Instagram makes image feeds available beyond mobile

6 Feb 2013

Previously a mobile-only experience, Instagram has further opened itself up to the web at large with the ability to browse image feeds on the web, just like they appear on mobile.

Instagram began moving away from a mobile-only concept late last year when it rolled out web profiles for its users. These profiles show a selection of recently shared images from each user and serve as an at-a-glance snapshot of a user’s activity on Instagram. They also come with a follow button and the ability to like and comment on photos.

Now, users can access the same mobile version of their Instagram feeds on the web, too. They can see photos streaming in from people they follow in real-time, and they can also interact and engage by liking and commenting. The browser-based Instagram feed can even shrink down to take on the single-column appearance of the mobile interface.

However, there is one aspect of Instagram that remains mobile only and that’s the ability to upload photos. “We do not offer the ability to upload from the web as Instagram is about producing photos on the go, in the real world, in real-time,” explained co-founder Kevin Systrom in an Instagram blog post. “On the other hand, Instagram for the web is focused on making the browsing experience a fast, simple and enjoyable one.”

Facebook-owned Instagram reported earlier this year that it’s seeing 90m monthly active users posting 40m photos a day.

Elaine Burke is the host of For Tech’s Sake, a co-production from Silicon Republic and The HeadStuff Podcast Network. She was previously the editor of Silicon Republic.

editorial@siliconrepublic.com