Quick answer
Instagram is Meta's free photo and video sharing app for Android, with Reels, Stories, posts and direct messages. Google Play lists the version as varying by device, and the official Instagram APK was last updated on November 2, 2026. It's free to use and supported by ads, with optional in-app purchases.
| App name | |
|---|---|
| Developer | |
| Latest version | Varies with device |
| Updated | Nov 2, 2026 |
| Package name | com.instagram.android |
| Category | Social |
| Price | Free |
| Contains ads | Yes |
| In-app purchases | Yes |
On this page
What is Instagram?
Instagram is Meta's photo and video sharing app. You follow friends, creators and brands, and see their posts, Stories and Reels; you share your own; and you message people directly. It launched on Android in April 2012 and has passed five billion downloads on Google Play, which makes it one of the most installed apps there.
Over the years it has moved from square photos to video. Reels, short vertical videos with music and effects, now take up much of the app. Stories (posts that disappear after 24 hours) and direct messages are where most conversations with friends happen.
The app is free and paid for by ads that appear in your feed, Stories and Reels. It's one of the social media apps we cover, and like the others, the main things worth getting right are privacy settings and installing the real app.
What's new in Instagram
The Instagram app on Google Play was last updated on November 2, 2026. Google Play shows the version and minimum Android version as "Varies with device," because Instagram ships different builds to different phones.
The developer hasn't published notes for this update. Instagram updates the app every week or so and usually rolls out new features gradually from its servers, so two people on the same version may see different things. Meta announces larger changes on its own blog and in the app.
Key features
Reels
Reels are short vertical videos with music, effects and text. Tap + and choose Reel to record or upload clips, add audio from Instagram's library, and trim them on a simple timeline. The Reels tab shows an endless feed of recommendations.
Stories
Stories are photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours. You can add stickers for polls, questions, links and music, and share a Story only with your Close Friends list if you don't want everyone to see it.
Posts and the feed
Regular posts can be single photos, videos, or carousels that combine several photos and videos. They stay on your profile grid until you delete or archive them.
Direct messages
Message friends privately, send Reels and posts, make voice and video calls, and create group chats. You can choose who can message you under privacy settings.
Privacy and teen protections
Make your account private, limit who can comment or tag you, mute or restrict people, and hide like counts. Accounts for users under 18 are set up as Teen Accounts, which are private by default with stricter messaging rules and time-limit reminders.
Quick privacy checklist
Five settings worth checking under your profile's menu:
- Account privacy: switch on Private account if only people you approve should see your posts.
- Close Friends: set up a list for Stories you don't want everyone to see.
- Messages: limit who can send you message requests.
- Two-factor authentication: turn it on in Accounts Center under Password and security.
- Activity status: turn it off if you don't want people to see when you're online.
How to install Instagram APK on Android
Instagram doesn't offer its own APK download, so Google Play is the official source for Android.
- Open Google Play, search for Instagram, and check that the developer is listed as Instagram.
- Tap Install, then open the app and log in or create an account.
- If your phone has no Play Store, any Instagram APK you find comes from a third-party mirror, not from Instagram. If you use one, the file must be signed by Instagram, so Android will refuse to update an existing official Instagram with it if it isn't.
- If you downloaded a file from APKPeer, check that the SHA-256 matches the one on this page. We link to Google Play only, so there's no APKPeer file for Instagram.
- If you installed from a file, turn off the install permission under Settings → Apps → Special app access → Install unknown apps.
Is Instagram APK safe?
The official Instagram app from Google Play is safe to install. It's published by Instagram (Meta), rated Teen, and asks for permissions that match its features: camera and microphone for creating content, photos for posting, and optional access to contacts and location.
Privacy is where to pay attention. Instagram collects a lot of data about what you view and interact with to personalize your feed and ads, and it shares data with other Meta apps, as its privacy policy explains. Reviewing Accounts Center → Ad preferences lets you see and adjust how ads are targeted.
The biggest risk is modified Instagram clones promising extra features like downloading Reels or viewing Stories anonymously. They aren't made by Meta, they can steal your login, and Instagram suspends accounts that use them. APKPeer only links to the official app.
Instagram vs alternatives
- Snapchat is more about messaging close friends, with disappearing snaps and creative camera lenses. It feels more private than Instagram's public feed.
- TikTok is focused entirely on short video, with a stronger recommendation feed for discovering creators you don't follow.
- Threads is Meta's text-based app linked to your Instagram account, better for conversations and updates than photos.
If your friends and the creators you follow are on Instagram, the official app is the way to keep up. Just set your privacy options first.
Version history
Instagram Varies with deviceLatest
Frequently asked questions
How do I install Instagram on Android?
Open Google Play, search for Instagram and check the developer is Instagram before tapping Install. Google Play only shows the Install button if your phone is compatible. It's free to install, and Play keeps it updated automatically, so you never need to download an APK by hand. Avoid copies from other sites: they aren't from Instagram and may be altered, so the safest way to use Instagram is the official listing.
Is it safe to download the Instagram APK?
The official Instagram app from Google Play is safe. Instagram doesn't publish its own APK download, so copies on other sites are unofficial. Avoid modified Instagram clones that promise extra features: they can steal your password, and Instagram suspends accounts that use them.
What is the difference between Instagram and Instagram Lite?
Instagram Lite is a smaller version of Instagram from Meta, designed for phones with little storage or slow connections. It uses less data and space but has fewer features. The regular Instagram app has the full set of Reels editing, Stories and messaging tools.
Why does Instagram say 'Varies with device'?
Instagram releases different builds for different phones, so Google Play shows "Varies with device" instead of one version number or one minimum Android version. Google Play installs the right build for your phone automatically, which is why we list the update date instead.
How do I make my Instagram account private?
Open your profile, tap the menu, go to Account privacy and switch on Private account. Only people you approve can then see your posts and Reels. Accounts for users under 18 are set up as Teen Accounts, which are private by default and have stricter messaging limits.
