Instagram is designed to work as a smartphone app. That’s its essence. But sometimes you prefer using it on a larger screen. While you’re working on your MacBook, you might want to enter the app directly from your laptop. You can do that through your web browser, but it won’t give you an app-like experience. That’s why you need to know how to install Instagram as an app on your Mac.
An Instagram app for Mac would give you push notifications, streamlined navigation, quicker access, and the ability to check your DMs easily. Although there isn’t an official app, you have options. Let’s discuss them and learn how to install Instagram as an app!
Why Isn’t Instagram Available as an App for MacBook?
Although Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps, it mainly focuses on mobile experiences. Ever since it was introduced, it was designed with mobile users in mind, particularly those on iOS and Android devices.
The problem is that the official Instagram app is only meant for smartphones. When you try to get it through the App Store, that’s the exact message it shows: this app is available only on the App Store for iPhone.
Meta is known for optimizing mobile features like Stories, Reels, and direct messaging for mobile screens. This leaves desktop and laptop users somewhat limited, wondering how to install Instagram as an app on MacBook with the same level of functionality.
Many other popular apps defy that mobile-only trend. You can easily get Minecraft on MacBook, with simple instructions on how to download it and use it within minutes on your computer. The app is specifically tailored to run smoothly on macOS, proving that prioritizing seamless experiences across devices always goes to a user’s advantage. Instagram, on the other hand, leaves us searching for other options.
The truth is: Apple’s macOS operates differently from iOS. Developing a Mac-specific app would require significant adjustments from Instagram’s team. For an app as successful as this one, effort shouldn’t be a problem. Lately, MacOS is starting to look a lot like iOS. It can run many iOS apps natively, so Instagram’s shift shouldn’t be that hard. It’s all about policies, after all.
For now, third-party solutions and workarounds are the only way to get install Instagram as an app on MacBooks.
How to Install Instagram as an App for MacBook via Progressive Web App (PWA)
PWA is a web application that behaves like a native app. It can be accessed through a web browser, but it will give you all app-like features such as push notifications and the ability to be added to your home screen or dock for easy access.
Here is how to download Instagram on Mac as a PWA:
- Use Safari to go to the Instagram website, and log into your account.
- Click the File menu at the top of your screen and choose Add to Dock.
- Choose Add when you get this message:
That’s all you need to do. Safari will create an app-like icon in your dock for Instagram. You can now launch it directly from your dock without opening a browser.
With this method, you can install Instagram as an app, with quick access and its own window. But it won’t give you all the features of the mobile app. You can browse your feed, like and comment on posts, view Stories, and send direct messages. But you can’t post photos, stories and videos, edit posts, or use advanced tools like Reels and IGTV.
Get the Instagram Mac Desktop App through an Android Emulator
This is an extreme solution, but you can use an Android emulator like BlueStacks to run Android apps on your desktop. It will give you access to the full functionality of the Instagram app, just as if you were using a mobile device.
Here’s how to do it:
- Download the Bluestacks emulator for macOS through its website.
- Follow the installation instructions to complete the setup.
- Once installed, open Bluestacks and wait for it to load.
- You’ll need to sign in with your Google account, and you’ll get access to the Google Play Store.
- Search for Instagram there, and install it.
- Now you can launch Instagram from the BlueStacks home screen and use it just like a mobile app.
This method involves a heavy download, so it’s not a perfect solution when you have limited hardware capabilities. But it will give you the complete Instagram experience, including the ability to post photos and use all features. If you use Instagram for professional purposes (marketing or influencing) and it’s more convenient for you to work through your MacBook, BlueStacks is a great solution. You can also download and use other Android apps through it.
Overview
For most users who need to install Instagram as an app on their MacBooks, the PWA method will work. It gives you easy access, but it’s limited in terms of features. If you need an Instagram app with full functionality on your MacBook, BlueStacks is a good solution. It’s resource-intensive and it will potentially slow down your Mac, but it will give you Instagram in its full glory.
FAQs
1. Is There an Official Instagram App for Mac?
No, there isn’t an official Instagram app designed specifically for macOS. Instagram is primarily built for mobile devices, focusing on the mobile user experience. However, you can use workarounds to access Instagram on your Mac.
2. Can I Post Photos on Instagram Using the PWA Method?
No, the Progressive Web App (PWA) version of Instagram on Mac allows you to browse your feed, like and comment on posts, and send direct messages, but it does not support posting photos, videos, or Stories.