Instagram

599 'Instagram' stories September 2011 - August 2014

Instagram is a social media service owned by Facebook for sharing photos and videos. Instagram launched in 2010 exclusively as an iOS app and didn’t come to Android and the web until 2012.

Facebook acquired Instagram in April of 2012 for $1 billion. Facebook also offered to buy Instagram’s closest competitor Snapchat back in 2013 for $3 billion.

In June of 2017 Instagram shared that it reached 250M daily users, surpassing its rival Snapchat by almost 100M. It also has over 700M total users.

Instagram has been criticized for taking popular features from Snapchat such as face filters, stories, and stickers. The company also has plans moving forward to introduce more business focused features.

Instagram introduces Hyperlapse to stabilize and speed up your video

Zac Hall Aug 26 2014 - 8:22 am PT

6 Comments

Facebook-owned Instagram is introducing a new video capturing app for iPhone and iPad (and Android soon) called Hyperlapse. The photo (and video) sharing social network recently soft launched a new app called Bolt in Singapore, South Africa, and New Zealand that focused on quickly photo messaging friends, but Hyperlapse is more like an advanced feature that could have been found within Instagram. Hyperlapse offers up a unique way to capture and edit video using processor smarts to make panning shots smoother and add a time-lapse effect similar to the iOS 8 camera app.

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Pixite’s new 3D photo editing app Matter debuts on iPhone and iPad

Zac Hall Jul 24 2014 - 6:00 am PT

5 Comments

Pixite is out today with a new photo editing app for iPhone and iPad called Matter. The app allows you to embed and manipulate 3D objects in your photography or photos from others to give your photos an impressive science fiction effect. This is achieved by Matter’s ability to intelligently apply shadows and reflections that match your photography to its library of 3D objects. You can see examples of images edited in Matter above and more details about the photo editing app below…
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City of Cupertino provides update on Apple’s Campus 2 progress with new aerial shot

Jordan Kahn Jul 21 2014 - 10:08 am PT

1 Comment

Following a number of amateur aerial shots of Apple’s Campus 2 construction popping up on Instagram and elsewhere online, today the City of Cupertino shared our best yet look at progress on the site with an aerial shot of the entire campus. The shot doesn’t just show the main circular “spaceship” structure, but also work starting on the the entire surrounding campus.
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Tweetbot for iPhone can now post and view multiple images per Tweet

Mark Gurman Jun 12 2014 - 5:27 pm PT

6 Comments

Popular third-party Twitter client Tweetbot for iPhone was updated to version 3.4 with some nice new features and enhancements today. Most notably, the app can now post and view up to four photos per Tweet. This is in line with functionality that Twitter added to its official application a few months ago.

Support for viewing/posting multiple twitter images (multiple images won’t show up in search or streaming timeline until Twitter enables it in the future)
Image detail views show corresponding tweet when relevant
Instagram videos now marked with play icon
Spanish Localization

The update, as can be seen in the release notes above, also adds various other images enhancements, a new play icon for Instagram videos, and localization for Spanish. For what it’s worth, users are also reporting that this update fixes some problems for iOS 8 Tweetbot users. The update is free on the App Store, and the app costs $4.99 for new downloads. You can read our full review of Tweetbot 3.0 from launch here.

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Instagram for iPhone updated with new photo editing features, faster sharing, more

Zac Hall Jun 3 2014 - 10:00 am PT

7 Comments

Instagram today released a major update to its popular photo sharing app for smartphones. The latest release, Instagram 6.0, packs in several new photo editing tools including light and dark adjustments, sharpening effects, color adjustments, filter strengths, and more.

When you go to select a filter, you’ll now see a new wrench icon. Tap it and you’ll find a tray of photo editing tools ready for you to explore. You can also now adjust how much of a filter you apply to a photo by double tapping the filter icon.

