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How to post on instagram from pc 2019


How to Post on Instagram from PC or Mac (Working 2022 Guide)

Updated January 27, 2022

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Instagram is meant to be a mobile app and, if you can, you should use the Instagram app to upload photos and stories.

If you’re shooting photos with a DSLR or mirrorless camera you know it can be a hassle to get your photos to Instagram. Here is a list of techniques on how to post on Instagram from PC or Mac. This list is up to date with only working apps.

If you don’t have an Instagram account you can sign up for an account on their website.

How to send photos to your phone

If you’re having an issue getting photos to your iPhone or Android phone I recommend using Dropbox, AirDroid, or AirDrop to do this task. Every photo I edit in Lightroom is then exported to a Dropbox folder so I can easily post to Instagram with my phone.

There are also apps like Hootsuite and Buffer which will let you write captions beforehand and remind you to post. You can also use the Instagram draft feature which is built into the Instagram app.

2022 Update: Instagram now lets you upload directly to the site from any web browser. Simply head to Instagram.com and you’ll see a plus button on the top right of the site. Once you click the plus button it’ll allow you to choose any photo or videos from your computer to upload to Instagram.

Instagram upload button on desktop

This feature is great for anyone managing multiple accounts and just wants to upload to Instagram from their desktop. Of course this also works if you’re on the mobile site as well making it so that you don’t need the Instagram app to upload.

If you’re curious of the previous ways to upload to Instagram from desktop before Instagram added the feature keep reading below:

Using Instagram’s Mobile Site (Web)

This has to be the quickest and easiest way to use Instagram on any computer. If you want to post to Instagram from PC or Mac (or even a Chromebook) this will be the easiest route.

Instagram now offers a mobile version of their site which you can access using by changing your browser’s user agent. This is a simple thing to do in Google Chrome.

Using Google Chrome

Below is a mini guide on how to change your user-agent in chrome which will allow you to use Instagram’s mobile site.

First, open Instagram.com

Then you’ll need to open the developer tools in Chrome which is in the settings bar under More Tools > Developer Tools alternatively you can right-click the page and click Inspect as well.

Using developer tools in Chrome

After this is open you can toggle the device toolbar via the Tablet/Mobile button displayed below. This will open the panel to change your user agent.

Setting your device as mobile in Chrome

After this appears you’ll be able to select which device to emulate in chrome. For example sake, I chose the iPhone 6 Plus. After doing this you’ll see the Instagram Mobile site which includes a button to upload at the bottom, just like the app.

Note: if it is not working try to refresh the page after changing the user agent.

Using Safari on Mac

If you want to use the Instagram mobile site in Safari on mac you can change your user agent using the develop menu. You can do this in the preferences via Safari > Preferences > Advanced where you’ll see the option “Show Develop menu in menu bar“. Once this is enabled you can change your user agent in the develop menu and select iPhone. When you visit Instagram this will bring up the mobile site and allow you to upload.

Develop Menu in Safari

Using the browser you’ll be able to crop your photo and add a caption but most of the features of the full app are missing.

Additionally you can try the Desktop for Instagram Chrome extension or Poster for Mac to access the IG mobile site.

Note about IGTV: You can upload videos to Instagram TV with the desktop version of the site in the IGTV tab of your profile.

Upload to IGTV button on desktop version of Instagram

Uplet (Mac)

If you have a Mac Uplet has to be the easiest way to upload photos or video to Instagram.

All you need to do is put in your Instagram username and password; then you can bulk post as many photos as you want. It’s as simple as dragging photos onto the Uplet application.

My favorite option in Uplet has to be the ability to select the ‘crop aspect ratio’ (1.91:1 or 4:5). Basically this lets you upload portrait or landscape photos which was a feature added to Instagram in 2015.

After picking a photo or video all you need to do is add a caption! Sadly two features it’s missing are tagging people within the photo and scheduled posts. It’s still a great way to bulk upload to Instagram or even upload one photo from your Mac.

