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Take, filter, and share photos on one of the most popular image viewing platforms available

Take, filter, and share photos on one of the most popular image viewing platforms available

Vote: (113 votes)

Program license: Free

Developer: Instagram

Version: 42.0.19

Works under: Windows

Also available for Android

Vote:

Program license

(113 votes)

Free

Developer

Version

Instagram

42.0.19

Works under:

Also available for

Windows

Android

Pros

  • Some of the best photo filters around
  • Supports both video and photo content
  • Easy methods for discovering new users

Cons

  • Can only share 10 photos at once
  • Poor notifications for direct messages

Instagram takes the fundamentals of a social media platform and lets users tell stories with the pictures in their phone. Created in October of 2010 and officially sold to Facebook after its rise in popularity, Instagram is now one of the most popular social media platforms to date. While the early Instagram format allowed a very small amount of photos to be shared, it can now hold a very large video and photo collection, and it offers smooth integration with most of the major social media platforms.

Nowadays, just about any important social cause has a hashtag. From engaging in social causes and issues to finding someone's outfit of the day, hashtags have provide a more flexible way to connect with like-minded people. All users have to do is click on the tag to find any messages that incorporate that hashtag. Hashtags not only are a good way to show solidarity but they also create a great way to engage with new communities.

Sharing videos on the platform is a fairly new concept, but it is a great way for users to share more of themselves in an otherwise restrictive application. IGTV, which is also known as Instagram TV, expands the scope of Instagram. Instead of the one-minute format users were normally used to they are given the ability to expand more on what was originally posted without the fear of it being cut short by the one minute limit. Another way users can share video is with the inclusion of Instagram Stories. With the stories option, users can shoot video and share without having to post to their grid. An added bonus of using stories is what you share will disappear within a 24 hour time period.

Influencers and celebrities have also reaped the benefits of having their own Instagram by using the social media tool as a way to promote themselves and certain businesses. If you follow any celebrities, chances are you have seen them post about a particular product and/or upcoming project. A-list celebrities are given thousands of dollars per post to engage their sometimes very large fan base in order for them to purchase whatever product that is currently offered. Businesses have also gained some traction by forming their own handles. If you have aspirations of becoming an influencer, having an active Instagram account is a practical necessity.

Instagram has risen in popularity for plenty of good reasons, but none more obvious than the inclusion of filters. Instagram's filters are some of the best available on a social media platform, and it was their development of filters that made them so popular on other social media platforms. Whether you're looking to enhance the magic of a beach sunset or get silly with a filter that turns you into a cat, you'll find plenty of tools to show off your unique personality.

For those that require a little more privacy but would still like to share content with their friends and family, Instagram Direct is your best bet. With this tool, users are given the option to share content privately without the added fear that it will be seen by the general public. With Instagram Direct, users can send video and pictures to up 15 people instead of the public-only option of sharing to the main grid.

If users get discouraged by who they are following, they can use the "Explore" feature to find new content to enjoy. The Explore feature generates algorithmically curated content based on photos that have been liked.

With Instagram, users have numerous security settings to protect themselves from threats. Users can even set their profiles to private and regulate who can be on their friend's list. With the upgraded elements of the app, users can archive their pictures which removes them from their timeline and saves them in a place where they can look at them later.

One of the best features on the application is the ability so share more than one picture. While sharing up to 10 photos and videos is a fairly new concept, it does provide users the option to not let the anxiety of sharing the perfect photo get to them. Instead there is a lot of wiggle room to consider what to share. Instagram also keeps the disabled in mind with the use of object recognition. If users have trouble posting a status, the app's object recognition software with generate a caption for you via Alt Text.

The demographics for Instagram are pretty split down the middle with Android and Apple users. However, more women tend to use the app than men. Younger people tend to gravitate towards the application because it tends to generate more likes and keeps things pretty simple without entirely changing the interface every year. Instagram is appropriate for all ages, but as with all social platforms, we suggest that you monitor the usage of younger Instagram users.

Pros

  • Some of the best photo filters around
  • Supports both video and photo content
  • Easy methods for discovering new users

Cons

  • Can only share 10 photos at once
  • Poor notifications for direct messages