Do you want to upload images and videos to Instagram through your computer? Here’s how to do this in a few simple steps and without the need for plug-ins or other apps. So far, the social network Instagram has not allowed uploading posts (photos or videos) through the computer or through the browser on the mobile phone. Now, as you can see below you can do this using your browser on your mobile device, and sometimes it also appears on your computer browser, but not always.
Now it’s possible! Here how you can upload images and videos to Instagram from the computer.
By the way, if you do not yet have an Instagram for business, you can read our guide: How to create and set up Instagram for business correctly.
1. Log in to your user in Instagram via your computer browser
The first step is to go to the Instagram website through your web browser at www.instagram.com. You will now have the option to log in to your user account with your username and password. If your Instagram account is associated with your Facebook account, you may be able to log in without having to fill in your username and password.
Once you have logged into your account on Instagram, you can browse the site. Of course, some of the options will not appear exactly like through the mobile phone app.
2. Check if you can add photos
The second step is to see whether you can upload images without additional steps. To see if you can add/upload photos, see whether you have a toolbar with a camera icon at the top of the page or at the bottom.
If you see the camera icon, click it, then upload the image you want and follow the instructions until the post is published. Here’s how the Toolbar will appear:
If you do not see this toolbar, go to the next step.
3. The method for displaying the toolbar
This step is intended for those who do not have the toolbar that includes uploading an image to an Instagram through the computer. This method requires a bit of your work and it depends on the type of operating system and type of browser you have.
Google Chrome browser
1. If you are using Google Chrome browser, you must enter the developer mode, you can do this by:
- Press F12 on your keyboard.
- Click on Control+Shift+I on Windows or CMD+Shift+I on a Mac.
- Or click on 3 points in the browser menu, then “More tools” then “Developer tools”.
2. Developer Tools pane: On the side or bottom, will be opened a pane with development tools. The only thing that interests you there is that the status of a mobile device is activated, it is at the top of the panel that opens (if it is blue, it is on).
3. At the top of the page: a bar appears where you can select the size of the window or a mobile device set in the browser. Select any mobile device type.
4. You can then see the camera icon and upload images through the browser. If you do not see this, choose a different mobile device type or reload the page (Either via the browser or via F5 on the keyboard or through Control + R).
5. Finally, press X in the small window to exit development mode.
Mozilla Firefox
1. If you use the Firefox browser, you must enter the Responsive mode. You can do this by:
- Press Control + Shift + M.
- Or click on 3 lines in the browser menu, then “Developer” and then “Responsive design mode”.
2. You must also enter Developer mode by doing so by:
- Click Control + Shift + I on Windows or CMD + Shift + I on a Mac.
- Press F12 on your keyboard.
3. Development Tools pane: On the side or bottom, will be opened a panel with development tools. The only thing you are interested in is that a mobile device is switched on (a mobile device icon), it’s at the top of the panel that opens (if it’s blue, it’s on).
4. At the top of the page: a bar appears where you can select the size of the window or a mobile device set in the browser. Select any mobile device type.
5. You can then see the camera icon and upload images through the browser. If you do not see this, choose a different mobile device type or reload the page (Either via the browser or via F5 on the keyboard or through Control + R).
6. Finally, press X in the small window to exit development mode and the same for the reaction mode.
Safari browser
1. If you are using Apple’s Safari browser, you must enter the Developer mode. You can do this by:
- In the browser menu, click “Safari” and then “Preferences”, then in the Advanced section, click V on checkbox “Show menu in menu bar”.
- Press CMD + comma.
2. In the browser menu: Click on the “Developer” tab, and then click “User Agent” and select a mobile device type. Alternatively, you can press “Enter Responsive Design Mode” and select a mobile device.
4. You can then see the camera icon and upload images through the browser. If you do not see this, choose a different mobile device type or reload the page.
5. In the end, press X to exit development mode.
Microsoft Edge Browser / Internet Explorer
1. If you are using Microsoft’s Edge browser (a similar process on Internet Explorer), you must enter the Developer mode. You can do this by:
- Press F12 on your keyboard.
- Or click on 3 points in the browser menu, then “More tools” then “Development tools”.
2. The Development Tool pane (can opened in a new window): Click on the “Emulation” tab, in the Device section select any mobile device.
3. You can then see the camera icon and upload pictures through the browser. If you do not see this, choose a different mobile device type or reload the page.
4. At the end, press X in the window to exit Development mode.
4. Another way for Windows 10 owners: Instagram computer application
If you have a Windows 10 operating system, then you have another option, by downloading the official Instagram application to your computer. The app gives you more options than your browser and has similar features like the mobile app.
The download is done via Windows Store, just type in the search and you will find it. Or alternatively via the following link on the Microsoft website.
Uploading posts, photos, and videos to an Instagram is a great way to get to know your target audience, as well as an excellent place to break the ice between you and them. You can contact us to manage your business pages across all social networks.
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