Uplet $19.95

Running Instagram on Desktop (with BlueStacks)

Another option is running the Android Instagram app on your computer. This can be done by running an Android emulator on your Mac or PC with BlueStacks.

It’s the heaviest option since you’ll have to run Android on your computer, so I don’t recommend this option unless you need all of the features.

This is the perfect option if you want a completely native Instagram experience on your computer. Plus you’ll have all of the features of the app including filters, locations, stories, galleries, and account switching.

BlueStacks Free

There are also quite a few other options to post to Instagram from desktop, but above are the best solutions I’ve found.

Again, if you can, I recommend using the Instagram app on your phone. Having access to community features such as commenting and following users is essential to the Instagram experience in my opinion.

How To Post On Instagram From PC or Mac (Desktop or Laptop)

Want to how to post on Instagram from PC or Desktop? This step-by-step guide gives you 11 different methods for posting on Instagram from PC. Let’s get started!

When Instagram first launched in 2010, it only allowed users to post photos from their mobile devices through the Instagram app. Since then, Instagram users have been searching for options to post on Instagram from PC.

If you’re wondering “how can I post pictures on Instagram from my computer?”, we’ll cover 11 different options to post on Instagram from your computer in this article, with updates for 2022. In addition, we’ll list the pros and cons of using each tool to post on Instagram so you can choose the best option for you.

How To Post On Instagram From Computer?

There are 6 ways to use a laptop or desktop computer and Windows or Mac to create IG posts photos and videos on Instagram.

  1. Scheduling Tools
    • Hopper HQ
  2. Developer Tools
    • Chrome (Mac)
    • Chrome (Windows)
    • Safari (Mac)
  3. Inspect Method
  4. Native Options 
    • Instagram Website Desktop
    • Facebook Creator Studio
  5. Third-Party Tools
    • Bluestacks
    • Deskgram (Mac)
    • Uplet (Mac)
  6. Chrome extension – DMI

Option 1: Instagram scheduler (recommended)

You can grow your Instagram by planning your posts ahead of time. Using an Instagram scheduler lets you:

  • Prepare posts in advance
  • Schedule and auto post from desktop
  • Improve content quality. 

Hopper HQ lets you focus on content quality. With features such as bulk content creation and scheduling ahead of time, all from your desktop.

Hopper HQ is a company founded in 2014 tailored for brands, agencies, and creators to grow on Instagram. They also have an outstanding live chat to help you on the go.

Instagram Scheduler Tool: Hopper HQ 

You can schedule and post on Instagram from PC with the Hopper HQ desktop app. Hopper HQ allows you to visually plan and schedule your social media campaigns automatically with tailored insights, all from your computer. Scheduling your posts saves you precious time that you can use to focus on other aspects of your growth.

 

The Hopper HQ Dashboard you will see once you log in to Hopper HQ from your PC.
How to use Hopper HQ to post on Instagram from the desktop?

1. Create an account at HopperHQ.com

After logging in to your new account, you are greeted with a visual dashboard with four sections:

When you Log in to Hopper HQ from your desktop computer, you will see the Hopper HQ Dashboard | How to post on Instagram from PC.
  • Section 1: Social media accounts list

In the left corner, you can see your Instagram handle. You can add other social networks too, such as LinkedIn, Facebook, and Twitter accounts (Stay tuned for more social networks soon 👀)

  • Section 2: Menu

From the menu, you can create and manage your feed posts, calendar, analytics, and settings.

  • Section 3: Instagram posts

View your scheduled and drafted posts ready to be posted on Instagram.

  • Section 4: Grid planner for Instagram feed

Look at your Instagram feed posts, exactly how they will appear on your IG profile once published.

The hopper HQ dashboard. You can see your linked social networks, menu, posts, and grid planner.

2. Create posts and upload Instagram photos, videos, stories, and reels

In the top-left corner, click “create posts” and you are taken to a window where you can upload 50 photos or video posts at once directly from your desktop browser in one swoop.

Take a look at the video uploading photos from Unsplash. As a result, fill your calendar in seconds.

