Home

The Quickest Way to Start a New Instagram Post

A smartphone displaying a social media application interface.

Time is money, so there's profit to be had in tricks and shortcuts that make daily tasks faster on your iPhone. Take Instagram, for example. You can cut out a whole step in the posting process using this one, simple trick.

Don't open the app yet. Seriously. Instead, long-press 3D Touch the Instagram app icon, then drag your finger over to "New Post" and let go. That's it. Instagram will open right up to the New Post screen, where you can choose to take a new photo or video, or upload one from your iPhone's library.

Instagram app interface showing options for sharing, account management, and new post creation.

You don't have to drag your finger once the Quick Action menu appears. If you let go of the display, the menu will stay put, allowing you to then tap on the New Post option in your own time.

Cover image, screenshot, and GIF by Jake Peterson/Gadget Hacks

Apple's iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 updates are packed with new features, and you can try them before almost everyone else. First, check our list of supported iPhone and iPad models, then follow our step-by-step guide to install the iOS/iPadOS 26 beta — no paid developer account required.