Best Instagram-like Apps and their Features

Instagram is one of the most popular social networks in the world and definitely the most used photo sharing & editing mobile application.

According to Statista Reports, it has 1+ billion monthly active users (MAUs) and 500+ million daily active users (DAUs) which practically means that every seventh person on Earth downloaded this app. The figure sounds even more impressive if we consider the fact that Instagram was created less than 10 years ago and its Android version was released only in 2012.

Instagram and other similar applications are amazing platforms that give many new creative opportunities for users. There you can express your creativity, share your photos and videos with the world, meet and chat with new people, advertise your business, create unique content for your page, investigate new areas, etc.

Yet, although Instagram maintains market leadership, there are also many alternatives that offer similar functionality. In this article, we’ll take a look at the most interesting Instagram-like apps. So if you’re a startupper thinking about developing your own photo-sharing social media or just a mobile app enthusiast looking for something new to try out, jump right in the list below.

TOP 11 Apps similar to Instagram

We gathered the latest and the most popular Instagram like apps on the modern marketplaces. They have several additional functions comparing to Instagram and have a huge number of users.

TikTok – best for the youngest

TikTok is a popular social media app that allows users to create and share short-form videos, usually set to music or other audio tracks. The app has gained immense popularity among young people around the world, and is known for its viral dance challenges, lip-syncing videos, and comedic skits. Users can browse through a variety of videos on the platform, interact with other users, and follow their favorite content creators.

TikTok’s algorithm is designed to curate a personalized “For You” page for each user, which recommends videos based on their viewing habits and interests.

We Heart It

We Heart It is one more app like Instagram which is also identical to the social sharing application Pinterest. App allows you to express your love of an image from a friend or other user by “hearting” it. You can get to know users & your favorite celebrity personalities just by browsing their images too. This Instagram-like app promotes the idea that it isn’t about ‘Look at me’ and instead is more focused on showcasing things that inspire you through your personal feed.

‎Dispo – Live in the Moment on the App Store

Dispo – Perfect social media app! I’ve been anticipating getting this app for 7 months because a person on TikTok suggested it but got put down by David Dobrik, and now it’s finally here I’m so happy bc it’s the perfect combo on Instagram and a disposable camera where it forces you to live in the moment and to not focus on how perfect or high quality the picture should be. Plus I love the addition of having to use different films that you get to customize. It took the good things of Instagram and what it was made for and made it ten times better!

Retrica

Retrica is an Instagram-like app for Android and iOS platforms. It’s focused mainly on selfies, but you may notice that Retrica resembles Instagram in many aspects and works well with regular (i.e. back camera) photos as well. Like Instagram, it also allows its users to share their photos and videos to friends and community, send private messages, and follow other people. On top of this, Retrica has some awesome functions Instagram lacks. For instance, with this application, you can apply filters to photos made with a front camera before you actually take a shot. Retrica also lets its users make GIFs from collages and videos. So if you’re seeking the closest alternative to Instagram, this app would be the best option for you.

• Platform: iOS/Android
• Price: Free

Hipstamatic

Hipstamatic is another app similar to Instagram, but it’s not free and available only for iPhones. Just like Retrica, Hipstamatic lets its users apply filters to a photo before or after taking it. The application has a large suite for creating vintage pictures which is its distinctive feature. Even the interface of Hipstamatic looks like the classic camera, so you may get a truly realistic feeling of shooting in an old-school way. For this reason, this app is a great choice for creative people who want to join a retro trend. Although Hipstamatic doesn’t work as a social network, edited photos can be shared via Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Tumblr.

Flickr

Flickr – Written in PHP.

• Great platform for photography enthusiasts
• Provide professional photo editing tools

• Some functions are limited on Mac systems
• Monthly limit on usable storage for free users

With this app, you can upload the photos from your camera roll to the cloud, edit them by cropping and adding filters, as well as share selected images with the community. As you may see, the app is very similar to Instagram but it also has some additional features. For instance, Flickr is great for organizing photos since it allows users to create albums. It also works better than Instagram for different sizes and dimensions. All in all, Flickr is one of the best social media apps like Instagram, so we recommend checking it out.

VERO

Discover Vero, a new true social network without ads, data mining and algorithms.

• Platform: iOS/Android
• Price: Free
• Website https://vero.co/

Vigo Video

Vigo Video (also known as Flipagram) is an Instagram-type app that was created specifically for digital storytelling. It allows its users to craft short fun videos by applying different filters and adding music, stickers, and other effects.
On top of this, Vigo Video is a social media, so you can also share your videos and interact with other people with the help of this app.

It’s a really awesome product to try out for everyone who is fond of Instagram stories but not so into taking photos.