3. Edit your Images

If your images are not in the correct Instagram size dimensions, a pop-up alert will take you to the photo editor with pre-set dimensions for portrait and landscape photos, and apply any filters or edits.

Add frames, text, stickers, and more to get your images looking their best from your desktop with Hopper HQ.

4. Write captions and schedule your first comment with hashtags

Once you’ve made your edits, you can write captions (including emojis) for all uploads, and schedule the first comment where you will add all your hashtags.

Here is the best part, you can choose between Post Now or Schedule a time in the future.

If you decide you want to publish the same post to another social network then, you can choose to send it to multiple platforms at the same time. This includes Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and more social networks coming very soon in 2022.

Hopper HQ Dashboard to schedule IG posts | How to post on Instagram from PC (Windows or Mac)

5. Drag and drop grid planner

Once all your photos and video posts are in the dashboard, you can easily make changes by dragging and dropping the posts. The Instagram Grid Planner displays an accurate view of what your IG feed will look like.

Using drag and drop option to move posts | How to post on Instagram from your Windows or Mac

6. Calendar View

Hopper HQ also includes a calendar view in a clean and aesthetic arrangement.

7. Monitor your social media analytics

User-friendly Analytics to measure the success of your content and stay informed about your audience demographics!

Hopper HQ Analytics Dashboard, to keep track of your growth. | How to post to Instagram from PC and Mac.

Hopper HQ allows uploading up to 50 high resolution pictures or video clips while editing your posts in bulk.

Pricing

Hopper HQ works on a subscription basis by the number of social accounts sets. Pricing starts at $19 monthly or $16 monthly if paying annually for 1 set of social accounts.
1 social set = 1 Instagram account, 1 Facebook account, 1 Linkedin account, 1 Twitter account.
If you are an agency or you manage multiple accounts, there is a bulk discount. 🎉

A set of accounts include 1 Instagram + 1 Facebook + 1 Twitter + 1 LinkedIn, but if you are an agency or you manage multiple accounts, there is a bulk discount.

Pros and cons of using an Instagram scheduler tool to post on Instagram from PC
  • Pros: The Scheduler tool lets you plan and automate posts in advance, upload images and videos from the desktop, create carousel posts with multiple photos in seconds, and much more. Additionally, we recently launched Instagram Story scheduling AND Instagram reels scheduling.
  • Cons: it is not a free option. The good news is that there is a free trial to test drive the tool before committing, and you won’t be charged until the trial period is over. Interested? Start your free trial today!
The verdict

Hopper HQ does far more than post to your Instagram from PC or desktop. It is a complete social media management tool built to automate and manage Instagram and other social networks to scale. It offers a visually appealing dashboard with an easy-to-use drag and drop interface, resulting in an attractive grid and consistent Instagram aesthetic in no time.

🚫 Free✅ Hashtag Tool
✅ Photo AND Video Posts✅ First Comments
✅ Instagram Stories & Reels✅ Editing Tools
✅Carousel Posts✅ Filters
✅ Windows✅ Cropping
✅ Mac✅ Tag Images
✅ Bulk Upload✅ Tag Locations
✅ Captions✅ Multiple Accounts
✅ Feed Grid Preview✅ Bulk Edit
Choose the best tool to manage your Instagram Account from your Personal Computer

Option 2: Using Google Chrome or Safari (Mac and Windows)Using Developer Tools to publish your IG posts from PC Windows and Mac

This method changes the user agent on your browser for posting on Instagram from PC (Mac or Windows) and does not require a website or software download, plus it’s free to use. Here are the ways to use it, explained depending on your favourite operating system!

Google Chrome (Mac)

How to change the user agent in Google Chrome when using Mac?

1. Open the Developer Tools Window.

Changing the view of your browser to see as your mobile device but from your PC and Mac.

2. The console will open. Then, by clicking this icon, you can change the view to a mobile device.

3. In this drop-down menu, select a mobile model from the list of devices. This will change the browser’s view to a mobile screen, and the upload button will appear. 

