Instagram gets browser notification support

For the first time, you’ll now get Instagram notifications when using the social network through a browser. Chrome support was first reported by Android Police, but we’ve also confirmed that it’s working in Safari and Firefox. The service will ask for permission first, and then notify you whenever there’s any activity on your account such new followers, likes, or comments.

The functionality works across both desktop and mobile and has also come to Instagram Lite, the service’s alternative low-data, low-resource app. Instagram Lite launched in Mexico earlier this year, and is expected to launch across the rest of the world as it moves out of its testing phase.

The development means the web and Lite experience of using Instagram is closer to the full-fat version of the service than ever, but there are still some differences. You can’t upload videos for example, and direct messages are not supported. It’s unclear whether Instagram intends for them to eventually reach parity.