How to Sign Up for Instagram on PC, Mac, or Chromebook

A simple guide to joining Instagram on a PC

Co-authored by Nicole Levine, MFA Reviewed by Luigi Oppido

Last Updated: November 15, 2024 Fact Checked

Did you know that you can sign up for Instagram without using a phone or tablet? Creating an Instagram account on the web is now easier than ever. Once you open an account using your email address or Facebook login, you can even post photos and exchange messages just like in the Instagram mobile app. This wikiHow article will walk you through creating an Instagram account on your PC, Mac, or Chromebook.

Opening an Instagram Account on a PC

Open Instagram’s website in your web browser and click “sign up.”
Fill out your email, name, username, and password, then click “sign up.”
Customize your profile by clicking “Profile,” then “Edit Profile.”
Hit “Submit” to save your information and start exploring Instagram.

Steps

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1
Go to https://www.instagram.com in a web browser. You can use any web browser on your computer, such as Chrome, Safari, or Edge to access Instagram on your computer.
- Many of Instagram's best features, like direct messaging and the ability to create photo and video posts, are now available in your web browser.
- While it's not possible to create a story using Instagram on your computer, you can still view other people's stories just as you would in the mobile app.
It's the link on the right side of the page next to "Don't have an account?"

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3
Fill out the sign-up form. Enter your email address, full name, the username you'd like to use on Instagram, and a secure password to get started.^{[1]
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- If you'd rather not use your email address, you could enter a phone number—but if you do, you'll need to confirm your phone number by verifying a code you receive via text.^{[2]
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- Alternatively, if you already have a Facebook account, you can skip filling out the form and choose to link your new Instagram account to Facebook—just click Log in with Facebook, enter your Facebook login details, and then click Log in.
It's at the bottom of the form. Your new Instagram account is now ready to use!^{[3]
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5
Customize your profile. Now that you've created an account, you'll want to personalize your profile before you explore.^{[4]
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- Click the profile photo at the top-right and select Profile.
- Click the Edit Profile button at the top of your profile.
- To select a profile photo, click Change profile photo and upload a photo from your computer.
- You can also change the name that appears on your profile, add a link to your website, type a brief bio, and update your gender and contact information.
- When you're finished, click Submit at the bottom to save your new profile.

Community Q&A

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Question

How can I search for a friend on Instagram?

Community Answer

Do this on the mobile app, official website, BlueStacks or any Instagram web viewer. On the mobile app and BlueStacks, click the magnifying glass at the bottom of the screen and type in their name or Instagram handle. On the official site, there is a search bar at the top of the screen where you can type in their Instagram username or name. On most web viewers, you should be able to search for friends by locating a magnifying glass or search bar at the edges of the screen.

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Question

Can I upload pics from my PC to Instagram?

Community Answer

Yes, multiple third party sources are available, either as a website or application required to download. You can use BlueStacks (shown in the article) to upload just as you would on the mobile app.

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Question

I downloaded the app, why can't I sign up?

Community Answer

You can't sign up on BlueStacks as Instagram will display an error about your internet proxy. You need to download the official app on your mobile device to sign up, but if you are unable to do that you can download the app InstaPic, available on Windows 8 computers and up. On some computers if you visit the Instagram website it will allow you to sign up there.

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Tips

To search for a user, hashtag, photo, or video, just type your search terms into the "Search" bar at the top of the screen.^{[5]
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If you'd rather use a desktop app, there's a lightweight Instagram app available to Windows users. This app looks and functions exactly like the web-based version of Instagram, except it runs in a window that's separate from your web browser. If you want to try out the app, visit https://apps.microsoft.com/store/detail/instagram/9NBLGGH5L9XT.

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Click the compass icon at the top of the screen to open the Search and Explore page, where you'll find posts and reels (short-form videos) that might interest you.

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