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How to upload photos to Instagram from a PC

Want to upload Instagram images directly from your PC or laptop? We'll show you how.

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While TikTok and other platforms offer a credible threat to its crown, Instagram still remains the go-to place for sharing photos and video online. 

With well over 1 billion users, there's a huge audience for people to tap into, especially when you consider the likes of Stories and IGTV in addition to regular posting. 

Instagram is still overwhelmingly mobile-focused, although most of its key features have now made their way onto the desktop website. The most glaring exception is the ability to post directly from your PC or laptop. 

However, there is a workaround on Windows, with the help of some third-party software. 

See also: How to take better photos with your iPhone

How to use Instagram on Windows: The web interface

Visiting the Instagram website and logging into your account (or creating one) gives you access to the web version of the app. While you might expect this to allow you the same abilities as the mobile version, one very important feature is missing - you can’t upload any images.

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When you’re logged in, the main page will show your photo feed just as it would on the app itself. Along the top of the page you’ll also see three icons in the upper right corner. These are for Explore (finding new people to follow), Notifications (who liked your images), and Profile (all the images you’ve uploaded). Using these you can still enjoy the various images that have been shared, but there is no way to edit or add to your collections.

You can also now download a dedicated Instagram Windows app from the Windows Store, but you still won't be able to upload any images without a touchscreen Windows laptop or tablet. Read on for a workaround.

Read next: How to print from your phone

How to upload photos to Instagram from a PC: Vivaldi

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Image: Vivaldi

There are a number of third party apps that extend Instagram’s features on Windows. Our top pick used to be InstaPic, but that app has now been discontinued. 

The only other alternative is App for Instagram, although it costs US$9.99 per month for the ability to upload pictures. We wouldn't recommend paying for a feature that's already free on the mobile app. 

Therefore, we'd recommend using Vivaldi, an ultra-customisable browser that allows you to simulate the mobile app on your PC. Just head to the Vivaldi website to get started. 

Once installed, complete the setup process (you can skip if you wish) and then follow these instructions:

  1. Head to instagram.com and log in to your account. 
  2. Click the + icon on the left panel of the window which says 'Add Web Panel'. The mobile version of Instagram should now appear in a pane on the left of your screen, leaving you free to browse other sites at the same time.
  3. You can now use the mobile interface to upload a photo in the same way you would on your smartphone. Crucially, it will allow you to access your PC's file explorer to source a photo, while all the usual editing tools are still here. 

That's it! Instagram photo uploading on PC without too much hassle. While you're here, check out how to upload video to Instagram from PC.