Instagram tests desktop feature in professional push
Instagram is testing a new feature that will allow users to upload posts from their desktops in an effort to woo professional photographers and influencers.
The Facebook-owned app, which was founded in 2010, has long resisted developing a web version of its app as the platform is designed for mobile users to post photos on the go.
But screenshots released by social media consultant Matt Navarra revealed the company is testing a function that will allow users to post and edit photos from their computer.
A Facebook spokesperson confirmed the move, saying: “We know that many people access Instagram from their computer. To improve that experience, we’re now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser.”
The pandemic has sparked challenges for Instagram as stay-at-home measures have deprived users of social events to photograph and post to the platform.
It has also led to an increase in the number of people accessing the social media site from their desktops.
Increased features on its web version, which was launched in 2017 but still has limited functionality, will also make it easier for influencers to upload and edit professional photos.
The move marks Facebook’s latest update to its popular photo-sharing app amid scrutiny over the tech giant’s dominance of the social media market.
The company last year began merging its Instagram and Messenger platforms, while boss Mark Zuckerberg has also announced plans to integrate Whatsapp into the chat apps.
In May Instagram boss Adam Mosseri defended the company’s plans to launch a new version of the app for under-13s, denying it would put children at risk and insisting the aim was to keep kids safe.