Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms, with millions of users worldwide. It’s a platform where people can share photos and videos, interact with their friends and followers, and explore content from other users. Although Instagram has a native app for smartphones, it lacks an official app specifically designed for iPads. This guide will provide you with a detailed explanation of how to get Instagram on your iPad and optimize your experience with workarounds and third-party apps.
Part 1: Downloading and Installing Instagram on iPad
1.1 Using the iPhone version of Instagram
Although there isn’t a dedicated Instagram app for iPads, you can still download and install the iPhone version on your iPad. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPad and tap on the ‘Search’ icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Type ‘Instagram’ in the search bar and press ‘Search’ on your keyboard.
Step 3: By default, the App Store will show you the iPad apps only. To display the iPhone version of Instagram, tap on ‘Filters’ at the top left corner of the screen.
Step 4: Under ‘Supports,’ choose ‘iPhone only,’ then tap on ‘Done’ at the top right corner.
Step 5: The iPhone version of Instagram should now be displayed in the search results. Tap on the cloud icon or ‘Get’ button to download and install the app.
Step 6: Once the installation is complete, the Instagram icon will appear on your iPad’s home screen. Tap on it to open the app and sign in using your Instagram credentials or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Note: The iPhone version of Instagram will work on your iPad; however, it may not be fully optimized for the larger screen, resulting in lower resolution and a layout not specifically designed for the iPad.
1.2 Using Instagram on iPad through Safari or another web browser
Another option for using Instagram on your iPad is by accessing it through a web browser like Safari, Chrome, or Firefox. This method doesn’t require you to download any app, but it may not offer the same features and functionality as the native app. Here’s how to access Instagram through a web browser on your iPad:
Step 1: Open your preferred web browser on your iPad.
Step 2: Type ‘www.instagram.com’ in the address bar and press ‘Go’ on your keyboard.
Step 3: Once the Instagram website loads, sign in using your Instagram credentials or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Step 4: After signing in, you can browse your feed, view profiles, and like or comment on posts. However, some features, such as uploading photos or videos and accessing Instagram Stories, may not be available through the web version.
Part 2: Third-Party Instagram Apps for iPad
There are several third-party Instagram apps available for iPads that provide a more optimized experience and additional features compared to the iPhone version or web browser access. While these apps are not officially endorsed by Instagram, they can enhance your experience on the platform.
2.1 Flow for Instagram
Flow for Instagram is a popular third-party app designed specifically for iPad users. The app offers a beautifully designed interface and intuitive navigation, making it an excellent alternative to the native Instagram app. Some of its features include:
A full-screen layout designed for iPads
The ability to browse your feed, popular posts, and search for users or hashtags
Multiple account support
Access to Instagram Stories
Dark mode for comfortable browsing in low-light environments
To download Flow for Instagram, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open
the App Store on your iPad and tap on the ‘Search’ icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Type ‘Flow for Instagram’ in the search bar and press ‘Search’ on your keyboard.
Step 3: Locate the Flow for Instagram app in the search results and tap on the cloud icon or ‘Get’ button to download and install the app.
Step 4: Once the installation is complete, the Flow for Instagram icon will appear on your iPad’s home screen. Tap on it to open the app and sign in using your Instagram credentials or create a new account if you don’t have one.
2.2 Padgram
Padgram is another third-party Instagram app designed for iPads, offering a user-friendly interface and additional features not available in the native Instagram app. Some of its features include:
An optimized layout for iPads with high-resolution images
The ability to browse your feed, view profiles, and search for users or hashtags
Multiple account support
Access to Instagram Stories and Direct Messages
Customizable themes for a personalized look
To download Padgram, follow these steps:
Step 1: Open the App Store on your iPad and tap on the ‘Search’ icon at the bottom right corner of the screen.
Step 2: Type ‘Padgram’ in the search bar and press ‘Search’ on your keyboard.
Step 3: Locate the Padgram app in the search results and tap on the cloud icon or ‘Get’ button to download and install the app.
Step 4: Once the installation is complete, the Padgram icon will appear on your iPad’s home screen. Tap on it to open the app and sign in using your Instagram credentials or create a new account if you don’t have one.
Please note that third-party apps may not always provide the same level of security and privacy as the native Instagram app, so use them at your own discretion.
Part 3: Optimizing Your Instagram Experience on iPad
3.1 Adjusting the display settings
If you’re using the iPhone version of Instagram on your iPad, you may find that the display is not fully optimized for the larger screen. To improve your experience, try adjusting the display settings:
Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your iPad.
Step 2: Tap on the ‘2x’ button at the bottom right corner of the screen to switch to a larger display mode, filling the iPad screen.
Step 3: Experiment with your iPad’s display settings, such as brightness and color balance, to find the optimal viewing experience for Instagram.
3.2 Using an external keyboard
An external keyboard can enhance your Instagram experience on the iPad, especially if you enjoy writing captions, commenting, or sending Direct Messages. To connect an external keyboard to your iPad, follow these steps:
Step 1: Turn on your Bluetooth keyboard and set it to pairing mode (refer to the keyboard’s user manual for instructions).
Step 2: On your iPad, open the ‘Settings’ app and tap on ‘Bluetooth.’
Step 3: Make sure Bluetooth is enabled, and your iPad will start searching for nearby devices.
Step 4: Locate your keyboard in the list of available devices and tap on it to connect.
Step 5: Once connected, you can use the external keyboard with the Instagram app for an improved typing experience.
Conclusion
While Instagram doesn’t have an official app designed specifically for iPads, there are several ways to access and enjoy the platform on your device. By using the iPhone version, accessing Instagram through a web browser, or trying out third-party apps like Flow for Instagram and Padgram, you can optimize your Instagram experience on the iPad. Enhance your browsing and interaction even further by adjusting display settings and connecting an external keyboard.