Tip: if it does not appear straight away, navigate to a different page and come back, or refresh.

4. The upload button will automatically open your computer’s files. Select a photo. You then have the option to rotate and also to zoom out.

How to post on Instagram from PC or Mac.

5.  You have a range of Instagram filters available, although not the editing tools. When you’re ready, press next as you would on mobile.

6. Add a caption and location on the review page. Thereafter, click share, and the post will be published on your profile!

7. Additionally, publish to your profile using the Share button in the top right-hand corner!

Google Chrome (Windows)

How to change the user agent in Google Chrome from Windows?

If you are running Chrome, click on the ‘three dots’ icon on the top right section of your browser. Despite it for windows, actually works in Mac too. Find the steps explained.

(1) Click on ‘More tools’ and pick “Developer tools”.

(2) Go to the “Toggle Device Toolbar” option in the console window.

How to post on Instagram from PC or Mac.

(3) Go up to the dropdown to pick a mobile device user agent and set the user agent to the mobile device that you wish.

(4) After that, launch IG on the browser.

How to post on Instagram while using a PC or Mac.

Thereafter, you can click the + button to start posting photos or videos on Instagram from your desktop or laptop computer.

Safari (Mac)

How to change the User-Agent in Safari from Mac?

  • To change the user agent on Safari, you must enable the ‘Develop’ menu by going to Safari browser > Preferences > Advanced Settings and allowing the “Show Develop” option in the menu bar. Once this is done, you can follow the steps explained in the option above.
Pros and cons of using Chrome or Safari to post on Instagram from PC
  • Pros: posting on Instagram from Chrome or Safari requires no third-party site or download, and the Interface shows your Instagram as it would appear on mobile.
  • Cons: It is missing the editing tools and you can’t add videos. This method also does not allow you to post multiple photos, nor schedule posts in advance.
The verdict

This is a handy quick fix if your photos are ready to go on your desktop or USB and you don’t have time to transfer them to your phone. While this is relatively simple and free, there are many limitations.

Check out this in-depth guide where David Coleman explains “what the user agent is.”

Option 3: The Inspect method
How to post to Instagram using the Inspect method?

To post to Instagram using the Inspect method, open your browser’s search bar and type Instagram.com

Use the right-click and select Inspect; subsequently, a code screen should appear where then you can select Toggle Devices. Now, you can follow the instructions above.

Pros and cons of using the inspect method to post on Instagram from PC
  • Pros: It is free and simple to use. You can write captions, tag people, and then click Share.
  • Cons: The images will be posted as you upload them, with no filters or cropping, and again videos cannot be posted. In conclusion, no schedule option in none or automation that helps manage multiple accounts
The verdict 

This is a quick and easy way to post to Instagram from any browser. Nonetheless, this method has limitations like editing your videos and photos, scheduling in advance or managing multiple IG accounts.

Option 4: Using Instagram WebHow to post on Instagram while using a PC or Mac.
Instagram Web version

With Instagram’s latest update, everyone can post from PC whether with Mac or Windows; therefore, allowing to upload Instagram posts from the web version of Instagram (Not the mobile app).

Visit the Instagram website and log in with your credentials. Once inside, click the + icon in the upper-right corner of the menu bar (next to the Messenger icon). Here, you can edit the photos, and add your caption, for instance. In addition to changing location, Alt text, and advanced settings.

Publish your Instagram Post while using your PC or Mac.
Pros and cons of using the Instagram web version to post on Instagram from PC
  • Pros: Instagram lets users share photos or video posts from the Instagram web on desktop. The Instagram web app allows users to add captions, locations, tags, and hashtags. Additionally, this is an option that’s easily accessible from any browser (Safari, Google Chrome, Bing, etc.)
  • Cons: It’s very difficult to manage multiple Instagram accounts. Image cropping options are limited, and you cannot re-post photos using this method. Lastly, you cannot upload Instagram Stories and schedule posts in advance.
The verdict

Using the Instagram web version is beneficial if you are looking to upload one picture on the go or see your Instagram feed on a bigger screen. However, you can’t upload Instagram Stories and there is no scheduler!
Bottom line: limited and difficult to scale your Instagram account.

