How to Get the Instagram Desktop App on Mac (Easiest 2025 Guide)

Updated: October 2025

Using the Instagram desktop app on Mac makes everything simpler. No more switching tabs, no more missed messages, and no more limits when managing multiple accounts. You can have the same experience you already enjoy on your phone, but from the comfort of your desktop.

In this article, we’ll show you how to get the Instagram desktop app and start using it on your Mac in a few minutes.

Is there a desktop app for Instagram in the Apple Store?

The short answer is no. Instagram doesn’t have an official desktop app for macOS in the App Store. Right now, the native app is only available for iPhones and iPads.

That said, there are still a few easy ways to use Instagram on your Mac. You can open it from your browser or set it up through a workspace simplifier like Rambox, which gives you the same desktop experience you’d expect from a native app.

Best ways to use Instagram on Mac

There’s no official Instagram desktop app for macOS, but that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with the browser version. Depending on how you use Instagram, there are a few good alternatives that let you post, chat, and manage multiple accounts from your computer.

Let’s take a look at the easiest and most practical ways to do it.

Get Instagram’s desktop app for Mac on Rambox

With Rambox, you can use Instagram on your Mac as if it were a desktop app, without needing to install anything extra. Rambox is a workspace simplifier that lets you add all the apps you use every day (including Instagram) and keep them organized in one place.

Try Rambox today, it’s free! Once you sign up and download Rambox, just add Instagram to your main menu or your Workspaces and start using it with the same look and feel as the mobile app, but with all the comfort of your Mac!

Access Instagram via web browser

Accessing Instagram on the web is simple. Go to instagram.com, log in or sign up, and explore your profile and feed.

To avoid searching each time, create a shortcut:

• For Safari on Mac, shrink the window and drag the URL to the desktop.
• For Chrome, click on the vertical dots, select “More tools,” then “Create a shortcut.”

While this option is fast, it lacks advanced features like push notifications or multiple account control.

Use an Android emulator (and why it’s not ideal)

You can also download an Android emulator. This emulator makes your Mac work as an Android phone so that you can interact with the Instagram app.
However, this method has major drawbacks:

• It consumes significant system resources.
• Some Android apps do not function properly on emulators.
• The installation process can be complex and requires technical skills.

Which is the best way to use Instagram on your Mac?

Method	Pros	Cons
Rambox	Lets you use Instagram on your Mac almost like a desktop app	Requires downloading Rambox first
	Keeps all your apps (including Instagram) organized in one interface	Slight learning curve the first time you set it up
	Works smoothly with multiple Instagram accounts
	Custom notifications and easy access without switching tabs
Web Browser	No installation needed, works from any Mac	Doesn’t support push notifications
	Quick access to your feed and DMs	Limited to a maximum of five accounts per session
	Safe and official way to log in through instagram.com	Layout can feel restrictive on small screens
	Easy to create a desktop shortcut for faster access	Doesn’t allow advanced actions like posting Stories
Android Emulator	Offers the full mobile version of Instagram	High CPU and memory usage on most Macs
	Lets you access every feature from the mobile app	Some apps may crash or lag inside the emulator
	Simulates the phone experience on your desktop	Setup is complex and not beginner-friendly

 

How to Install Instagram desktop app on Rambox (Step-by-Step)

Using Rambox to access the Instagram app on Mac is one of the most efficient solutions to make up for the app’s non-existence in the App Store. Rambox is available for Windows, macOS, and Linux and offers more than 700 apps, including Instagram.

 

To add Instagram to Rambox, follow these three simple steps:

1. Click on the “+add an app or workspace” icon.

2. Type “Instagram” in the search bar.

3. Configure your preferences and click “add“.

That’s it! You can now easily enjoy the Instagram app on your Mac.

Benefits of using the Instagram desktop app on Rambox

If you work with social media and often manage several Instagram accounts, Rambox can make things much simpler. It helps you stay organized, save time, and keep every account just where you need it. Let’s take a look at the main benefits.

Manage all your Instagram accounts in one place

If you handle multiple Instagram accounts, you know how tiring it can be to switch between them. Instagram lets you add and move between multiple accounts within the app, but that’s not always the smoothest option. When you manage several profiles, switching accounts in the same session can cause mistakes, maybe you post from the wrong profile or the switch doesn’t go through properly.

