Why the web version of Instagram is better than the app

Say goodbye to the bloated experience of the Instagram App and embrace the refreshing web version!

Instagram was once simple and easy to use: open, browse photos, like, close. Nowadays, it's very different.

The former photo stream of Moments has gradually evolved into an endless stream of information that automatically plays videos, advertisements and algorithm recommendations, and even tried to force the TikTok clone version function.

It all stems from Meta's desire for users' eyes, parent company of Facebook and Instagram. The longer the user stays, the more interactions (shares, comments, likes, watch videos in full, or even buy them directly), the higher the revenue of Meta. To do this, they need to attract users, so those initially simple applications are filled with various content, bright red notification icons and various widgets, with the goal of capturing your eyes as long as possible.

If you like the new Instagram features, I have no intention of depriving you of your fun. But if you, like me, find it all exhausting, then I have a solution: Instagram on the web.

Regain the original intention of Instagram

Most Instagram users may only use the web version on their computers, but you can also open it on your mobile device. Simply visit Instagram.com in your browser, log in and start browsing.

You will find that friends' photos are all there, and Instagram's algorithm sorting has not spread to the web yet, so you can scroll backwards in chronological order as you used to. Even better, there are no ads or recommended posts on the web version of Instagram. The video will not play automatically, but you can click the play button to watch any video. You will only see photos, videos, stories of the people you follow, and that's it.

[Related: Best Hidden Tips for Instagram]

Instagram has also recently added the ability to upload photos and stories from web pages, which means you no longer need to install the app to have a fully-featured account.

But not everything is perfect. Sometimes scrolling through the Instagram web version can feel a little clumsy, just like many mobile interfaces that fit for your browser. And, if you give up on the app altogether, you won't receive any notifications. Some people will think the latter is an advantage, but others will think it is an unacceptable disadvantage.

Good news for iPad users: Instagram web version

Incredibly, in 2022, Instagram still doesn't offer iPad apps.

Users can only install iOS apps. But that means using a tiny app version or zooming in. Since the iPhone's aspect ratio is different from that of the iPad, the tablet will make up for the width difference by adding black bars to the left and right sides of the screen. And because the device zooms in to fill the display, the photos will look blurry. Considering that the iPad's large-sized high-resolution display is not just a false name, it is obvious that this is far from ideal.

At this time, the web version of Instagram comes in handy. The Instagram web version is optimized for your chosen browser so iPad users can browse the platform while enjoying large-size high-resolution images. This is a better way to browse.

Add Instagram web app to home screen

Another drawback of giving up the Instagram app is that you won't have easy-to-use icons on your home screen. Fortunately, there is a solution. On iOS or iPadOS, open Instagram in Safari and click the Share button on the right side of the address bar. Scroll down and click Add to Home Screen. An icon with the Instagram logo will appear on your home screen. It looks like an icon for the app, but clicking it opens the web version.

[Related: 11 essential widgets for Android home screen]

On Android, open the website in Chrome, click the three dot icon in the upper right corner of the browser, and then click to add to the home screen . You will be prompted to name the shortcut – “Instagram” is displayed by default, but you can enter any name you want. Finally, click to add , and if you are using a Pixel phone, click again in the next menu to add to the home screen . This will add a unique Instagram icon that you can move and click on at any time to open the Instagram website.

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