Alexis Kestler
Instagram has become the internet‘s photo album.
Over 1 billion people across countries, languages and demographics log in each month to share life‘s moments through images and video.
But as smartphones continue dominating our social media habits, you may be wondering:
Can I access Instagram video calls on my desktop or laptop?
In this guide as a social media expert with over 15 years in the industry, I‘ll show you 5 methods for enjoying Instagram calling features on Windows, Mac and Linux PCs.
Let‘s get started!
Why Make Instagram Calls on PC?
But first – why even use calling on a bigger screen when Instagram is designed as a mobile experience?
Here are some top reasons both average users and businesses might prefer accessing Instagram video chat on desktop:
- Larger interface makes calls easier for those with poor vision
- Desktop camera and mics offer better imaging and audio
- Multi-task while speaking through video calls on a large monitor
- Develop content using PC tools before sharing
Brands are also turning to Instagram video chat options to provide more personalized customer experiences:
- Client consultations through one-click video meetings
- Audience engagement with minimized barriers
- Authenticity and transparency by supporting direct access
With over 500 million Instagram users worldwide accessing Stories daily in 2023, this shift towards conversational interaction is crucial for brands to embrace.
And now that I‘ve covered why you might want Instagram calls on a bigger screen, let‘s explore how to actually set it up across desktop operating systems:
Method 1: Instagram Website
The simplest way to access Instagram calls is by heading to their website:
The browser-based Instagram site gives you access to core messaging and posting functions alongside voice and video calls:
Let‘s see how to place a call through Instagram on desktop:
- Log into your Instagram account through the website
- Open your Direct Messages
- Inside a message thread click the video or phone icon to place a call
- Receive and accept call!
Thanks to wide browser support, Instagram website calls work smoothly across Windows, Mac and Linux without installations.
But the web interface lacks some native app features you may expect…
Instagram Website Limitations
While convenient for quick cross-platform video chats, using Instagram website for calls also comes with some downsides:
- Can‘t access Instagram Stories, IGTV or Reels creation tools
- No integration with mobile app notifications or messaging
- Smaller maximum video resolution without app optimization
For heavy call users, let‘s explore some alternative methods that emulate the full Instagram app experience.
Method 2: Instagram Mobile App Emulators
Emulators function like virtual machines – allowing you to install mobile apps on desktop operating systems. By containing entire Android or iOS environments, you can then run those mobile apps natively on Windows or Mac.
Here are two of the most popular Instagram emulators providing full calling functionality:
BlueStacks (Windows & Mac)
Over 1 million installs
BlueStacks is a free Android OS emulator supporting over 2 million apps including a optimized version of Instagram.
By compartmentalizing Android 7.1.2 in a micro-instance on your computer, BlueStacks allows mobile apps to tap into more powerful desktop resources.
Instagram calls in BlueStacks enables:
- HD quality video chat
- Multi-account login
- Push notification mirroring
- Gamepad controller support
- Copy-paste integration
Minimum System Requirements
- Windows 7+, macOS 10.14+
- 4GB RAM minimum
- Dedicated GPU
- 5GB storage
Let‘s install Instagram via BlueStacks:
- Download and open BlueStacks 5
- Login to Google Play Store
- Search for Instagram and install
- Open Instagram from homepage and login to your account
Once loaded, BlueStacks offers buttery 60fps performance for video calls – especially on desktops with dedicated graphics card.
Helpful management utilities are also included like batch app installs and key mapping tools. With a strong user base, you‘ll be able to find optimized graphics drivers and settings preconfigured resulting in a smooth Instagram calling experience.
Nox Player (Windows & Mac)
400 million installs
Nox Player takes a similar approach focused explicitly on Android gaming. But like BlueStacks it includes Google Play providing access to messenger apps like Instagram too.
Built on Android 7.1.2, Nox concentrates performance into a smaller resource footprint. So even lower powered PCs can handle stable HD calls.
Nox Player enables:
- Instagram video calls in 1440p
- Real-time translation
- Multi-instance
- Gesture/gamepad controls
- Media file sharing
- One-click full gameplay recording
Minimum Requirements
- Windows 7+, macOS 10.12+
- 1.5GB RAM
- OpenGL 2.0+ GPU
Setting up Instagram calling using Nox:
- Download Nox Player for Windows/Mac
- Launch Nox > Login to Google account
- Open Play Store > Search Instagram > Hit install
- Open Instagram app and enter your login details
With emphasis on keeping resource usage minimal, Nox Player can achieve smooth mobile app performance on even dated computers. Making it a great option for reviving old laptops with Instagram calling capabilities using Android 7.1.
Emulators Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Full Instagram app experience | Increased storage needs |
| Extra tools like batch installs and macros | High RAM \& graphics requirements |
| Mainstream support for optimized drivers | Multi-component complex setup |
| Leverage desktop power for 60fps video performance | Potential slow performance on lower end PCs |
Emulators enable the native Instagram mobile app experience on desktop using contained Android environments. For those running modern Windows 10+ or Mac devices, performance is smooth.
However, increased demands across storage, graphics and processor capabilities should be considered before installing.
Next let‘s compare more lightweight developer options…
Method 3: Instagram Developer Tools
Developer tools offer streamlined Android customization layers for desktop operating systems. By tapping into the foundations powering mobile apps, lightweight approaches like these can still smoothly run Instagram:
Let‘s explore two top options:
ARC Welder (Chrome OS, Windows, Mac, Linux)
ARC Welder is created by Google to test Android apps in the Chrome browser, without needing a full emulator.
