Instagram, for those who don't know, is a smart phone application that enables members to share photos with different filters, borders, contrast and focus. It is a social networking app in the sense that it allows shares follows, comments and likes, but it has proved to be just as artistic as it is social. With over 50 million Instagram downloads (partially thanks to its new availability for Android), Facebook hopped on board and bought the company for $1 billion - twice its' estimated worth.
It makes sense that Facebook bought Instagram because Instagram has what Facebook lacks:
• Mobility: Aside from the fact that Instagram's photos are beautiful to look at, the app itself runs circles around Facebook in mobile photo sharing. Because Facebook is a web-based company, its app resembles a website-like layout. Instagram, however, is mobile-based. Therefore, it is simpler, quicker and more accessible for smart phone users.
• Aesthetics: People like Instagram for a number of reasons, but one key factor is the creativity and emotion depicted in a single photo. Facebook photos come exactly as they are, many times only uploaded to tag friends or document events. Instagram can do exactly the same thing, but it also gives you the option of filters and selective focus to set the mood. It can make an otherwise average photo look almost professionally taken.
• Simplicity: Instagram is an unbelievably simplistic app; it literally only shares photos. Unlike a Facebook newsfeed filled with status updates, Youtube videos and your friend's daily horoscope reading, the Instagram feed is filled with nothing except pictures.
Conclusively, it makes sense that Facebook bought Instagram. However, the reason for the buyout has become crystal clear with the recent release of Facebook's new iPhone app "Facebook Camera." The app looks strikingly familiar, which is likely due to its strong resemblance to Instagram. Though very similar, these apps do have significant differences.
As far as similarities go, both Facebook Camera and Instagram have feeds comprised only of photos with the ability to like, comment and tag. Both apps have the ability to add filters, which adjust color and contrast.
On the other hand, Facebook Camera enables users to crop, slightly rotate and add multiple photos at once - all tasks that Instagram does not perform. But the most significant difference between these apps is that Instagram offers more intense filters, where Facebook Camera's filters could be considered underwhelming. Plus, Instagram enables photo sharing on other networks while Facebook Camera is confined to Facebook.
Will Facebook Camera overpower Instagram? At this rate, most likely not. Other than the fact that it is only available on iPhones, it serves as more of a compliment to Facebook's general app than a standalone app.
Have you tried out Facebook Camera? Share your thoughts.