Option 5: Facebook Creator Studio

In August 2019, Facebook launched the option to post to Instagram on their Creator Studio platform. Consequently, users with a business Instagram profile can link to their business Facebook page and can publish posts from a desktop.

Connect to business Creator Studio by using your Facebook credentials. Then, go to the Instagram section (Instagram – camera icon) and click on it.

Introduce your Facebook Credentials using the Creator Studio to publish your photo and video posts.
Pros and cons of using Facebook Creator Studio to post on Instagram from PC
  • Pros: You can post IGTV videos (short for Instagram TV)
  • Cons:  This option doesn’t offer a bulk upload option to create multiple posts at once. In addition, you can’t edit scheduled posts (even if they’re not published yet), and it is not possible to schedule an Instagram story either.
The verdict

This is a great free alternative to posting on Instagram from computer. However, it is limiting if you’re managing Instagram content in batch, as it is time-consuming to find workarounds.

Option 6: Using other third-party tools to post on Instagram from PCHow to post to Instagram while using a PC or Mac.

Using other tools created by independent developers is another way to create Instagram posts from PC. Keep reading for an overview of some other programs available online.

Bluestacks (Windows and Mac)

Bluestacks is an Android emulator that allows Android applications to run on PCs running Microsoft Windows and macOS. All you need is a Google account, after that, you can download a version of the Instagram Android app;

Bluestacks requires you to download an app to your computer, find their webpage, type Instagram in the search bar and click Install from their App Center. Log in and you’re ready to post on Instagram from PC.

Pros and cons of using Bluestacks to post on Instagram from PC

  • Pros: You can edit posts and share them on Instagram. In addition, Bluestacks is a free option to use.
  • Cons: Bluestacks is not helpful if you need to upload posts in bulk, share to multiple accounts, or schedule in advance.

The verdict

BlueStacks lets you post on Instagram from your Windows or Mac PC but with limitations on working with multiple accounts and scheduling posts in advance.

Deskgram (Mac)

Using Deskgram lets you post on Instagram from your Mac PC, as well as view comments and likes, just like the mobile app.

You need to download the app on your computer. Drag to the applications folder and upload your photos and videos to Instagram from Mac and you’re all set to use it.

Pros and cons of using Deskgram to post on Instagram from PC

  • Pros: You can upload and send photos and videos in bulk and shorten your posts to fit better in portrait or landscape.
  • Cons: Deskgram only works with Mac, and lacks any video trimming features. There are no in-app video editing tools, so make sure your Instagram clip fits its 60-second limit when posting it.

The verdict

Deskgram’s $2. 99 monthly price seems fair for unlimited use on one device, but don’t forget it’s limited to use just on Mac.

Uplet (Mac)

This Instagram Uploader was developed by Eltima Software and, like Deskgram, works only with Mac.

You need to download Uplet to your desktop, drag it to the Applications folder and upload your photos and videos to Instagram from your Mac.

Pros and cons of using Uplet to post on Instagram from PC

  • Pro: You can upload photos and videos in bulk and send them to multiple Instagram accounts. Moreover, you can choose between portrait or landscape options as needed.
  • Cons: Uplet does not have features like filters, in-app editing tools or trimming. Finally, it is limited to use only on Mac.

The verdict

The license cost ranges from $19.95 to $49, paid as a one-time fee. Despite covering the basic options, there are some drawbacks, such as the need to download an application, lack of some features, and it only works with Apple computers.

Option 7: Using chrome extensions
Direct Message for Instagram (DMI) – Chrome extension

This Google Chrome extension lets you use Instagram as you would on your cell phone. As revealed by their website in a disclaimer, this Chrome extension is not an official app from Instagram, but from independent developers.

Install the Instagram extension by searching it on the Chrome web store. Thereafter, you click on the extension icon, you will be prompted to sign in to Instagram again, allowing you to post from your PC as you would on mobile.