The update comes just a day after Apple previewed iOS 8 which includes its own photo editing advancements in the native Photos app similar to those found in apps like iPhoto.
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Photo editing pioneer Hipstamatic offers Vine-like video app, Cinamatic

Ben Lovejoy May 8 2014 - 4:13 am PT

2 Comments

Hipstamatic led the way in offering a fast and fun way to edit and share photos from an iPhone, but has been a little slow to move into video. The company has now corrected this, launching the Cinamatic app designed to compete with Vine and Instagram.

Cinamatic lets you shoot short videos ranging from 3-15 seconds, apply filters to them and then share on Vine, Instagram and Facebook – or send them via email or Messages …
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WhatsApp announces 64 billion messages sent through its texting app — in just one day

Mike Beasley Apr 2 2014 - 12:14 am PT

4 Comments

Whatsapp, the popular messaging client for iOS and Android, announced today on Twitter that it had reached a new record for messages sent in a single day. With 20 billion outgoing messages and 44 incoming messages handled in a single 24-hour period, the grand total came out to 64 billion.

[tweet https://twitter.com/WhatsApp/status/451198381856014337 align=’center’]

Here’s a little perspective on that number: Instagram recently announced that its users had posted 20 billion photos to the service. You’ll notice that’s not a statistic for one day. It’s the total number of photos shared in the history of the network.

That means that in one day, Whatsapp handled over three times as many requests as Instagram has since it launched three years ago. Not too shabby.

Facebook reaches 1 billion active mobile users, 200 million Instagram accounts

Mike Beasley Mar 25 2014 - 4:45 pm PT

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During a call with investors today, Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced that the social network had reached over one billion mobile users. That’s up from only 945 million active users in the last quarter of last year, putting the total gain since then at about 55 million mobile users.

The Facebook-owned photo app Instagram also announced a milestone today on its blog as it passed the 200 million user mark. A quarter of those users joined in just the last six months. Instagram also announced that users have shared over 20 billion photos on the network since it launched.

The spaceship is on the way: aerial photo shows demolition work on Apple’s Campus 2 site

Ben Lovejoy Feb 20 2014 - 4:56 am PT

7 Comments

Apple’s new ‘spaceship’ headquarters has been a long time in the coming, with Steve Jobs presenting the plans to the Cupertino city council back in 2011, but work has finally begun. KCBS eye-in-the-sky reporter Ron Cervi took the above Instagram photo, showing that demolition work on the site is now underway.

While we heard last month that the demolition phase was starting, this is the first visible evidence we’ve seen. Apple also recently constructed a full-size mockup of one small section of the building in order to test construction methods and enable the company to see how the concrete elements would look in real life …
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Instagram announces Instagram Direct: photo and video sharing to private groups

Zac Hall Dec 12 2013 - 7:15 am PT

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http://vimeo.com/81527238

During its press event held in New York City today, Instagram announced a new sharing feature called Instagram Direct that will allow users to share images and videos to other users privately.

The new sharing model will require users to follow each other to send photos and messages privately to individuals or groups of up to 15 people. A pending requests inbox will catch photos and messages from users who are not mutually connected.

Instagram also noted its growth from 80 million users to 150 million users worldwide from the start of 2013 to today. Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, boasted that over half of Instagram’s users use the service daily…

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Seene for iPhone makes creating interactive 3D photos fun and easy

Mike Beasley Oct 14 2013 - 12:40 pm PT

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A new app called Seene popped up on the App Store last night that lets you create interactive 3D photos. If you’ve used Vine before, you’re already familiar with most of Seene’s interface. The apps are laid out mostly the same, even down to the location of the sharing options during seene creation, but the process for taking photos is a little more complicated. The resulting effect is worth a little extra effort though.

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Instagram rolling out photo & video ads in the U.S. within a couple of months

Jordan Kahn Oct 3 2013 - 1:22 pm PT

1 Comment

While it previously announced plans to bring advertising to its mobile app sometime this year, Instagram officially announced today that it will be rolling out both photo and video ads from select brands in the coming months. The company said that the ads will begin showing up for users in the US initially and feature “a small number of beautiful, high-quality photos and videos from a handful of brands that are already great members of the Instagram community.”

