For more than a decade, Instagram has only allowed for photos or videos to be uploaded from a phone. However, Facebook has confirmed that the platform is testing out a feature that would allow users to post from their desktop. Solen Feyissa / Unsplash
For more than a decade, Instagram has only allowed for photos or videos to be uploaded from a phone. However, Facebook has confirmed that the platform is testing out a feature that would allow users to post from their desktop. Solen Feyissa / Unsplash
For more than a decade, Instagram has only allowed for photos or videos to be uploaded from a phone. However, Facebook has confirmed that the platform is testing out a feature that would allow users to post from their desktop. Solen Feyissa / Unsplash
For more than a decade, Instagram has only allowed for photos or videos to be uploaded from a phone. However, Facebook has confirmed that the platform is testing out a feature that would allow users t

Facebook confirms testing of Instagram Desktop: 'We know that many people access it from their computer'


Evelyn Lau
  • English
  • Arabic

Instagram users who have longed for another way to upload content rather than just through their phones may soon get their wish.

To improve that experience, we're now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser

Facebook has confirmed to Bloomberg that the photo sharing platform is testing out a feature that would allow users to upload photos and videos from their desktop computers, after more than a decade without the capability to do so.

“We know that many people access Instagram from their computer,” said Facebook spokeswoman Christine Pai told Bloomberg. “To improve that experience, we’re now testing the ability to create a Feed post on Instagram with their desktop browser.”

Currently, Instagram users can like, comment and even look through Instagram Stories (provided they are signed into their account) from their desktop but cannot upload content. The original reasoning for this was because Instagram intended the platform to be for people posting pictures of their lives through their phones.

However, over the years, as Instagram has grown in popularity with professionals and influencers, the quality of photos and videos used has increased meaning a desktop-friendly version would be helpful to those who spend meticulous time editing and perfecting their content.

While the feature isn’t available to everyone yet, to see if you have access, just go to Instagram on your web browser and see if there’s a new “plus” icon on the tray on the top right corner.

An algorithm change

In June, the social media platform revealed it would be changing its algorithm after there were claims it was censoring pro-Palestine content.

Previously, the app prioritised original content shared in Stories over posts reshared from other people. Now, however, it will give both equal treatment, the BBC reported.

The current set-up has had a "bigger impact than expected" on the number of people who see content, but this new move is supposed to help posts on breaking news reach a wider audience, the company has said.

If you go

The Flights

Emirates and Etihad fly direct to Johannesburg from Dubai and Abu Dhabi respectively. Economy return tickets cost from Dh2,650, including taxes.

The trip

Worldwide Motorhoming Holidays (worldwidemotorhomingholidays.co.uk) operates fly-drive motorhome holidays in eight destinations, including South Africa. Its 14-day Kruger and the Battlefields itinerary starts from Dh17,500, including campgrounds, excursions, unit hire and flights. Bobo Campers has a range of RVs for hire, including the 4-berth Discoverer 4 from Dh600 per day.

The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo

Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm

Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm

Transmission: 9-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km

On sale: Now

Price: From Dh117,059

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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Emergency phone numbers in the UAE

Estijaba – 8001717 –  number to call to request coronavirus testing

Ministry of Health and Prevention – 80011111

Dubai Health Authority – 800342 – The number to book a free video or voice consultation with a doctor or connect to a local health centre

Emirates airline – 600555555

Etihad Airways – 600555666

Ambulance – 998

Knowledge and Human Development Authority – 8005432 ext. 4 for Covid-19 queries

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