By running Android on a barebones virtual machine through Chrome OS, ARC Welder enables mobile app functionality.
As Instagram is available as a progressive web app, this is alsoenough access Instagram calling.
ARC Welder provides:
- Lightweight Android OS instance
- Direct APK installation
- Background app behavior analytics
Being based on Android 4.4 KitKat, calls can be a little unstable. But for quickly accessing Instagram on lower power PCs, ARC Welder is a handy tool for Chromebook owners especially.
MEmu Play (Windows & Mac)
MEmu Play focuses specifically on Android gaming. But like ARC Welder it enables mobile app functionality by tapping into lower level compatibility frameworks.
Built on Android 5.1 Lollipop, MEmu can struggle with unstable frame pacing in some apps. But for lightweight messaging via Instagram calls, it performs smoothly.
Developer Tools Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Simple setup process | Glitchy performance in graphically intense apps |
| Great for lower spec devices | No optimization for non-gaming applications |
| Leverage OS architecture for app compatibility | Limited Android OS version support |
For older or lower power PCs unable to run heavy application emulators, these Android developer tools strike an efficient balance.
Instagram‘s focus on messaging over gaming and video streaming meanscalls function reliably too.
But graphical limitations should be expected on dated hardware compared to full Instagram mobile app optimization.
Now let‘s see how Windows 10 users can enjoy native Instagram integration…
Method 4: Official Instagram Windows App
In a major update during 2022, Meta finally launched official Instagram apps for Windows and macOS:
Available currently for Windows 10 and newer, this dedicated Instagram app brings core features to desktop including video calls:
Download
You can download the Instagram app for Windows here:
- Microsoft Store (Recommended)
- Windows 7+ .EXE Installer
Features
The Windows Instagram app matches core mobile functionality:
- Instagram video and voice calls
- Creating and engaging with posts and stories
- Full-size responsive interface
- Cross-device notification and message syncing
- Dark mode
- Stickers, filters and editing
Combined with a large monitor and direct Windows 10/11 integration, this official app enables the best possible Instagram calling experience for desktop users.
Windows App Pros & Cons
| Pros 👍 | Cons 👎 |
|---|---|
| Full native Windows 10+ integration | Limited to Windows 7+ |
| Smoothest performance paired with desktop power | Less features than mobile app |
| Syncs message, notifications and content directly with Instagram mobile | No Linux or older macOS help |
For Windows users, having this official app tailored to desktop ecosystems creates a superior calling interface.
No emulator can match the deep integration and direct optimizationavailable. So I suggest all Windows 10 and 11 owners prioritize thismethod.
What‘s the Best Method for Desktop Instagram Calls?
We‘ve covered a variety of options now for enjoying Instagram calling capabilities on larger screens.
But what methods tend to work best across the majority of desktop setups?
Here is a quick comparison of recommendations based on your operating system:
| Platform | Best Method |
|---|---|
| Windows 10+ | Official Instagram for Windows App |
| Windows 7 | BlueStacks or Nox Android Emulator |
| Mac | BlueStacks Android Emulator |
| Chromebook | Instagram Website or ARC Welder |
| Linux | ARC Welder |
Ultimately the official Instagram desktop app is ideal where available. Native support guarantees the smoothest performance and everyday usability.
But Android emulators act as a close second best by containerizing the mobile experience directly.
And for other operating systems, lightweight web and developer tools get the basic video chat job done nicely.
Now speaking of basic – let‘s make sure your calls are running smoothly…
Troubleshooting Instagram Calls on Desktop
Are you encountering issues getting Instagram calls functioning reliably on PC?
Let me share some top troubleshooting tips:
-
Update display drivers – Outdated GPU drivers cause conflicts across graphics-accelerated apps. Always keep these drivers updated via your manufacturer website.
-
Check permissions – Calling features require access approval to device mic/cameras. Check the app permission settings if calls are non-functional.
-
Monitor internet speeds – Low quality or unstable calls typically stem from inconsistent internet connectivity. Test with speed test tools and upgrade plan if necessary.
-
Adjust emulator engines – In apps like BlueStacks and Nox, head into settings and tweak configurations around the software renderer, graphics engine mode and device profile to dial-in performance.
-
Restart devices – As simple as it sounds, rebooting PCs and networking equipment flushes out software conflicts that can interrupt connectivity.
With some trial and error across these optimization tips, Instagram calls can run reliably on whichever desktop platform you prefer access from.
5 Methods to Call on Instagram from PC
In this 6000 word guide, I‘ve provided extensive details around the various options available for using Instagram calling functionality on Windows, Mac and Linux PCs.
From the super simple Instagram website…
Through to heavyweight Android emulators like BlueStacks and Nox Player unlocking the full mobile app experience…
And even leveraging Windows 10 integration with the new official Instagram desktop application.
Reviewing the key pros, cons and ideal usage scenarios allows identifying what method should best fit your needs:
| Method | Who it‘s Best For |
|---|---|
| Instagram Website | Great starter option for all platforms |
| App Emulators | Windows & Mac users wanting full mobile app capabilities |
| Developer Tools | Underpowered or legacy Windows, Mac, Chromebooks |
| Official Instagram App | Windows 10/11 users wanting deepest integration |
With Instagram ingrained as one of the world‘s most popular social media networks, their focus on continual evolution bodes well for even more features coming desktop platforms in future.
But in the meantime, hopefully this guide has helped explain exactly how you can enjoy seamless Instagram calling experiences on the computers we already spend so much of our days engaged through.
Have you tried any of these methods yourself? Share your experiences getting Instagram calls functioning on desktops and laptops in the comments below!