Our aim is to make any advertisements you see feel as natural to Instagram as the photos and videos many of you already enjoy from your favorite brands. After all, our team doesn’t just build Instagram, we use it each and every day. We want these ads to be enjoyable and creative in much the same way you see engaging, high-quality ads when you flip through your favorite magazine.

Instagram noted in its announcement that it will allow users to hide ads that they don’t like and also provide feedback to help improve the experience over time.

Last month we reported that Facebook was beginning to test silent, auto-playing video ads in the News Feed, and since Instagram already auto-plays videos, it’s likely its ads will be similar to those being tested with a limited number of users on Facebook:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iCH9ReoH_I

Instagram releases redesigned app for iOS 7 w/ higher resolution photos & video

Jordan Kahn Sep 25 2013 - 11:12 am PT

3 Comments

Just about every big app has been getting an update and in many cases a refreshed look for the release of iOS 7, and today a completely redesigned Instagram app is hitting the App Store. Instagram made the announcement on its blog and also highlighted a few new features arriving with the new app alongside the UI overhaul.

Version 4.2 of the app will also include larger photos and videos that bring an increased resolution and allows content to stretch right to either side of your display while browsing your feed. Instagram noted a few other design tweaks on its blog:

In grid view, we streamlined things so that your content will also appear larger. We led our redesign with a focus on clarity to keep the feel of Instagram clean, simple and grounded in the photos and videos you discover and share.

The updated app also includes circular profile pictures, but notably does not yet directly support the slow-mo video feature that Apple introduced with the iOS 7 camera on the iPhone 5s.

Instagram version 4.2 is available on the App Store now.

Facebook testing silent, auto-playing videos in News Feed for its mobile apps

Jordan Kahn Sep 12 2013 - 2:25 pm PT

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Facebook announced today that its beginning to test auto-playing videos in News Feed for its mobile apps. Videos in the News Feed will automatically begin playing as users scroll, but they’ll be silent until users tap to switch to a full-screen view with sound:

Today we’re starting to test an easier way to watch videos on Facebook. Now when you see a video in News Feed, it comes to life and starts playing. Videos initially play silently, and if you want you can tap to play with sound in full screen. Scroll past if you don’t want to watch.

It didn’t mention specific platforms, but did post the image of its iOS app above. Facebook’s Instagram app, which implemented new Vine-like video features back in June, already auto-plays videos by default as users scroll.

The company’s blog post notes that the silent, auto-playing videos in Facebook will include videos posted by individuals, musicians, and bands initially, but it does have plans to “explore how to bring this to marketers in the future.”

The new feature will be rolling out as a limited test in the coming weeks through its mobile apps and “continue to roll out over time.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8iCH9ReoH_I

Flickr eyes Instagram with updated iOS app offering live filters and powerful editing

Ben Lovejoy Aug 29 2013 - 4:43 am PT

0 Comments

Flickr appears to be making a play for the Instagram market with the latest update to its free iOS app adding new filters with live previews and instant editing tools which include the ability to crop photos, adjust colors and add vignettes.

It’s a little late to the party, with Instagram having already expanded into video in a big way after witnessing the popularity of Vine, and of course filters and square crops are built into the revamped Camera app in iOS 7 …
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Facebook Messenger iPhone app adds support for attaching Instagram photos

Jordan Kahn Aug 6 2013 - 4:55 pm PT

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Facebook updated its Messenger iOS app today making it easier to send photos and emoji with a few new features. Facebook is deeper integrating Instagram into Messenger, allowing users to attach photos from Instagram albums (in addition to any other album on their iPhone) right in the app. Version 2.6 of the app also makes it easier to send photos and emoji with a new paper clip icon that users can tap from any message.

What’s New in Version 2.6

Now it’s easier to send photos and emoji:
– Just tap the paper clip from any message
– Choose photos from Instagram and any other album on your phone

Don’t forget about stickers: Tap the smiley to see what’s new in the sticker store.

