How to Zoom in on Instagram

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Get a closer look at photos and videos using simple two-finger gestures
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This wikiHow teaches you how to zoom in on a thumbnail or a detail in any image or video on Instagram's mobile app. While it is possible to view Instagram on a desktop browser, the ability to zoom is only available on the mobile app.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Zooming in on a Detail

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    The Instagram logo looks like a square camera icon.
    • If you're not automatically logged into Instagram on your device, sign in with your phone number, username or email and your password.
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    This button looks like a tiny house icon in the lower-left corner of your screen.
    • Alternatively, you can tap on a post from your Explore page, your own profile, or another user's Profile grid . You can zoom in on any image or video opened in full size, as well as all post on a user's Profile list .
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    Tap on an image or video with two fingers and spread your fingers apart to zoom in on a detail. You can use any two fingers.
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    This will zoom back out on the post. You will see the entire image or video in full size again.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Enlarging a Thumbnail

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    The Instagram logo looks like a square camera icon.
    • If you're not automatically logged into Instagram on your device, sign in with your phone number, username or email and your password.
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    This button will be next to the tiny house icon in the lower-left corner of your screen. It will open your Explore page.
    • Alternatively, you can tap the heart icon on the bottom toolbar to open your Notifications , or open your or another user's Profile grid . This method works on all thumbnails including profile grids, saved lists, your Photos of You page, and notifications.
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    The post will pop up in full size in the center of your screen. When you remove your fingers, the full image will minimize back to the thumbnail.
    • If you're using an iPhone 6s or later with 3D Touch feature enabled, tap on an image first, and then press firmly while holding.
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    This will bring up a menu of options to Like this post, View profile and Send as Message .
    • Depending on your device and current software, you might see a toolbar at the bottom of the image with different icons for these options without having to swipe up on your screen.
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    This will quit the preview pop-up. The image or video will minimize back to the thumbnail.
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