Pros and cons of using the DMI Chrome extension to post on Instagram from PC

  • Pros: You can like and comment on posts, view Instagram Stories (photos and videos), upload photos, and send messages.
  • Cons: It is not possible to upload videos. You also cannot work with multiple Instagram accounts and schedule future posts.

The verdict

The extension allows you to send direct messages to other Instagram users, view photos, follow links from others just like the web version of Instagram. It does, however, have its limitations when it comes to uploading videos.

So, what is the best option for you to post on Instagram from PC ?

Whether you’re using Windows or Mac, you have plenty of options to post on Instagram from PC. Your method of choice will depend on what you’re looking to achieve; do you just want the ability to post on Instagram from computer? Or are you looking for a tool that you can use to upload, edit, and schedule multiple posts from PC? 

In conclusion, based on your goals and individual needs, you’ll be able to decide on the best option for you. 

Do you have a touchscreen Windows 10 computer? Find out how to post to Instagram directly from it!

How to upload photos to Instagram from a computer?

Unfortunately, you can't just open the Instagram website in your browser and post a photo through it. This is because the application is closed source: the system must detect the camera and touch screen in order to allow the publication. This condition greatly complicates the download of photos from a computer. But there are several ways to get around it.

How to add a photo to Instagram from a computer?

Here is the easiest way: it does not require the installation of additional programs and applications. We describe how to post a photo through the Chrome browser.

1. Go to the Instagram website and log in to your profile.
2. Press the key combination Ctrl+Shift+I . With this action, you will call the developer console. Another way to call the console is to right-click anywhere on the page and select View Element Code or View Code in the window that appears.
3. Look for the icon , which is indicated by the arrow in the picture below. Clicking on it will turn on the smartphone screen simulation mode. In the settings above the "screen" you can select the type of device that you want to simulate.


4. Reload the page. After that, a button for adding a photo will appear at the bottom of the screen. By clicking on it, you can open a window with computer media files. Select the desired photo and upload it as you would normally do on a smartphone. Mission accomplished!

We publish photos through the official Instagram application on a PC

The second method is more reliable, but also more time-consuming. For it, you need to install additional software: emulator Nox Player or BlueStacks .

1. Install Nox Player. The easiest way is to download it from the official resource.
2. After installing , enter the Play Market . The app will ask you to sign in to your Google account. Find the Instagram app in the store and install it.
3. Place the photos you want to publish in the folder C:\Users\your username\Nox_share\Image .
4. Go to the installed Instagram application, log in to your account. The steps for publishing must be the same as in the mobile version. The only difference is that the photos will be located at: Gallery –> Others –> Internal memory of the device.

Working with the BlueStacks

emulator 1. Install the emulator.
2. Also install Instagram from Play Market.
3. Click on the icon shown below in the photo. In the window that appears, select the desired photo.


4. Next, the program will ask which application to use to launch, select Instagram. And publish photos according to an already known scheme.

More Insta stuff:

  • How to Live on Instagram
  • One Instagram for two: use two accounts on one smartphone

How to post photos to Instagram* from a computer

There are several official and not so official ways to add photos to Instagram* from a computer or laptop that you can use. But: I don't recommend using completely unofficial Instagram* clients, it could be potentially unsafe for your account.

This manual details how to post photos to Instagram* from your computer in various situations, some of the nuances, and a video where two methods are clearly shown. It may also be interesting: 4 ways to write in direct Instagram * on a computer.

  • How to add a photo to Instagram* through a browser on a computer
  • The official Instagram* app for Windows 10 (and its features)
  • Using Android emulators to post to Instagram*
  • Instruction video

Posting to Instagram* from a computer or laptop using a browser

Previously, by logging in with your Instagram* account on the official website https://www.instagram.com/* you could not publish photos and videos, but you could watch other people's photos, commenting, following, likes and other functions were available.

Starting from May 2017, when you access the site from a mobile device - tablet or phone, you can add a photo to Instagram*, even without installing the corresponding application. This feature can also be used to publish from a browser.

