other PC apps above also have that same functionality built in one way or another as an option when you upload. More info here.
Delphine Fisher says
Thanks a lot!
Randy says
Thanks so much. The chrome extension works great.
Fakaza -Fakaza2018 says
Thank you for this info. Now i can use instagram on my laptop well.
dee Beigh says
If Chrome’s Developer/Mobile view method doesn’t immediately work, try setting it’s view to “iPhone 6/7/8” and refresh your browser. Maybe that’ll help, if your PC has a lot of Admin restrictions (e.g., at work). I always try to avoid downloading unnecessary stuff whenever possible as a matter of principle (i.e., security).
mz says
Thanks for the information.
jennifer says
This was so helpful, thank you
David says
I’m glad!
Brian says
I tried all the methods listed for PC and none worked. This article is useless.
David says
Did you try the Desktop for Instagram browser plugin for Chrome?
R says
Thanks this finally worked. Desktop for Instagram extension.
Only concern is that the browser reports it is Not Secure. Not sure what to do about that.
edgariraguha01 says
can u just tell me how to post on ig using a pc
That Guy says
Forbes put out an article. SUPER easy to follow. 4 steps. NO FILTERS – but, again – super easy – no downloads.
Here is the article. Im not a russian hacker or nigerian king looking to send you to an adult site – hahaha Just trying to help.
LINK: https://www.forbes.com/sites/tjmccue/2018/08/30/how-to-post-on-instagram-from-pc/#2817d5a3516a
David says
That’s the same user agent spoofing technique mentioned above and covered in detail here. Some users haven’t found it to work all the time, and there are some limitations on posting because it uses Instagram’s mobile website rather than the app itself.
Brian says
I tried the Forbes steps and they didn’t work. There is no tablet icon.
edenexy says
i still dont get it though. how is it possible that i cant upload my pictures with ma laptop. Geez! i havent seen worse.. i cant even upload my videos as well. why is it like this?
dragyneslayre says
The Desktop for Instagram Chrome extension (plug in) still exists and works BEAUTIFULLY!!!!
Judy Shelton says
I can’t find that one.
Timothy McClanahan says
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/desktop-for-instagram/nlhjgcligpbnjphflfdbmabbmjidnmek?hl=en
Shantanu Malakar says
Thanks, sir. It works for me.
Robert says
do you know where to get it?
Timothy McClanahan says
https://chrome.google.com/webstore/detail/desktop-for-instagram/nlhjgcligpbnjphflfdbmabbmjidnmek?hl=en
Tracey Stepanchuk says
Yes I just tried it and it does.
yeeted says
Can u just tell me how to fcking post on insta w/ a mac
David says
Using a web browser or the Flume or Uplet apps are good places to start.
D Fish says
Chrome browser/open more tools/open developer tools/type instagram in url bar, add photos and tags…..works!!!
Ann says
Worked for me. I take photos with a DSLR camera to share. Thanks!
Robert Edwards says
Where is the URL bar once you’ve opened Developer Tools?
JANE says
You just type it into your URL bar. How do you “add photos and tags”? I don’t see an option for that. Should I?
Lui says
Thank you, for the useful information
yzorg says
This just reeks tracking in its finest:
“… Instagram very strongly encourages users to upload images from their mobile devices…”
Roy says
BTW, really great, well-written post.
Roy says
Why TF is Instagram so popular? It seems almost useless. #1 for this reason that you can’t use your computer with it. That is a limitation! Why would people move from Facebook, which does the same things and more to Instagram which is a stripped down version of Facebook??? Also, unless I am mistaken, I am now discovering that you can’t put links in IG posts either so you can’t even promote your business!!! What is the point of Instagram????
Felipe Celline says
Man, I believe the point is: people seek for new social apps/sites to try to run away from their old and not so close friends and family (these social circles are, at least for me, veeeeery boring and complicated to accept our “real life”)
Most of people dont want to create fake profiles in FB, e.g, cause their would feel like “cheating”, “being corrupt”.
So they run away, first teens and early adults, to another app that most of people still dont use or dont know how to use.
See the structure of instagram: your dont have real names, you can use whatever nick you want, change it whenever you like… it’s very “liquid”, you know?
jordan says
Less garbage filling up your feed, and its more easily consumable. Go from video to photo with half a screen swipe. Our generation prefers the stripped down version without the cumbersome complications.
You can put links in your bio, and you can pay to promote a post which allows you to link to outside websites
yeeted says
i agree lol
Actual says
Thanks for the tips.
But the truth is the Instagram engineers are smart/young/clueless to think that people only use their phones for everything.
Mary says
That’ s the point!
Mike says
No, actually people DO use their phones more now, even older people. A very small minority uses computers for everything nowadays, most use the phone mostly or even exclusively.
Jim says
Would someone please comment on this:
When I go to install Desktop for Instagram on chrome browser it requires me to agree to this:
“[App can] READ AND CHANGE ALL YOUR DATA ON THE WEBSITES YOU VISIT””
WHAT??! Isn’t this a major security breach?
Isa Goldberg says
Hi David, thanks so much, this was a very helpful article! We’re going to try out Deskgram…
Max says
Hi David, I’m Max, we are building Storrito.com to create, post and schedule Instagram stories via a desktop computer. We also solved the hard parts like adding Instagram’s story hashtags, usertags and geotags. The normal Instagram feed posts described in your article will be supported soon. I would love to get feedback, if you find Storrito useful to share your beautiful photos as Instagram story. Best regards, Max
April Hope says
Max, this sounds great. Will there be a free version as well?
Max says
Yes, we offer 10 story posts each month for free.