Bug fixes

Instagram hits 5M video uploads in first 24 hours, 40 hours per minute during NBA Finals

Jordan Kahn Jun 21 2013 - 11:31 am PT

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Yesterday, Facebook unveiled its updated Instagram apps for iOS and Android that now include a new Vine-like video feature for creating 3-15 second long videos with, of course, Instagram-style filters. While there has been some backlash over the decision from a small group of users, it appears that a nice chunk of the service’s now 130 million strong user base are embracing the new video features. As noted by CNET, Facebook has since confirmed that over 5 million videos have been uploaded in the 24 hours since the updated apps were released.

Facebook also notes that Instagram was seeing around 40 hours of video uploaded per minute during the NBA Finals:

At peak, Instagram users uploaded 40 hours of video per minute. The climactic moment came Thursday night as the Miami Heat defeated the San Antonio Spurs during the NBA Finals, the spokesperson said.

Want to know who unfollowed or unfriended you? There’s an app for that.

Scott Buscemi Jun 20 2013 - 12:22 pm PT

1 Comment

That hurts, Zac.

Your follow count is dropping fast, but who are the ones that are unfollowing you? Was it spammers who don’t matter or was it Scoble who grew tired of your tweets? With the free Friend Check app, you can find out.

Once you install the app and give it permission to access your Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, or Instagram account, it will take a snapshot of your followers, mutual, and following lists. At any time, you can create a new snapshot and compare that to the previous one. The screenshot above shows the exact snapshot where fellow 9to5Mac reporter Zac Hall decided to unfollow me (only to test the app, of course!).

The only “con” I’ve found with this app is that they give you step-by-step instructions for literally everything the first time you use it. It is tiresome at first, but from then on it’s smooth-sailing unfollower goodness.

Friend Check is currently free to download in the App Store. You can add one account of each service or pay the 99 cents in-app purchase to enable multi-account support.

Facebook launches updated Instagram w/ 15 sec video clips, custom filters & cinematic stabilization

Jordan Kahn Jun 20 2013 - 10:16 am PT

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http://vimeo.com/68765934

Today, live from Facebook’s press event, the company just announced that its bringing video to Instagram with a brand new set of features. In what appears to be direct competition for Twitter’s rapidly growing Vine video sharing app, Instagram will soon allow users to share similar short video clips. On stage, Instagram demoed an updated iOS app that now includes a button for video capture that will allow users to create 3-15 second long videos using multiple clips.

It also announced that it has partnered with an artist to create 13 brand new custom filters specifically for video and a handful of leading experts to integrate “mind blowing” cinematic video stabilization features (something that isn’t too great in a lot of other apps).

So what does this mean for your content? Nothing’s different from photos. We’re still committed to making sure you have control over all of your content. Only the people who you let see your photos will be able to see your videos. And as with photos, you own your videos.

As for where videos will appear, like photos, Instagram says “your video will appear on your profile and in feed. If your visibility is set to private, only your approved followers can see videos or photos you share.”

The video feature will also be available on the web, allowing users to view Instagram videos in any browser without having to use the apps.
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As Apple’s built in camera gets filters, Instagram planning to move into Vine territory with Video?

Jordan Kahn Jun 17 2013 - 6:01 am PT

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Just as Apple introduced iOS 7 equipped with Instagram-like filters built-in to the redesigned camera app (although not for video), word has it Instagram is looking to move into Vine’s territory by adding video features in an upcoming update. According to a report from TechCrunch, Facebook’s event later this week won’t focus so much on that rumored news reader, but more so on integration of a Vine-like short video feature for Instagram:
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New Eye-Fi Mobi SD card transfers digital camera content to iPhone/iPad instantaneously via built-in WiFi

Jun 3 2013 - 7:49 am PT

1 Comment

Many casual photographers have been reaching for their smartphones over their digital cameras recently for the convenience of social media integration and other sharing options. Eye-Fi has long offered photographers the option to transfer high-quality media from standalone cameras to personal computers and mobile devices but required intermediary WiFi hotspot access – a major obstacle for photographers shooting on location outdoors and in remote locales.

