An easy and efficient way to access and engage with Instagram directly from your Chrome browser
An easy and efficient way to access and engage with Instagram directly from your Chrome browser
Pros
- Does a great job of translating Instagram navigation to desktops
- Very easy to download and install
- Allows you to download your favorite posts to your PC
Cons
- Issues with logins on multiple devices
- Doesn't let you upload photos to your account
Checking your phone consistently for updates on an Instagram post is now a thing of the past with Instagram for Chrome. This browser add-on makes accessing your pictures extremely convenient. Instagram has always set itself apart from other social media platforms through the cleanness of its interface, but the transition from a mobile format to something designed for desktops is relatively smooth.
What's great about Instagram for Chrome is how easily it integrates Instagram into your existing workflow. Whether you're a professional photographer or a casual user, this extension will allow you to scroll through your Instagram feed on the fly without having to open up a separate app. And while the general flow and experience of this extension will look familiar to mobile users, the designers have done a great job of retaining the feeling of browsing Instagram while making the process of keyboard and mouse navigation feel natural.
Another added benefit of using Instagram for Chrome is the fact that you can discover popular images that have been taken in your area. The application does this by taking your user data through algorithms that draw on your past data points and help you locate posts that will interest you. While most people still use Instagram only on their phones, the fact that you are on a desktop or laptop shouldn't be an issue in discovering new content in your area. It's cross-compatible with all versions of Instagram. Everything from commenting on posts to liking your friends' posts has been translated faithfully.
Instagram for Chrome also offers an extensions tab for an added level of convenience. By using the toolbar for Google chrome after downloading the app, you will notice Instagram's icon. Once you click on the icon, you will be able to notice the website's complete layout which basically looks like the version you see on your phone and smart devices. But navigating through hashtags is incredibly easy via this extension. A full keyboard is definitely a whole lot more convenient than a mobile alternative.
Using Instagram for Google Chrome is also incredibly easy. It is basically the same experience you have in using your phone. There are also three dots at the top right-hand corner that offer an easier browsing experience and you can unblock it on your Chromebook.
Instagram for Chrome could be a case study in responsive design for social media, but that doesn't mean it's perfect. There are some verification issues that can sometimes make it hard to log in on other devices, and reverifying your information can mean having to navigate through your email or phone texts. Having that extra added layer of privacy could really benefit users in the long run. Unfortunately, navigating back to where you've been is impossible at the moment, so navigation doesn't feel as seamless as it could.
One thing that is kind of disappointing with Instagram for Chrome is the fact that you cannot upload content with this Instagram for Chrome. Being able to see everything your friends post is great, but you'll still need to dig out your phone if you want to share. However, this extension is still in its earliest days, so keep your fingers crossed that we might see more features added moving forward.
If you love Instagram, this Chrome extension isn't going to be replacing your mobile app any time soon. Casual users just looking to scroll through the posts of the people they follow will find a lot to love here, but it's barely halfway towards offering the full functionality of the phone app. And since there are issues with logins across multiple devices, the convenience on display here will be more trouble than it's worth for more serious Instagram users. It's worth a look, but you may want to exercise caution before you decide to clear out the memory on your smartphone.
Pros
- Does a great job of translating Instagram navigation to desktops
- Very easy to download and install
- Allows you to download your favorite posts to your PC
Cons
- Issues with logins on multiple devices
- Doesn't let you upload photos to your account
Pros
- Interact with Instagram from Chrome
- Users can like, comment on, and save content
- Completely free
Cons
- Does not allow for uploading or downloading
- Feels like a incomplete website
- Instagram stories are shown on a tiny screen
- Not a natural way to interact with Instagram
Instagram for Chrome allows for users to interact with their Instagram feeds on their computer. It is best for those who wish to browse through their feed on a larger screen. The photos are quite large and take up most of the page. The website looks just like the app and all of the icons are identical. Users can comment on, like, and even save photos, as well as watch Instagram stories.
Instagram for Chrome is great for those who want to see what is going on on Instagram without having to find their phone. It allows for users to see recent notifications and to check out their newsfeed. Users can also edit their profile from within the Chrome page. Users cannot upload nor download any photos on the Chrome version. This leaves the webpage feeling a bit incomplete and even confusing to some users. While they cannot upload new photos to their profile from Instagram for Chrome, users can change their profile picture.
The interface for Instagram for Chrome is essentially identical to that of the phone app. When watching Instagram stories, the screen appears the size of a cellphone and the rest of the screen becomes black. This is obviously not the ideal viewing place for those who want to interact in a natural way with Instagram. It feels like Instagram for Chrome was almost an after-thought.
Although Instagram for Chrome sometimes appears like a literal copy and paste of the original Instagram, it is great for light browsing. It feels very familiar and is quite easy to use. In typical Instagram fashion, it is designed with the endless scroll in mind. It is also great for those who are looking for an exact link to a photo or video.
While it has a lot of changes to make before being a suitable substitute for the Instagram app, Instagram for Chrome overall is a good webpage.
Pros
- Interact with Instagram from Chrome
- Users can like, comment on, and save content
- Completely free
Cons
- Does not allow for uploading or downloading
- Feels like a incomplete website
- Instagram stories are shown on a tiny screen
- Not a natural way to interact with Instagram
Pros
- Works with search tools and tags on the full site
- Keeps you logged in to your Instagram account for ease of use
- Can search for images based on hashtags or geo tags
- Lets you comment on images you like
- Makes liking a photo easy
Cons
- Logging in and out is difficult
- Does not let you upload images to your account
- Prohibits you from saving images on your computer
- Cannot access all features of your own account
- Only view images as-is
Instagram for Chrome makes it easier to use this social media site and to view your own feed from your web browser.
When first released, few thought Instagram would catch on the way it eventually did. The website combines elements of social networking with a photo sharing site. You can use your account to share images that you took on vacation, the photos you took of your children playing at home, or even funny things you saw on the way to work. Adding hastags to those images lets others view your images when searching for similar content. You'll even find top celebrities like Taylor Swift using the site every day.
As many sites now include Instagram buttons on posts and images, finding and sharing content is easy. As long as you remain logged in to your account, you can click that button and share an image on Instagram in seconds. While Instagram for Chrome lacks some of the integration features that users wanted, it does give you complete access to the full site and access to some of the features of your own account.
Instagram for Chrome functions as a browser extension. You can use it to look at the top images of the site from your Chrome browser, though if you want to view those feeds on other browsers, you'll need separate extensions. If you see a photo that you like, you can click the like button to let the account owner know you liked it. The extension even lets you leave a comment on the photo. Just double-click on any image to like it in seconds.
This new extension also lets you search for images taken nearby. This is a great feature for frequent travelers. Use geo tags to search for images of popular tourist attractions or things to do near your current location. You can also use those tags to find new restaurants and things to do near your own home.
Instagram for Chrome launched when Instagram was still a simple app and did not have its own website. As Instagram now has a full website, you may find that you prefer using that site to using this extension. It does not let you upload or download photos, and it doesn't let you log in or out either. Instagram for Chrome is best for those who want to view images without adding any of their own.
Pros
- Works with search tools and tags on the full site
- Keeps you logged in to your Instagram account for ease of use
- Can search for images based on hashtags or geo tags
- Lets you comment on images you like
- Makes liking a photo easy
Cons
- Logging in and out is difficult
- Does not let you upload images to your account
- Prohibits you from saving images on your computer
- Cannot access all features of your own account
- Only view images as-is
