Instagram is one of the most popular social media apps. While it’s easy to use on your phone, many people also want to install it as an app on their Mac. The good news? It’s totally possible! In this guide, we’ll show you how to do it quickly and easily.
Why Install Instagram on Your Mac?
Using Instagram on a Mac has several benefits:
- Bigger screen: Enjoy browsing photos and videos on a larger display.
- Easy typing: Respond to messages with a full keyboard.
- Better multitasking: Keep Instagram open while working on other tasks.
Now, let’s get started with the installation!
Method 1: Install Instagram Using a Web App
The easiest way to install Instagram on your Mac is by turning its website into an app-like experience.
- Open Safari or Google Chrome on your Mac.
- Go to Instagram’s official website: www.instagram.com
- Log into your account.
- If using Safari:
- Click File in the menu bar.
- Select Add to Dock.
- A new window will appear—click Add.
- Instagram will now be in your Dock as a web app.
- If using Google Chrome:
- Click the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
- Go to More Tools and select Create Shortcut…
- Check the box that says Open as window.
- Click Create.
- Instagram is now available as an app in your Applications folder.
This method creates an app-like experience, but it still runs inside a browser. If you want a more standalone app, keep reading!
Method 2: Install Instagram Using a Third-Party App
Because Instagram doesn’t have an official Mac app, you can use third-party apps to get the job done.
Use Flotato
Flotato is a lightweight app that turns websites into apps.
- Download Flotato: Visit Flotato’s website and install it.
- Open Flotato and type “Instagram” in the search bar.
- Click Add App.
- Now, click the Instagram icon inside Flotato to open the app.
Flotato works well, but it has some limitations in the free version.
Use WebCatalog
WebCatalog allows you to install Instagram as a fully functional desktop app.
- Download WebCatalog: Go to WebCatalog’s website and install the app.
- Open WebCatalog and search for Instagram.
- Click Install.
- Now, you can launch Instagram like any other app on your Mac.
Method 3: Use an Android Emulator
If you want full Instagram functionality, including posting from your Mac, you can install an Android emulator.
Use BlueStacks
- Go to BlueStacks’ website and install the emulator.
- Once installed, open BlueStacks and sign in with your Google account.
- Go to the Google Play Store inside BlueStacks.
- Search for Instagram and install it.
- Now, you can use Instagram on your Mac just like you would on an Android phone!
The only downside? BlueStacks can be heavy on system resources.
Final Thoughts
Now you know how to install Instagram on Mac in different ways!
- Want something quick? Use the web app method.
- Prefer a dedicated app? Try Flotato or WebCatalog.
- Need full features? Use an Android emulator like BlueStacks.
Enjoy browsing Instagram right from your desktop!