How To Post On Instagram From Your Computer (Quick Guide)

Every social media expert, manager, or guru should know how to post on Instagram from their PC or Mac. It’s handy for the times when your smartphone battery is running just a bit too low. Not to mention, sometimes it’s just a bit easier to do on a computer if that’s where you store and work with your content.

So, with this nifty knowledge, you never have to miss a beat with your Instagram posts. You can stay on the ball wherever you are and on whatever device you have closest to you!

Does It Work The Same As On Your Mobile?

Most of us know how to access Instagram across our mobile devices. And it’s easy enough if you have the app available on your mobile. The truth is that most people use the social media platform from their smartphones via the Instagram app. You can scroll, double-tap, swivel your phone around for a better look… it just makes sense.

These are some of the things that don’t really come with the desktop version of Instagram. You can’t double-tap to like. Scrolling and navigating the platform has a bit of a different, scaled-up look. And, of course, the screen experience is completely different.

The desktop version also has a few limitations compared to its compact counterpart. You can’t:

Post an update or an Instagram Story
Share your update or Instagram Story to your Facebook
Archive messages
See data reports and analytics (on the business account)
Create new Instagram Story Highlights
Oversee multiple IG accounts or profiles at one go

Depending on who you are, you might prefer this calmer, toned-down version. Or mobile might be the best for you. Either way, you can still do the basics including posting new content to your feed. Here’s how.

Four Different Ways To Post On Instagram From Your Computer

These are four super-simple, super-handy ways that you can post on Instagram from your PC or Mac.

How To Post On Instagram From Your Computer Via Your Chrome Browser

Go to the Instagram website on your Chrome browser.
Click on the three dots in the top right corner of your browser and select the ‘More Tools’ option.
Click on ‘Developer Tools’.
Tap on the icon with two squares or rectangles depicting a tablet and a smartphone. This gives you access to the Device Toolbar that can give you power over how you use your browser.
Tap on the ‘Responsive’ drop-down menu and you will see a list of mobile devices. Choose the device you want and how you want it to look on your screen.
Refresh the page so that you can see the mobile version of Instagram from your browser.
Upload your post as you would using the mobile app.

How To Post On Instagram From Your Computer Via The Safari Browser

Go to the Instagram website on your Safari browser.
Tap on ‘Safari’ and click on ‘Preferences’.
Select ‘Advances’ and tick the option labeled ‘Show Develop in menu bar’.
Now, tap ‘Develop’ in the menu bar and pick ‘User Agent’.
Choose the mobile device you want from the drop-down menu.
Refresh the page so that you can see the mobile version of Instagram from your browser.
Upload your post as you would using the mobile app.

How To Post On Instagram From Your Computer Using Preppr’s Scheduler

If you’re using your Instagram account on a regular basis, then Preppr’s Instagram scheduler is the best way to keep track of your content calendar. You can also use the scheduler to post on your Instagram directly from your desktop.

Download the Preppr app from the Preppr website or the Apple store. We also offer a free trial, which you can use to start scheduling your content immediately.
Open the app and select ‘NEW POST’.
Upload the video or photo you want to share from your device or from your Google Drive or Dropbox.
With your content uploaded, you can now adjust it as you wish using the platform’s cropping tool.
Add a snazzy caption.
Select the time and date when you would like the content posted. On the left of the calendar where you select your date, Preppr will also give you a suggested list of the best times to share your post based on your previous posts and engagement rates.
Click ‘APPLY’ and your post will be scheduled for your selected date and time.

How To Post On Instagram From Your Computer On The Instagram Creator Studio

It’s also possible to share posts using the Creator Studio. Facebook established the Facebook Creator Studio in 2019 as a space for influencers, brands, creatives, and businesses to manage their Instagram profiles.

Through the studio, you can complete various activities including posting to your account. Here’s how:

Connect your Instagram to the Creator Studio.
Open the Instagram section on the dashboard.
Select ‘Create Post’ and choose the ‘Instagram Feed’ option.
Choose the profile/account you want to use for the post.
Add a caption and location to your post as you would for a standard feed post.
Tap on ‘Add Content’ to insert images and clips to the post.
You can either click ‘From File Upload’ to upload content from your device or you can select ‘From Facebook Page’ to share content already posted on your connected Facebook account.
‘Publish’ and you’re done!

Get Posting!

Managing a social media account can get pretty demanding, especially if you’re taking care of a business or brand account. There are so many tasks to keep in mind – from content creation to monitoring metrics. When you’re juggling all of these actions, the name of the game is convenience!

Knowing how to use Instagram on all your devices gives you that convenience and flexibility. You don’t have to waste time moving content across devices. You can also allocate specific devices for brand use so that you don’t accidentally post a personal image on your brand account.

Knowing how to post on Instagram from your computer helps you remain efficient. You can share content quickly and effectively, and get the best out of your time. With this handy social media trick, you’ll never have to worry about missing a chance to post, ever again! Don’t you just love it?