Instagram has become the go-to place for sharing photos and videos, but is primarily available on mobile phones. iPhone and iPad users can access Instagram without any restrictions, but Mac users are stuck without any dedicated Instagram apps. Of course, Mac users can access Instagram through the official website, but there are some limitations and they are really annoying. To overcome these annoying restrictions, in this article, we have found the best ways to use Instagram for Mac. We’ve tried to let you enjoy Instagram on your Mac as well as on your mobile. So go ahead and check the guide.
Use Instagram for Mac in 2020
As we already know, Instagram doesn’t offer a dedicated app for Mac. Therefore, users who want to use Instagram on Mac are left with a plain website that lacks much functionality. In this section, we will find some really cool ways to use Instagram on your Mac without any restrictions. From all the options we will start using Instagram in Safari. Here we go.
1. Use Instagram On Mac With No Restrictions In Safari
You can access Instagram at official website, but it is a very minimal and featureless portal. However, there is a neat browser trick that lets you access the mobile view of Instagram in the Safari browser. Here, we will use a developer tool. Forces Instagram to load in mobile view, which unlocks blocked features. Here is how you can use Instagram for Mac without any limitations.
1. Open the Safari browser and click “Safari” in the top menu bar. Later on, Click “Preferences”.
2. Now, Switch to the “Advanced” tab and enable “Show developer menu in menu bar”.
2. Open now Official page of Instagram Sign in to Safari and your account. If your Instagram account is connected to Facebook, click the “Sign in with Facebook” button.
3. After successfully logging in, click “Develop” on the top menu bar and open “User Agent”. Here, Select User Agent as “iOS XX.X iPhone”.
5. Then the Instagram page will refresh itself and you will see the mobile layout in place.
6. Now, just click the plus button and you will be able to upload images and Instagram videos directly from your Mac. You can also access your direct messages. Enjoy using Instagram for Mac!
2. Use Instagram for Mac with No Restrictions in Chrome
If you are using Google Chrome, you can follow similar steps like Safari to enable mobile view of Instagram on your Mac. Here’s how to do it.
1. Open Instagram’s official website Sign in to your account on Chrome and via Facebook or using separate credentials.
2. After logging in, Press CMD+Shift+C In the Right pane, click on the “mobile tablet” button located in the upper left corner to open the developer console.
3. Next, refresh the page and Instagram will reload in mobile view. After that close the console.
4. As you can see, you can now upload photos and videos from the plus button. You also have the option to send a Direct message. On your Mac. Great, isn’t it?
3. Use Instagram for Mac with Third-Party Apps
The best part about using a Mac is that there are great third-party apps available for a variety of services. In this case, you can use Instagram for Mac using a standalone application with all the necessary features. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what new features third-party apps bring to the table.
Channel 1
Flume is a popular app for using Instagram on Mac. It has a slick, vertical interface similar to a mobile app with tons of new features. First of all, the mobile Instagram app on Mac can have Downloads, Direct Messages, Story, etc. You get all the features included. Add multiple Instagram accounts to Flume, in case you manage multiple accounts. You also get trackpad and touch bar support for smooth gestures and fast navigation, with system sharing deeply integrated into the Flume app. 
There is also a separate photo editor for Instagram that lets you instantly focus images and videos. You can also view photos in their original aspect ratio and resolution. Basically, you’re getting a complete Instagram app with added features and Mac features on it. If you are an Instagram pro and want to access all the features on a bigger screen, you should definitely go to Flume.
Install Flume (FreeBuy Flume Pro with a $20 one-time purchase
2. Grids
Alongside Flume, we found Grids to be visually stunning, with support for both vertical and horizontal windows. You can browse Instagram feed in full screen view with adjustable window. Instagram’s layout automatically changes based on your window size and I found the transition really nice. You also have all the necessary features. You can upload photos and videos, send messages with Direct, add multiple accounts, and more right from your Mac. The UI is pretty responsive and I didn’t experience any lag. All in all, a complete Instagram app with great design flair. You should definitely use Grids to browse Instagram on Mac, it’s a completely different experience.
Load Grids (FreeGrids Pro version starts at $0.99/month)
Enjoy Instagram on Mac with All Features
This was our guide on how to use Instagram for Mac without any limitations. As we’ve seen, with a browser hack you can make Instagram believe you’re accessing the service from an iOS device. This method is best if you randomly use Instagram on Mac. However, if you use Instagram regularly on Mac, changing the layout with developer tools can become a routine and tedious exercise. In that case, I would recommend going for third-party apps. Both Flume and Grid are great apps packed with all the missing Instagram features. You can pick one of them according to your preference and you are good to go.
