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Is there a reason this page is completely devoid of any interactivity? I wanted to view further pictures she might have shared, but clicking her name just brings up pointless statistics (number of photos and followers). Same deal with the comment section. It's like someone pulled a copy of the page and removed all the hyperlinks.



This is definitely being done for a reason. One of the best ways to increase user clicks on a particular link is to remove all the other links on a page.

This case is a bit extreme: Instagram has removed most links not only for mobile web browsers, but also for desktop users. That said, the reason for removing it from desktop browsers may also extend to privacy: I personally really like it that it's not easy to find links to my Instagram posts. Privacy through obfuscation, I suppose.

In any case, Instagram's web presence really encourages users to download the app. That's smart, as that's where Facebook is the weakest... so Instagram was able to focus its (very) limited resources in the one place where it could really shine.


I believe it is deliberate. Why, I'm not sure. To ensure that you use the Instagram app, I suppose.


I believe instagrams web app is designed this way. Meaning they don't really have a web app.


it's dumb, there's quite a few instagram websites now: http://statigr.am/marissamayer



On instagram, you can't browse someone's photos unless you follow them. Otherwise, the only way to see a photo is if you have the URL. It's part of their privacy model.




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