Instagram Launches iPad-Compatible App from Meta: A New Era for Social Media Use on Tablets

Instagram Finally Launches dedicated iPad App After 15-Year Wait

published: September 3, 2025 at 10:00 AM PST

After fifteen years of relying on the iPhone app scaled up to fit larger screens, Instagram users on Apple’s iPad devices finally have a dedicated submission designed specifically for their tablets.The long-awaited app launched this week, offering a vastly improved experience for the platform’s over two billion active monthly users.

A Tailored Experience for Tablet Users

For years, iPad users have requested a native Instagram app, citing the suboptimal experience of using the iPhone version on a larger display. The new app addresses these concerns by optimizing the interface for the iPad’s screen size and capabilities. Users can now enjoy a more immersive and visually appealing browsing experience.

Reels Central: A TikTok Competitor

A key feature of the iPad app is “Reels Central,” a dedicated space for discovering short-form video content. this initiative signals Instagram’s continued effort to compete with TikTok,a dominant player in the short-video landscape. Reels Central aims to enhance video finding and encourage user engagement within the Instagram ecosystem.

According to Statista, TikTok boasts over 1 billion monthly active users as of January 2024, making it a formidable competitor. Instagram’s investment in Reels and now Reels Central demonstrates its commitment to capturing a larger share of the short-video market.

Platform	Monthly Active Users (Jan 2024)
Instagram	2 Billion+
TikTok	1 Billion+

Did you know? Instagram was initially launched in October 2010, and quickly gained popularity for its photo-sharing capabilities.

The Evolution of Social Media on Tablets

The progress of tablet-specific apps represents a larger trend in social media. initially, many platforms simply adapted their mobile apps for tablet devices. However, as tablets have evolved, users have demanded more optimized experiences. This has led to increased investment in native tablet applications.

This shift reflects a broader understanding that tablet users engage with social media differently than smartphone users. Tablets are often used in more relaxed settings, such as at home, encouraging longer viewing sessions and more in-depth content consumption. Pro Tip: Use the iPad’s multitasking features to enjoy Instagram alongside other apps, boosting your productivity.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Instagram iPad App

• What is the benefit of a dedicated Instagram iPad app?

  A native iPad app provides a user experience specifically optimized for the larger screen, improving browsing, viewing, and content creation.

• Does the Instagram iPad app support Reels?

  Yes, the app features “Reels Central,” a dedicated section for discovering and watching short-form video content.

• Is the Instagram iPad app available for all iPad models?

  The app is available for iPads running iPadOS 15 or later.

• Will the iPhone app still work on iPad?

  Yes,the iPhone app will remain functional,but the native iPad app offers a superior experience.

• How does Reels Central help Instagram compete with TikTok?

  Reels Central increases the discoverability of short-form videos on Instagram, attracting users who are looking for similar content to TikTok.

What are your initial impressions of the new Instagram iPad app? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

How might the redesigned multi-column feed on the iPad app impact user engagement compared to the iPhone app’s single-column feed?

What the iPad App Means for instagram Users

Meta has officially launched a dedicated Instagram app for iPad, marking a important shift in how users experience the platform on tablets.For years, iPad users have relied on the iPhone app, scaled up for the larger screen – a less-than-ideal experience. This native iPad app promises a redesigned interface optimized for the tablet’s capabilities, offering a more immersive and functional social media experience. Key features include a revamped feed, enhanced story viewing, and improved creative tools. This launch addresses a long-standing request from the Instagram community and signals Meta’s commitment to optimizing its platforms for diverse devices.

Key Features & Improvements in the iPad app

The new Instagram iPad app isn’t just a stretched-out phone app. It’s built from the ground up to leverage the iPad’s larger display and processing power.Here’s a breakdown of what you can expect:

Redesigned Interface: A multi-column feed allows you to see more content at a glance, making browsing more efficient.

Immersive Story Viewing: Stories now take up more screen real estate, providing a more captivating viewing experience.

Enhanced Creative Tools: Editing photos and videos is easier with the larger screen, offering more precision and control.

Optimized for Multitasking: Seamlessly switch between Instagram and other apps with improved multitasking support.

Keyboard Support: Enhanced functionality with external keyboards for composing captions and direct messages.

Drag and Drop Functionality: Easily upload multiple photos and videos from your Files app directly into Instagram.

How to Download and Get started

Downloading the Instagram iPad app is straightforward:

1. Open the App Store: On your iPad, launch the App Store application.
2. Search for Instagram: Type “Instagram” in the search bar.
3. Download the App: Locate the Instagram app specifically designed for iPad (look for the iPad icon next to the app name) and tap “Get.”
4. Login: Once downloaded,open the app and log in with your existing Instagram account.

The app will automatically update as Meta releases new features and improvements. Ensure you have automatic app updates enabled in your iPad settings to stay current.

Benefits of a Dedicated iPad App

The advantages of a native iPad app extend beyond just a better visual experience. Here’s how it benefits users:

Increased Productivity: The multi-column feed and keyboard support make it easier to manage your Instagram account and engage with content.

Enhanced Creativity: The larger screen provides more space for editing photos and videos, allowing for more detailed and professional-looking creations.

Improved user Experience: A dedicated app designed for the iPad’s form factor offers a smoother, more intuitive, and more enjoyable experience overall.

Better Multitasking: Seamlessly integrate Instagram into your workflow with improved multitasking capabilities.

Accessibility Features: optimized for iPad’s accessibility features, making Instagram more inclusive for all users.

Instagram Features Still Available on iPad

Despite the new app, core Instagram functionalities remain consistent:

Instagram feed: View posts from accounts you follow.

Instagram Stories: Share ephemeral photo and video updates.

Instagram Reels: Create and discover short-form video content.

Instagram Direct: Send private messages to other users.

Instagram Explore: Discover new accounts and content.

Instagram Shopping: Browse and purchase products directly within the app.

Reposting Stories: Easily share content from other users’ stories (as detailed in resources like https://it.ccm.net/faq/22335-come-ripostare-una-storia-su-instagram-senza-tag-da-pc).

Impact on Content Creators & Businesses

The iPad app is a game-changer for content creators and businesses using Instagram for marketing. The larger screen and enhanced creative tools make it easier to:

Create High-Quality Content: Edit photos and videos with greater precision and detail.

Manage Multiple Accounts: efficiently switch between accounts and schedule posts.

Analyze Performance Metrics: Monitor engagement and track key performance indicators (KPIs).

Engage with Followers: Respond to comments and messages more effectively.

Run Targeted Ads: Create and manage ad campaigns directly from the iPad app.

Future Developments & What to Expect

Meta is highly likely to continue refining the Instagram iPad app based on user feedback. Potential future developments include:

Advanced Editing Features: Integration of more elegant photo and video editing tools.

* Live Streaming Enhancements: