Instagram is finally letting users create and publish posts using a web browser on a desktop. Social media consultant Matt Navarra recently shared screenshots demonstrating the new feature on Twitter. A number of other users also confirmed receiving this functionality in the web version of Instagram.
This is apparently a test run of the feature which has been in development for several months now. “We know that many people access Instagram from their computer,” Facebook spokeswoman Christine Pai told Bloomberg. “To improve that experience, we’re now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser.”
The screenshots shared by Navarra show that Instagram has added a new “plus” icon in the icon tray in the top-right corner of the screen on the web version. The button is highlighted with the message “Now you can create and share posts directly from your computer.”
Clicking that button will take you to the compose field from where you can create new posts by dragging a photo or selecting from the computer. You will be able to crop the photos using various aspect ratios or post them in their original size. You can also apply various filters and use editing tools to adjust the brightness, contrast, saturation, ad other parameters before posting. Last but not least, you will be able to add captions up to 2,200 characters long, share your location info, add alt text to describe your photo, and choose to turn off comments.
Instagram is testing the ability to create posts from desktop
The ability to create posts through the web was one of the most sought-after features by Instagram users. The Facebook-owned photo and video sharing platform has always focused on its mobile apps. However, since the COVID-19 pandemic struck last year, there has been a sharp rise in internet usage globally. People are also now spending more time on their computers than before. The company must have noticed this and finally added the ability to create posts on the web version.
Developer Alessandro Paluzzi had last month revealed this feature in development. Around that time, it was unclear when Instagram plans to roll out the new feature. Thankfully, the company didn’t make users wait much longer. That said, it’s still a test run. So not everyone will receive it right away. Once the feature goes live for you, you will see the aforementioned “plus” icon when you’re in the main feed.
Note that you can currently only create feed posts and not Reels. It’s unclear whether Instagram plans to add this ability to the web version in the future. We will let you know if the company officially announces this rollout.