Instagram lovers who own a Windows 10 tablet or PC can now make use of the photo and video editing app's features on the Microsoft OS, after it was earlier made available on the Windows 10 Mobile platform.
The app's functionalities for the Windows 10 PC and tablet will be familiar to Instagram users, since the app has the same tools (i.e. explore, shoot, edit and post) that are absent from the browser-based Instagram.com — but there's a catch.
Hardware Requirements
"Instagram for Windows 10 tablets includes all of your favorite features, including Instagram Stories, Direct and Explore," writes the team on the Instagram blog. "You'll be able to capture, edit and share directly from your Windows 10 tablet device."
But uploading IG-edited photos from a Windows 10 PC requires a rear camera and touchscreen. (The snazzy Surface Book or the hybrid Surface Pro are ideal for the task.)
"Keep in mind," the developers note, "other devices running Windows 10 may not support certain features, like the ability to capture and upload photos and videos."
Specific Instagram tools won't work for desktop PCs that rely on webcams. Still, being made compatible with an extensive range of Windows 10 devices means this much-loved photo and video editing tool is now a universal app.
Interface
In terms of design, the app's interface may look clean and uncluttered, especially in the portrait view on a tablet. But a horizontal view on the PC shows a lot of unused space on the left and right side, as seen in the image below.
"It's pretty clear the app is designed to work better on tablets, which are generally used in portrait mode," says Raymond Wong of Mashable.
Instagram For Windows 10 Mobile
In April, Facebook's most popular apps — Facebook, Messenger and Instagram — launched versions compatible with Windows 10 Mobile, with Instagram supporting Video, Explore, Direct, and account switching on the platform.
"You'll also see that Instagram for Windows 10 Mobile supports Live Tiles, showing you updates right on your home screen," writes Davis Fields, Facebook product manager.
The introduction of an Instagram app compatible with Windows 10 phones, tablets and PCs means users will easily receive notifications on their device from their network, and enjoy a hassle-free one-click access to their social media account. Instagram lovers can now download the app for free.
Still No Instagram App For The iPad
Although Instagram has begun to "expand to more of the Windows community," the app is still unavailable on the iPad. The absence of an official Instagram app for the Apple tablet forces iDevice lovers to use the unoptimized version for the iPhone instead.
