Instagram is a free online photo editing and sharing app that combines a robust suite of editing tools with easy-to-use social media features. It has made a name for itself as one of the fastest-growing and most popular social media apps in the world. All you need to do is download and install the Instagram app in your device and you’ll be sharing gorgeous photos in no time.
Besides that, Instagram also features instant messaging through Messenger integration. With this, you can chat with friends about shared interests, comment on each other’s posts, and even discover new content together.
Though it boasts many additional features like instant messaging, Stories, and Reels, the core of Instagram is photo editing and sharing. Once you’ve downloaded this app, you can create an account that acts as a personal online photo album. You can snap or locally upload a picture, edit it, and post it to your account in just a few clicks. Beyond that, the Explore feature provides you with a curated collection of photos and videos from new accounts, all tailored to your personal interests.
Its photo editing features are also incredibly in-depth for a free app. Once you’ve taken your photo, you can make adjustments by applying one of the app’s extensive libraries of pre-made filters. You can also dive in yourself and manually tweak elements like color, deepen shadows or boost highlights, and sharpen blurry images. Adding text or stickers is easy even for beginners, as well. All in all, this app makes it easy to turn even the most amateur photographers into artistic masters.
With competitor apps like Snapchat and TikTok placing an increasing emphasis on video, this app is also branching out with features like Stories and IGTV. Stories are short video clips or pictures that you can post to your story feed. They can only be viewed for a few seconds and disappear after 24 hours. While very similar to Snapchat, Stories come with the app’s typical suite of editing tools.
In addition to basic filters, you can also add some more extravagant face filters, effects like sparkles and music, and even gifs to your stories. The level of depth allows users to get more creative with what they’re sharing. Similarly, IGTV is where accounts can post full-length videos and live streams. This is especially useful for businesses, brands, or if you also have a YouTube channel.
However, for something more permanent than Stories and more creative, you can try out Reels. With this feature, you can create 15-second multi-clip videos of photos and other videos. Simply open your in-app camera and choose it at the bottom to start recording. Its editing tools are on the left side of the screen: Audio, Speed, Effects, and Timer. When you share the final product, it will follow your account’s privacy and either be public or only available to your followers.
Though competitors like TikTok and Snapchat focus more on the singular video aspect, Instagram incorporates those features seamlessly into its existing platform. Essentially, you get the best parts of Snapchat and TikTok wrapped up in a single pleasing package. These features don’t feel tacked-on or gimmicky, either. Since these are aided by in-app editing capabilities, they’re well-executed and feel unique, not just like a rip-off of an already existing app’s features.
Features aside, it’s undeniable that Instagram is simply pleasant to use, and it stands out from other social media experiences. You can easily follow profiles and the latest posts are collated into an infinitely scrollable feed on the main page. In addition, its new dark mode presents a sleeker look and makes for easier browsing for people with more sensitive preferences. Posting and navigating through different screens is fast and easy, as well, with no lag or load times and few glitches.
One minor drawback to be aware of is that a definite focus is placed on the mobile app. Though an in-browser version is offered, it doesn’t have nearly as many features as the mobile versions. In addition, more privacy-minded users should be aware that as part of Instagram's privacy policy, it retains usage rights to any pictures you post on the platform. Though this hasn’t been a major issue, it’s certainly something to be aware of if you’re nervous about your pictures popping up in unexpected places.
Instagram is one of the world’s top social media apps for a reason. You can upload your favorite pictures, share stories and live videos, and keep up to date with your friends and favorite celebrities — all for free. You don’t have to be a professional photographer to use it, either. A big part of what makes it so popular is its accessibility and ease of use for everyone, regardless of technical know-how or age.
Version
340.0.0.1.109
License
Free
Platform
Android
OS
Android 13.0
Downloads
8M
Developer
Burbn, inc.
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