Snapchat

Snapchat snaps daily. Like Instagram stories, photos, and videos shared via Snapchat are temporary.

They are automatically deleted after all recipients view them, or if added to a story, after 24 hours. If someone sends you a snap or message and you want to secretly open it without letting know them, then you can also check how can I view a Snapchat without opening It.

Snapchat users can also create group stories or contribute their snaps to someone else’s story if they are located in a specific place. In addition, the app has many fun filters and lenses, chat, as well as a bunch of other functions. Some users even believe that there are too many of them, but we think it’s just a matter of taste.

VSCO

VSCO is another popular application for iOS and Android. It has similar to Instagram functions – registration step, creating an account with an avatar, and the ability to ost photos and videos. This app has advanced features of photo processing. There you can not just post your pictures but just improve it. It has a large number of filters for free as well as paid ones. Also, you change the light, contrast, and colors of the pictures, adding some new elements to make them creative and unique. Also, you can make photos or videos with help of VSCO using the inside camera and post at once.

• Platform: iOS/Android
• Price: Free

Pinterest

Pinterest is a really amazing web and mobile application. Usually, this platform is used to recreate creative ideas and inspiration about various things – events, traveling, ideas for photo or video, style and fashions, home interior, and many other topics. There you create your personal account, create and complete boards by certain topics, and pin pictures to these boards. It is a perfect place to inspire yourself for doing something great.

500px

A worldwide online photography network where over 15 million creatives discover and share incredible photos, gain global exposure, and get paid for their work.

• Platform: iOS/Android
• Price: Free

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9 Best Instagram-like Apps in 2023 [chart]

Is there an app like Instagram for adults?

If you are looking for social media apps without censorship, here are a few options:

1. Minds: It is a decentralized social media platform that is built on blockchain technology. It allows users to create and share content without censorship and offers a range of features including encrypted messaging, groups, and payment options.
2. OnlyFans is a subscription-based content platform that allows creators to share exclusive content with their subscribers, including photos and videos for adults. While OnlyFans may have less censorship than traditional social media platforms when it comes to adult content, it is still subject to legal restrictions and may remove content that violates its terms of service or community guidelines.
3. Gab is a social network that bills itself as a free speech platform. It allows users to create profiles, post updates, and interact with other users without censorship or content moderation.
4. Parler is a social media app that has gained attention for its focus on free speech and lack of content moderation. It allows users to post updates, share news, and engage with other users without censorship.
5. MeWe is a social network that emphasizes privacy and freedom of speech. It allows users to create profiles, join groups, and share updates and media without censorship.

It’s important to note that while these apps may not have censorship policies, they may still have community guidelines that prohibit certain types of content, such as hate speech or illegal activities. Additionally, as with any social media platform, users should be mindful of the information they share and take steps to protect their privacy and security.

Features for building an Instagram-like app

1. Account

Every new member is authorized and creates a personal account, it can be possible via email or any other way.

2. Editing profile

• adding personal data
• editing personal data
• removing personal data

3. Publications

• uploading pictures taken in the app or chosen from the gallery
• mentioning people, adding tags, geolocation, other accounts

4. NewsFeed 

• subscribing
• liking
• commenting
• saving favorite posts
• responses to stories

5. Socializing

• sharing the posts
• inviting friends from Facebook

6. Image processing

• changing the size
• changing the slope
•  adjustments
• putting on various filters

7. Geolocation feature

• put the geolocation of the picture when posting
• determining current geolocation and adding it to the post
• Geo-fencing Solution

8. Direct messages

There is no need to chat with people in the comments under the post. A direct message is a great option for meeting new people and business cooperation.

9. Notifications

Notifications about your friends’ recent posts and stories, messages, likes, and comments.

10. Smart Search

• by username or full name
• by tags
• by post or account description

Technologies used for Instagram like app

Instagram uses a various number of different technologies, some of which may also be applicable in your startup. Instagram’s user app (front-end) is written in React Native, a cross-functional language compatible with both iOS and Android operating systems. For the back-end (server-side), Instagram uses Python (Django framework) and HTML5.

Among Instagram coding languages and frameworks are:

• JavaScript
• Python
• React
• React Native
• Java

Conclusion

As you may see, the market is indeed saturated with apps similar to Instagram. But does this mean that there is no room for new picture posting and media-sharing applications? Of course, no. The success of apps like Instagram just shows us that mobile users love taking beautiful photos and share them with friends and other people. So if you have an awesome idea of an app that you believe will be even better than Instagram, go ahead. Believe it or not, but there are good chances you may become a creator of the new number-one photo-sharing application in the world.