  1. Use your browser (Google Chrome, Yandex Browser, Edge, Opera will do) to Instagram.com* and log in with your account. The following steps are for Google Chrome.
  2. Press Ctrl + Shift + I - the developer console will open (you can also open it by right-clicking anywhere on the page and selecting View Element Code, a similar item is present in most browsers).
  3. In the developer console, click on the mobile device emulation icon (the image of a tablet and a phone), and then in the top line, set the device, resolution, and scale that are convenient for you (so that it is convenient to view the Instagram feed*).
  4. Refresh the page using the browser's refresh button.
  5. Immediately after tablet or phone emulation is enabled and the page is refreshed, a button for adding a photo will appear in the open Instagram* (if it does not appear, refresh the page). When you click it, you will be able to select files on your computer - just select a photo and publish as usual.

Here is a new way that greatly simplifies the task.

The official Instagram app* for Windows 10

The Windows 10 App Store has recently launched the official Instagram* app, which also allows you to add a photo or video to your page. The app can be easily found by searching the app store.

After downloading the app and logging into your account (in my test, for some reason, I only logged in with email, not username), follow these simple steps:

  1. Click on the camera icon at the top left.
  2. The first time you use it, you will need to allow the application to use the webcam. If you do not have a webcam, then you will not be able to add a photo, but this can be bypassed, as discussed below.
  3. Click on the button to add photos from your computer (in this case, photos must be located in the Pictures/Album of the camera on your computer, otherwise Instagram* will not see them).
  4. Select a photo to post.

As noted above, Instagram* for Windows 10 requires a webcam. However, this can be bypassed: if you install a virtual webcam program (I used e2eSoft VCam), then the application will assume that the camera is present and allow publishing. Also, when testing the application, for some reason it worked very unstable for me.

How to add a photo to Instagram* from a computer using the official mobile application

Another guaranteed and currently working way to post photos or videos on Instagram* with only a computer is to use the official Android application running on a computer.

To run the Instagram* Android application on a computer, you will need third-party software - an Android emulator for Windows or another OS. You can find a list of free emulators and official sites where you can download them in the review: The best Android emulators for Windows (opens in a new tab).

Among those emulators that I can recommend for posting on Instagram* are Nox App Player and Bluestacks 2 (however, the task will not be more difficult in other emulators). The following is an example of uploading a photo using Nox App Player.

  1. Download and install Nox App Player on your computer. Official site: https://ru.bignox.com/
  2. After launching the emulator, either go to the Play Store inside the emulator, or download the APK of the Instagram* application to the emulator (original apk is easiest to download from apkpure.com , and to download and install in the emulator, use the special button in the panel next to the emulator window).
  3. After installing the application, simply launch it and log in with your account.
  4. Photos are shared in the same way as from an Android phone or tablet: you can take a photo from your computer's webcam, or you can select "Gallery" - "Others" to select a photo that you want to upload to Instagram * in "internal memory" » emulator. But do not rush to do this yet, first - point 5 (since there is no photo in the internal memory yet).
  5. In order for the desired photo from the computer to be in this internal memory or in the gallery, first copy it to the folder C:\Users\Your_user_name\Nox_share\Image (Nox_share is a shared folder for your computer and Android running in the emulator). Another way: in the emulator settings (gear in the top line of the window), in the “General” item, enable Root access and restart the emulator, after that you can simply drag and drop image files, videos and other files onto the emulator window.
  6. Once you have the desired photos in the emulator, you can easily post them from the Instagram app*. In my experiments, when adding photos from Nox App Player, there were no problems (but Leapdroid gave errors during operation, although the publication took place).

In the BlueStacks 2 emulator (official site: https://www.bluestacks.com/ru/index.html ), uploading photos and videos from a computer to Instagram* is even easier: just like in the method just described, you first need install the application itself, and then the steps will look like this:

  1. Click the "Open" icon in the left panel and navigate to the photo or video on your computer.
  2. BlueStacks will ask which application to open this file with, select Instagram*.

    Learn more