How to Post to Instagram From Your Computer [6 Easy Steps]

I admit it: this post is incredibly timely for me.

I recently saw The Social Dilemma on Netflix, a docu-drama that explores the potentially addictive properties of social media.

Given that I spend more than 3 hours a day on Instagram, I was all too familiar with the habit of social media apps.

As a result of the film, I immediately deleted the Instagram app from my phone – but not from my computer. I still allow myself to check friends’ posts or post my own content through my desktop. I just don’t want it to be easily accessible on my phone.

If you’d prefer to post your Instagram content from a computer, you’re in luck. Learn how to post pictures and videos from your desktop computer.

Can I post on Instagram from my computer?

Yes, you can post to Instagram from your PC or Mac desktop, as well as a browser on your phone instead of the in-app.

However, Instagram does not offer an official desktop-desktop version. The social platform is primarily intended to be used in the app, which means that some functions can be a little more difficult from your computer.

Even so, it is absolutely possible to post on Instagram from your computer. There are several reasons you might want to do this. If you work as your company’s social media manager, it may be easier to upload company posts and videos from your desktop than it is to open your smartphone at work.

In addition, your company’s files may be more easily accessible from your desktop than your mobile phone. For example, if you use Photoshop to edit company photos, it is likely easier to click Upload from your desktop after you finish editing than to send the same photo or video to your personal phone.

Alternatively, you might just prefer the larger screen of the desktop. Or, you may not have access to a smartphone so you cannot download the app on your phone.

Whatever the reason, don’t worry – there is a solution for you. Let’s get into that next.

How do I post to Instagram from my computer? [PC and Mac]

How to post a photo in the Chrome browser

1. Go to https://www.instagram.com/ in your Chrome browser. Click on your settings (click the three dots in the top right corner of your browser).

Instagram Account Credit: @Goodtomicha

2. Scroll to “More Tools” in the drop-down menu, then click “Developer Tools”.

3. Click the Toggle Device Toolbar mobile button.

4. In the drop-down menu, select which mobile device you want and how enlarged you want to be. Then rRefresh the page. Now you can see the mobile interface of Instagram in your browser.

5. You can Upload an Instagram post just like you would on a mobile phone – by clicking the “+” button:

Then select filters or other editing functions as usual and click “Next” at the top right of the screen:

Finally, add a label, place, or tag for people. When you’re done, click Share in the top right of your screen.

How to publish a photo in the Safari browser

1. Go to https://www.instagram.com/ in your Safari browser. Select “Safari” and then “Preferences” in your menu bar.

2. Go to “Advanced Features” and activate the “Show development menu in menu bar” check box.

3. Click on “Develop” in your menu bar and scroll down to “User Agent”. Select which mobile device you want from the drop-down menu.

4. Refresh the page. Now you can see the mobile interface of Instagram in your browser.

(From now on, the instructions for posting a picture on Instagram are the same as for the Chrome browser instructions listed above. You can upload an Instagram post the same way you would on your phone – by clicking the “+” button Add a filter or edit the photo, add a location and a label, and click Share when you’re ready to go live.)

How to post a video on the desktop

To upload a video from your desktop to Instagram, you will need to use a third-party provider that offers social media scheduling software.

There are a few you could try, including the Flume app for Mac (Pro version is $ 20) or Lately Social ($ 14 per user per month for Agency plan).

For our purposes, I used Lately Social’s free personal plan to upload a video and post it straight to my Instagram:

Of course, if you do this on a regular basis, it may be worth exploring all of the social media planning tools available to choose the one that best fits your business needs.