Instagram for iPad has officially arrived, ending years of requests from users who wanted a dedicated tablet experience. Starting September 3rd, iPad owners can now download a version of Instagram built specifically for Apple’s larger screen. Unlike the mobile app, the new iPad version prioritizes Reels, opening directly to short-form video content as soon as users launch the app. This move highlights Instagram’s growing push into video, designed to compete more directly with other platforms.
For over a decade, Instagram resisted making an iPad app, often dismissing it as unnecessary. However, the growing popularity of short-form video and increased demand for bigger-screen social media experiences created a turning point. Instagram for iPad is now arriving at a time when competition in social media is shifting, and Reels are positioned as the centerpiece of user engagement. By making Reels the default view, Instagram signals how central video has become to its long-term strategy.
The iPad app offers much more than just a bigger version of the mobile interface. Users will still see Stories displayed at the top of the homepage, along with a “Following” tab to switch between feeds, including a chronological view. Thanks to the larger display, comments now appear alongside full-size Reels, making engagement easier. Direct messages also benefit from the extra space, with inbox and chats displayed side by side, creating a desktop-like experience that boosts productivity and convenience.
The launch of Instagram for iPad represents more than just a long-awaited update — it changes how users interact with the platform. The bigger screen enhances video viewing, makes multitasking easier, and improves communication with a more seamless messaging layout. For content creators, this new app opens opportunities to produce and consume short-form video on a more immersive canvas. After 15 years of waiting, iPad users finally get a tailored Instagram experience that blends creativity, social interaction, and video-first design.
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