Today, Eye-Fi announced the “Eye-Fi Mobi,” which instantaneously beams new photos and content from digital cameras (without WiFi capabilities) to your favorite mobile device. “Simply replace any camera’s standard SD card with Mobi, and just two quick steps later, the camera’s photos instantly appear on the selected iOS or Android smartphone or tablet.”

The Eye-Fi Mobi puts beautiful, high-quality images on your mobile device ready to be uploaded to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or any other social network. The built-in WiFi means you’ll never have to seek out network access to transfer your pictures. Setup does not require a computer, account or cloud. Just download the Eye-Fi mobile app to get started.

Eye-Fi Mobi is available now in two flavors; 8GB ($50), 16GB ($80).

Instagram reportedly mass-deleting seemingly-random accounts for ‘violation of terms’ (Updated 2x: accounts being restored, Instagram blames glitch)

Mike Beasley May 23 2013 - 6:48 pm PT

0 Comments

[tweet https://twitter.com/FabulousButEvil/status/337737589702418432 align=”center”]

UPDATE: Some users are reporting that their accounts have been restored following the deletion earlier this evening. We’re still waiting on an official response from Instagram.

UPDATE 2: Instagram has responded with the following comment.

A small percentage of users could not access their accounts for a few
hours as a result of a temporary glitch. We have restored access for these
users, and no pictures or data were lost.

It seems many Instagram were caught off-guard today when the free photo-sharing app suddenly deleted a significant number of accounts, citing “terms of service violations” as the reason despite many affected users having no such content on their profiles.

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Preview of Analog Camera for iPhone by Realmac Software

Zac Hall May 14 2013 - 6:00 am PT

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Analog Camera for iPhone by <a href="http://click.linksynergy.com/fs-bin/click?id=jZ6GP8Fu9UU&subid=&offerid=146261.1&type=10&tmpid=3909&RD_PARM1=https%3A%2F%2Fitunes.apple.com%2Fnl%2Fartist%2Frealmac-software%2Fid310591643%3Fl%3Den" target="_blank">Realmac Software</a>

From the wonderful folks who brought you Clear for iPhone and Mac, Realmac Software announced today it will bring a few of its stunning filters from Analog for Mac to the iPhone with Analog Camera.

Analog Camera for iPhone resembles the simplistic, gesture based UI of Clear for iPhone, featuring soft square or rectangle buttons that pop up upon contact and prompt fun, clever sounds.

Check out my observations of the app and a teaser video below:
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Instagram updates mobile apps with new ‘Photos of You’ feature

Jordan Kahn May 2 2013 - 10:19 am PT

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http://vimeo.com/65246801

Instagram announced today that it is updating its iOS and Android apps with a new feature dubbed ‘Photos of You’ making it easier to view and be notified of photos you care about most. The feature will make it easier for users uploading images to add mentions of people or things and also adds a new “Photos of You” section on your profile where tagged photos will gather:

When you upload a photo to Instagram, you’re now able to add the people and things in the photo as easily as you add a location and hashtags. When someone adds you to a photo, you’ll receive a notification and the photo will appear in your “Photos of You” – the new section on your profile where you can curate all of the photos you’ve been added to. Want to make sure you like the photo first? No problem: you can easily adjust your settings so nothing appears on your profile until you approve it.

The feature will be in a sort of beta mode until May 16th at which time the Photos of You section will become visible on users’ public profiles.

Version 3.5 of Instagram with the new Photos of You feature should be hitting the App Store any minute.

You can check out the feature via profiles of a few Instagram employees already using Photos of You:

http://instagram.com/kevin

http://instagram.com/mikeyk

http://instagram.com/Jeffreydgerson

http://instagram.com/Maxvoltar

http://instagram.com/Dantoffey