With Rambox, this problem disappears. You can create a separate app instance for each Instagram account and access them all from the same interface. Just click the Instagram icon you want in your app bar, and you’ll instantly open the right profile without any mix-ups.

With Rambox Basic, you can add up to two instances of the same app. If you need more, Rambox Pro offers unlimited app instances, allowing you to add as many Instagram accounts as you need.

Customizable Workspaces

Staying organized is key when you manage several Instagram accounts. With Rambox’s customizable Workspaces, you can keep everything neatly arranged and easy to find.

Think of Workspaces as folders where you can group your apps in the way that works best for you. It’s perfect for community managers or anyone managing several profiles, since you can group each account in the way that works best for you. You might create one Workspace per client or keep all your social apps together, the choice is yours.

In Rambox, you can also decide how your apps are displayed inside each Workspace. You can open one app in full screen or view several at once in the same interface, either side by side or stacked, so you always have everything you need visible and easy to access.

Quick search and shortcuts

Do you work with so many Instagram accounts that you find it difficult to remember which session a particular conversation or post is in? This situation is a daily occurrence for many social media workers.

That’s why a quick search in Rambox is not limited to applications. You can also search for conversations. Just type in the username of the person you were talking to, and Rambox will automatically show you that chat, so you don’t waste time looking for where it was.

Notification management

Rambox offers comprehensive control of all notifications from your applications and Workspaces. You will be able to adapt the notifications of all your applications until they are pixel-perfect. Choose for each application whether you want to see a desktop notification, hear a sound, or not receive information from that application to focus on other tasks.

Don’t worry if you mute notifications from specific applications. Those messages don’t disappear. You can catch up with what you have postponed from the Notification Center.

The app also visually reminds you of unread messages or emails for each app, so you can quickly decide where your attention is needed most.

Rambox is your perfect solution to keep order in your apps and increase your productivity if you work with multiple Instagram accounts. Try Rambox for free, download the app for Mac, configure it to your liking, and enjoy all its advantages as soon as possible.

Why install the Instagram desktop app on your Mac?

If you use Instagram for work, you already know how much time it takes to manage everything from your phone. Writing captions, replying to messages or comments, and posting content can be slow and uncomfortable on a small screen. Using the Instagram desktop app on Mac makes all those tasks faster and much more efficient. You can create, publish and interact with your audience from the same device you use to work every day.

Here’s why it’s worth it:

• Bigger screen, better view. You can review photos and videos more comfortably and check every detail before posting.
• Faster typing and easier replies. A real keyboard and mouse make it simpler to write long captions, answer DMs or respond to comments without losing time.
• Stay connected while you work. You can keep Instagram open while managing other tasks on your computer, staying on top of notifications and messages without switching devices.
• Everything in one place. With Rambox, you can have Instagram next to your other daily apps, keeping your workspace tidy and helping you multitask more efficiently.

Having Instagram on your Mac is not just about comfort. It helps you save time, stay focused and work more productively.

Any questions about the features of Rambox? Do not hesitate to contact us!

FAQ

Does Instagram have a desktop app for Mac?

No, Instagram doesn’t currently have an official desktop app for macOS. However, you can still use Instagram on your Mac through your browser or by adding it to Rambox, which lets you access it in a desktop-style interface with all your other apps.

Can I download the Instagram app on a Mac?

You can’t download a native Instagram app from the App Store on Mac, but you can get the same experience by using Rambox. Simply add Instagram to your Rambox interface, log in, and you’ll have it ready to use anytime.

Can Instagram be used on a desktop?

Yes, you can use Instagram on any desktop. Just use Rambox to keep your account in an organized, distraction-free workspace, alongside your other communication and social apps. You can also open instagram.com from your browser.

What is the best way to use Instagram on Mac?

The easiest and most complete option is using Rambox. It lets you manage multiple Instagram accounts, receive notifications, and keep all your apps organized in one interface.

Is Rambox safe to use with Instagram?

Yes. Rambox uses official versions of each app, including Instagram, so your login and data are managed securely.

Can I add more than one Instagram account in Rambox?

Absolutely. With Rambox Basic, you can add up to two instances of Instagram. If you need more, Rambox Pro lets you create as many as you want, all accessible from the same interface.

Does Rambox work on other devices besides Mac?

Yes. Rambox is available for macOS, Windows, and Linux, so you can use your Instagram accounts from any operating system you prefer.