The iPad has never had an app for Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms. While iPhone users can download an Instagram app from the Apple Store and instantly scroll through pictures and live feeds, those same users can not access their Instagram accounts on their iPads.
Instagram App Demand
Instagrammers have long demanded an app for their iPads. Instagram’s CEO Adam Mosseri commented on the demand from users for an iPad app. The company, he said, would prefer to develop an app for the iPad, but must focus their resources on supporting the app for the iPhone and developing new features for Instagram. Mosseri’s statements show that the company is focused on supporting existing apps on Android and iPhone, as well as developing new features.
New Instagram Features
Recently, Instagram announced several new features for their platform. The company said they will release a new DM feature as well as enabled features to encourages social distancing during the Covid-19 pandemic. These features include co-watching with friends and new ways to order from local businesses and restaurants. The company’s priorities do not appear to include support for tablets. The potential development of an Instagram app for iPad seems a long way off.
How to Access Instagram from your iPad
While there is no official iPad app for Instagram, there are several apps for viewing Instagram on your iPad. First, you can still download the Instagram iPhone app from the Apple Store. The Apple Store is designed primarily to support applications for the iPhone. You can download applications developed for the iPhone on your iPad, but they may not always function correctly. The display does not fit the iPad’s screen, but you can still comfortably scroll through images, video, and live feed. You will still need to change your sharing settings in the Settings menu in order to share your iPad photographs on Instagram.
Second, you can always log in directly to Instagram from your iPad’s browser. This method will comfortably let you view and share content on your Apple tablet. All browsers, including Safari and Chrome, will let you view Instagram. When you use your web browser for Instagram, you still have access to all of the features available on the iPhone and Android app. Make sure that your password is strong and that you log-out each time you have finished scrolling through your feed or watching that live broadcast. This will help protect your Instagram account and your personal information.
Third, several third party apps exist to fill the void created from Instagram forgoing development on an iPad specific app. Padgram allows you to view your feed in landscape or portrait mode, and also to share content across several social media platforms. Pictacular is another app available on the Apple Store that has a great interface for viewing your Instagram feed. Unfortunately, Pictacular does not allow uploading your photos to your personal account. The main drawback for both services is that they require you to log into your Instagram account, thereby sharing your information with both parties.
iPad and Instagram
Maybe one day Instagram will turn their attention to developing an app for the iPad and Android tablets. People would be able to scroll through their feeds viewing video and pictures at larger resolutions. For now, the rumors do not point to an imminent release of an app for any tablet, including the iPad. Third party apps specifically made for tablets are the only alternative to web browsers or apps made for cellular devices, such as the iPhone. Instagram will continue to focus their resources on developing new features for existing apps and to enhance content on the social media platform.
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