The mobile Instagram app has traditionally been the only known way to access the Instagram community. In the early days their homepage only had links to download the app on your Android or iOS device. Since then, they've allowed you to view your feed and comment and like photos, but it still isn't a desirable way to use Instagram on your desktop or the web to search, discover and interact with others.
There are many ways to use Instagram without a mobile device. In fact, the web has become clogged with "Instagram web viewers". And while most of them are junk, there are a few that shine through this colossal mess of web apps.
Note: Instagram recently updated their web interface to allow allows clickable hashtags from a photo, taking you to a page displaying all photos with that hashtag. This is a great step forward, although image discovery and a search field still aren't present.
Copygram [Broken URL Removed]
Copygram focuses on the printing of Instagram photos, but when you go to grid.copygr.am [Broken URL Removed], you get a clean view of your Instagram feed, with the ability to like and comment on photos.
Copygram has some great discovery tools and advanced searching based on location, username, hashtag, place name or category. It even includes a search guide for instructions on how to search.
You have the additional ability to backup your Instagram photos too.
The downside to Copygram, however, is that unlike the others mentioned in this article, you have to create an account, registering your email, instead of just logging in with Instagram.
Pros
- Modern interface
- Auto-adjusts to browser dimensions
- Discovery features
- Photo backup
- View feed, latest likes and your photos
- Comment on and like
- Advanced searching (includes guide)
Cons
- Must create an account aside from connecting to Instagram
Pinsta.me
Pinsta.me provides an intuitive design that is easy to adjust 5 different ways: small, medium or large photos in full or compact views. You can like and comment on them and use the "Explore" feature to discover photos and users based on "popular", "random", "just now" or specific category channels like art, pets, tech etc.
Pros
- Modern interface
- Auto-adjusts to browser dimensions
- Several viewing options
- Explore functions
- View all likes
- Add photos to "Favorites"
- Comment on and like
Cons
- Only basic hashtag and user search functions
InstaFall
Instafall was actually a service recommended to me by a MakeUseOf reader. It has a TweetDeck-like design, featuring columns for each "view" that most websites dedicate another page for. On Instafall there are no "other pages". You can, of course, like and comment on posts, view specific users' profiles, and add custom columns of a user, hashtag or "nearby" photos.
There are two primary features that make Instafall standout: "nearby search" and real-time updating. The nearby search function isn't limited to a specific hashtag, but rather your location. It's also a great way to discover "local hashtags".
Though the layout works great for me and isn't too busy, not all may like the column layout.
Pros
- Updates in real-time
- Modern TweetDeck-like layout
- Discover by user, hashtag and "nearby location"
- Custom columns/layout
- Comment on and like photos
Cons
* Layout may feel cluttered to some
Extragram [Broken URL Removed]
Extragram is a decent Instagram web viewer with a modern, grid-style layout. You can view your feed and likes. Its discovery and searching capabilities include both "popular photos" and results of users and unusual hashtags similar to your search query, instead of only being limited to your specific search.
Extragram's interface doesn't auto-adjust to your browser's dimensions and you can't change the layout or size of images.
A similar website to Extragram that you may have heard of is called LoginGram. It has about the same capabilities and allows downloading Instagram photos, but with a less intuitive interface, in my opinion.
Pros
- Modern, grid-style layout
- View feed and likes
- Decent searching capabilities
- Comment on and like photos
Cons
- Can't change view layout
- Doesn't auto-adjust to browser dimensions
Swipemy.pics
If you're looking for a streamlined Instagram viewer, this is it. Swipemy.pics doesn't have many features beyond liking photos and viewing your own or a specific user's feed, but its clean interface landed it a spot on the list.
Even while maintaining a minimalist approach, it could have a few more useful features like searching hashtags or including some discovery or advanced search features.
Pros
- Simple and uncluttered
- Like photos
- Auto-adjusts to browser dimensions
- Scroll through feed or specific users photos
Cons
- No commenting
- No hashtag search
- No discovery/searching features
Which Instagram Web Viewer Do You Use?
While there are other great web viewers that do more in providing Instagram statistics and analytics, they can often be cluttered and have too many options. Sometimes less is more. If you are looking for some web viewers that also provide analytics, here are three more great options we recommend:
- Websta
- INK361 [Broken URL Removed]
- Iconosquare
Is there a different web viewer that has improved your Instagram experience? Have you used any on this list? We're always open for feedback in the comments!