How To Post on Instagram from PC: Windows and Mac Users

For full-time creators, managing content across devices is part of the job. The Instagram app is built for mobile, but you might not want to be stuck staring at your phone all day. At the same time, shifting everything back to your phone just to publish can slow you down. 

Luckily, posting Instagram content from your PC is easy, and it works for photos, videos, and Reels. Whether you're a Windows or Mac user, read on to learn how to post on Instagram from your PC.

How To Post on Instagram From a PC

Posting to Instagram from your Windows or Mac device is easy once you know where to look. Whether you're uploading final edits, repurposing content, or batch-posting from a desktop, here's how to upload to Instagram from a PC.

1. Visit the Instagram Website and Log In

Head to instagram.com in your preferred browser. Once you're there, log in to your account like you would on mobile.

2. Select the Plus Icon in the Navbar

After logging in, you'll see a plus sign (+) next to "Create" in the left navigation bar. Click this button, and a pop-up will appear, prompting you to create a new post. This option supports photos and videos, and you can upload content in 1:1, 4:5, 16:9 dimensions or the original format.

3. Upload Content From Your Computer

Click "Select From Computer" and browse your files to pick the photo or video you want to post. You can preview it by cropping, rotating, and zooming in. If you're working with multiple edits, naming your files (like "reel-final-01") will speed things up.

4. Customize Your Photo

Once your file is uploaded, you can adjust the crop, zoom, or aspect ratio. Instagram automatically detects the format, but you can override it and choose your own dimension to better suit your own Instagram aesthetic. You'll also see a few filter and brightness controls, which help with last-minute adjustments.

5. Include Captions and Hashtags

Tell the story behind your post. Write something that hooks viewers, gives context, or shares a quick takeaway. For example, instead of something generic, like "New video just dropped," try:

Just finished editing this BTS Reel 🎬 Would you try this shot list? Let me know in the comments!

#BehindTheScenes #ContentCreatorLife

Captions' Instagram caption generator helps you instantly generate caption ideas to match your usual tone. For discoverability, use the Instagram hashtag generator to surface relevant tags that boost reach without spamming your captions.

6. Adjust Your Settings

You can tag people, add a location, or disable comments before publishing. Also make sure the thumbnail fits well within the rest of your grid — even minor tweaks help create a uniform aesthetic.

7. Share Your Video

Once everything looks good, hit the "Share" button, and your post will go live.

How To Post Videos on Instagram From Your PC

Here's how to post a video to your Instagram account directly from your Windows or Mac computer.

1. Open Instagram in Your Browser

Open Instagram on your preferred browser and log in to your account.

2. Tap the Plus Button

Once logged in, you’ll see the "+" icon on the left. Click it to open Instagram’s upload feature. While this feature started with photos, it now supports video content just as easily, including long-form Reels.

3. Upload a File from Your Computer

Choose "Select From Computer" and browse your files to find the video you want to post. You'll see a quick preview of the uploaded video.

4. Edit Your Video

You can trim the start or end of your video using Instagram's built-in editing options. For more advanced edits, like adding text, subtitles, music, or sound effects, use Captions' Instagram video editor before uploading your file. It has pro-level tools without the clunky software and runs smoothly on any desktop, so you don't have to switch between devices for your workflow.

5. Get Your Video Ready

Double-check your video, reviewing the crop and aspect ratio, adding a thumbnail image, and editing the captions and hashtags how you like. You can also toggle settings like comment permissions or tag collaborators here.

6. Publish Your Post

Once you're happy with everything, click "Share," and you're done. Your video will upload and go live right from your computer.

How To Post Reels on Instagram From Your PC

If your Instagram Reel is ready, uploading it directly from your desktop can help you avoid the phone shuffle. Here are a few steps to post from Instagram’s website on your PC.

1. Visit the Instagram Website and Log In

Go to instagram.com and log in to your account.

2. Click the Plus Icon

Once you're in, find the "+" icon on the left of the screen. It opens Instagram's content uploader, which is the same tool used for posts and videos but also supports Reels. This is excellent for batching content on your desktop and publishing Reels without switching apps or devices.

3. Upload Your Reel

Click "Select From Computer" and find the Reel you want to share. Instagram accepts most common formats (MP4 is the safest bet), and you can preview it before moving forward.

If you want a faster way to create publish-ready Reels, use Captions' Instagram Reel maker. Within minutes, you can generate vertical videos, add subtitles, and make entertaining short-form content without the manual work.

4. Crop the Video if Necessary

Instagram may automatically crop your video, especially if it isn't already in a 9:16 format. However, you'll have the option to manually recenter or zoom if something looks off. Keep an eye on headroom and text placement — make sure nothing important is cut off at the top or bottom.

5. Add a Cover Photo and Trim the Video

Instagram will ask you to choose a cover image, either by uploading a custom thumbnail or selecting a still frame from the video. This is the first thing people will see on your profile, so choose something that stands out on the timeline.

6. Publish Your Post

Publish your new Reel by clicking "Share."

Create and Manage Social Media Content With Captions

Instagram might be a mobile-first app, but your workflow isn’t always. Posting to Instagram from your PC can create a smoother, more organized workflow — especially if you juggle multiple projects. Whether you're sharing Reels or curated carousels, being able to upload directly from your desktop is an excellent option to have in your workflow.

That's where Captions comes in. As an all-in-one video editing platform, Captions gives you the tools to script, edit, and enhance your content in one place — then easily publish across social platforms. Work smarter and faster without breaking your flow. Try Captions today.

FAQ

Can You Post Instagram Stories From a Desktop?

Not directly. Instagram’s desktop version doesn’t currently support uploading Stories. You can view Stories from your browser, but you’ll need to use the Instagram app to post one. However, you can still create a Story on a desktop using editing tools like Captions and then transfer it to your phone for publishing.

How Can You Post an Instagram Story on a Mac?

You can’t post Stories directly from a Mac using a browser. Instead, create and edit your Story on your Mac using tools like Captions’ Story Maker and move the final video or image to your phone. From there, open the Instagram app to upload it as a Story.

Can You Post on Instagram From a Laptop?

Yes. Whether you’re using a Windows laptop or a Mac, Instagram’s web version lets you post photos, videos, and Reels. Just log in, click the “+” icon on the left side of the screen, and follow the prompts to upload and publish your content — all without switching to your phone.