Embed codes come to Instagram, widens the sharing net

Now, you can post your Instagram photos and videos to websites with the platform's latest embed feature. This embedding can be done using embed codes just like in other services like YouTube. You can embed your filtered photos and videos anywhere across the web where HTML is supported.

When you visit an Instagram video or image now through the desktop web browser, you will see a new share button on the right-hand side of the photo. Use this button to grab the embed code and paste it into your blog or website’s HTML. Once you hit publish, you should be able to see the image or video embedded. Unfortunately, there is no way to get hold of the embed code while you’re using the app on your phones.

Grab the code and put your image on your website

One thing to remember here is that your privacy settings will affect the embedded pictures. You can only generate embed codes for images and videos that are available to the public. Surely, Instagram would want to forget the privacy fiasco that was kicked up earlier this year thanks to a change in the app’s Terms of Services (ToS). The ToS seemed to state that Instagram, which Facebook had acquired for almost a billion dollars, would own all user-generated images. As expected, this led to a massive uproar, forcing Instagram to apologise for the error in communication and rework its ToS.

The service has emphasised yet again in the blog post announcing the embed feature that it does not stake claim to any user generated images and videos. “Whether you want to embed your video on your blog or a friend wants to feature your photo on a website, everyone will clearly see that your content belongs to you,” the team wrote. “Your embedded photo or video appears with your Instagram username, and clicking on the Instagram logo will take people to your page on Instagram.com where they can discover more of your photos and videos.”

It’s surprising to think that Instagram did not already have the ability to provide for embed codes, but like they say, it’s better late than never. Posting Instagram generated images and videos will only drag more viewership back to the website where visitors will be able to browse through more images. It’s a win-win situation for both users as well as the image editing service.