How to Install Instagram as a Web App on Mac Using Safari
Instagram has become a cornerstone of social media, allowing users to share photos and videos with friends and followers. While mobile users on iPhone and Android have straightforward access to the app through their respective app stores, Mac users have needed a different approach. However, thanks to the new web apps feature in Safari, it’s now possible to use Instagram on your Mac just like a native application.
How to Install Instagram on Your Mac
With macOS Sonoma 14 and newer, you can easily add Instagram as a web app to your Mac’s Dock, allowing for a more seamless experience. Follow these simple steps to set it up:
Step-by-Step Installation
- Launch Safari on your Mac.
- Navigate to instagram.com in a new Safari window and resize it to your preferred dimensions.
- From the top menu, select “File” and then choose “Add to Dock.”
- You can keep the default name or customize it, then click “Add.”
Once you’ve completed these steps, Instagram will appear in your Mac’s Dock as a web app. You can now open it directly from the Dock, just as you would with any other application.
Understanding the Functionality
The Instagram web app operates independently from Safari, allowing you to manage both Safari and Instagram simultaneously. This means you can close Instagram while continuing to browse the web, enhancing your multitasking capabilities.
Alternative Methods for Using Instagram on Your Mac
For those with Apple Silicon Macs, there’s an option to sideload iPhone apps directly onto your Mac, including Instagram. Additionally, third-party tools like iMazing can help you transfer the Instagram IPA file from your iPhone, allowing it to run natively on your Mac. However, many users find that using Instagram through Safari offers a more optimized experience for larger screens.
Limitations and Considerations
It’s important to note that the web app feature is only available on macOS Sonoma and newer versions. If you are using an earlier version, you won’t be able to use this feature. However, you can still add website shortcuts to your Dock across all versions of macOS, which will allow you to quickly access Instagram.com.
Despite the demand from Mac and iPad users for a dedicated Instagram app, Meta has yet to respond with a native solution. Until that changes, leveraging the web app feature in Safari remains the best option for Instagram enthusiasts on macOS.