Social Media giant Meta has announced the launch of a dedicated Instagram application for iPads. The social media giant noted that the development, coming 15 years after it launched, is a response to users’ requests. The process of getting the app has been ongoing for a while.
In a statement on Friday seen by Technext, Meta noted that the application seeks to elevate the availability and importance of Instagram to users. The application presents a redefined version that lets Instagram users experience reels via a larger screen.
Meta said that the long-awaited app is now available in the App Store. With its debut on the larger screen, Instagram is set to raise the bar in its rivalry with ByteDance’s TikTok.
“Instagram has always been the place where people connect over creativity, and Reels has become a primary way people discover and share entertaining content. With Instagram for iPad, we’ve redesigned the experience to reflect how people use bigger screens today – for lean back entertainment,” the company said in a statement.
Also Read: Instagram launches standalone ‘Edits’ video creation app to rival TikTok.
The Instagram for iPad app is a relief for most users who have been relegated to viewing Reels and images on the iPhone app with its smaller and narrower display.
For Meta, this took a while. While the Facebook app has been on the iPad since 2011, WhatsApp got an iPad app in early 2025. Explaining the delay earlier this year, Meta explained that it faced challenges such as limited resources and higher priorities.
Speaking in 2022, Instagram boss Adam Mosseri acknowledged the high demand for the app on iPad and hinted at priority concerns. He said the company decided to prioritise mobile over the iPad due to the numbers.
“I think it’s a good thing to do at some point. But we have only so many people working at Instagram, so we’ve got to pick the most important things to do to improve Instagram at any given moment,” he said.
With the availability of Instagram for iPad, users can now enjoy an enhanced experience with their favourite video content on the platform.
“We know people have been asking for an iPad app and we’re excited that we’re now able to build it in a way that truly aligns with how our community uses Instagram,” the statement reads.
How Instagram for iPad works
For iPad users on Instagram, the app is an answer to years of anticipation. The wait was worth it as the app is built with an enhanced experience.
When users open the iPad app, it takes them straight to Reels without having to navigate to a separate tab. Also, comments will be easier to view while watching Reels. There’s a provision to view Stores at the top, which allows users to easily connect with the people that matter, and messaging with a tap away.
In addition, there’s a new “Following” tab, which gives users multiple ways to see the latest posts and reels from the accounts they follow. With this, users have a good experience navigating through the app and spend less time connecting with their favourite content.
For instance, there are recommended posts and reels from accounts you follow that follow you back. It also brings the latest posts and reels arranged chronologically from accounts you follow, with the most recent posts first.
“Messaging is a tap away, and now, you can see your inbox while catching up on a DM thread at the same time. You can also expand the comments while watching a reel, making it easy to catch up on the best reactions without missing a moment,” Meta said.
As part of its plan to drive traction on the video content platform, Meta said it was contemplating the launch of a standalone application dedicated to its short-form video feature, Reels.
As revealed in February, the proposed app would aim to deliver a seamless, TikTok-like video-scrolling experience. The move gained momentum during the time TikTok was facing significant uncertainty over its operation in the United States.
