Instagram has undergone a surprising growth in recent years, so much so that it has become the reference social network worldwide. Its application is available for both Android and iOS, but you can also use the online platform from your computer, by accessing the site by entering your credentials. However, there are differences between the smartphone application and the web version. The most important is certainly the presence of Direct, which do not appear on the Web version, since the Instagram chat is not yet accessible via computer. However, it is possible to view Direct from the computer and it is an easy operation which, contrary to what you think, takes a few seconds. So let’s try to understand how to view Instagram direct from your computer.
Differences between the web version and the Instagram application
Before revealing some tricks to see Instagram direct from your computer, it is good to analyze what changes between the Web version and the smartphone application, in order to fully understand the messaging system present within Instagram.
First of all, as has already been said, we find the presence of chat within the application, but we do not find it on the Web version. The reason is not clear, but we know that the development team is focusing a lot on smartphone application. Maybe in the future there will also be an update regarding the Web version, with the addition of new functions. Even if you can access Instagram Direct from a PC, keep in mind that it will not be possible to send voice messages (with some exceptions) and make video calls. These functions are strictly reserved for the smartphone application.
So how is it possible to use Direct if it is a function absent from the computer? If you think about it, messaging applications (like Whatsapp and Telegram) store chats on a remote server. This means that it will be possible to view the Direct until they are deleted. By relying on third-party desktop applications, or taking advantage of the web version, you will be able to control your messages. It is good to be careful, because third-party applications are not always reliable, as they may exploit the permissions to retain personal data. So always check the permissions you are asked for.
How to use Instagram direct from the computer
As said so far, using Instagram Web to view direct is feasible. All you need is a little patience and some applications to overcome this inconvenience. I remind you that all these alternatives are valid for Windows, macOS and also for the various Linux distributions.
Use the mobile version of the Instagram site
The fastest way to view Instagram Direct from the Computer is definitely to use the browser, using their development tools. Just a few steps will suffice:
- Connect to the official Instagram site
- Make the login
- Click the right mouse button anywhere on the page
- Click on Inspect
Now the developer console will appear, characterized by long lines of HTML code. All you have to do is:
- Select the smartphone icon located at the top left of the developer console
- Refresh the page
Now you will have the mobile interface of Instagram in front of you, and you can consult the Direct.
Use the application for Windows 10
The Microsoft home operating system has an Instagram application that can be downloaded for free on the Microsoft Store. It is, therefore, a desktop client (made by the platform itself) which looks similar to the smartphone application.
Its use is very simple, in fact it will be enough:
- Search for the app via the Windows 10 search bar and open it
- Making the ‘Access by entering their credentials
- Go to the Instagram Direct icon
In this section you can view all your messages and possibly send new ones. In addition, the function that allows you to send multimedia content for a short time has recently been implemented. This means that it will be possible to view the content sent a certain number of times before it disappears.
Use IG: dm
Unfortunately, there are currently no native clients for macOS and other Operating Systems. However, there is a solution that will allow you to watch Direct on a device that doesn’t have Windows 10 installed, and it’s IG: dm.
- Go to the IG: dm website
- Download the application (according to your operating system) and install it
- Make the login using your credentials
It is good to know that IG: dm only allows you to view Instagram Direct from your computer, but not the feed and stories.
Use BlueStacks
If you use an Android phone, you can resort to using BlueStacks, or an emulator that will bring the Android experience to your PC.
- Go to the BlueStacks website and download the software
- Install the program
- Start the program and go to the Google Play Store icon
- Enter your Google Account details
- Search for the Instagram app and install it
- Make the login
Now you will have the application identical to that for smartphones, since BlueStack faithfully reproduces Android content. In fact, you can easily access Direct by clicking on the relative icon located at the top right. Also, if you have a microphone connected to your computer, you can also send voice messages. BlueStacks also allows you to send images and videos from your computer.
These are the best solutions that will allow you to use Instagram Direct from your computer.