Instagram has grown exponentially in the past couple years, going from an exclusive ios-app to a massive social network with 200 million monthly users, 36% of whom are 18-29 year olds within the United States. With Facebook as its parent company, Instagram has been able to roll out new features that have not only made it more visually appealing, but also give their competitors a good run for their money. Case in point: Vine, the trendy video sharing app that allows users to shoot and edit 6 second video clips and share them to Twitter directly, took a pretty big tumble after Instagram released their own video sharing feature in 2013. Instagram’s version of video editing gives users the ability to shoot 15 second video clips, add filters and choose to share directly to Facebook and Twitter.
This chart showcases the steep decline of Vine links being shared on Twitter just 1 week after Instagram launched their video feature. (source:HuffPo)
Not too long after releasing their video tool, Instagram decided to take on Snapchat with their own version of private photo sharing called Instagram Direct. It’s been a little over eight months since the feature was released and it’s quietly gaining momentum with an average of 45 million active users. Snapchat hasn’t suffered since the release but that could be changing if Instagram decides to update that feature in the future.
With constant changes to make Instagram stickier for users, more and more businesses have hopped on the IG band wagon. If you’re one such business, you may have noticed how different each account approaches their posts. Perhaps the greatest appeal of Instagram is the individuality that is so noticeably showcased within each account. Every business and consumer displays a unique personality- demonstrated by their profile description, commonly selected filters, and of course, the content of the photos and videos they choose to upload. With millions of photos being uploaded each day, it’s important to make yours stand out in the crowd.
If you’re looking for ways to transform your ordinary Instagram account into something extraordinary, look no further. We’ve put together a list of “must-have” apps that when used properly, can really take your Instagram to the next level. The best part? They’re all free!
1) Cropic
If you don’t want to crop an image into the standard Instagram square, Cropic is the app for you. It allows you to:
- Post full size photos on Instagram
- Move, rotate, flip the photo easily
- Design a fun layout
- Choose color tones and patterns to apply to the background
- Save directly to camera roll
- Share to Instagram, Facebook and Twitter
2) InstaFollow
One of the best engagement analytics tool for businesses. InstaFollow gives you a personal Instagram dashboard that tracks everything you need to know about your followers in real time:
- Track new Instagram followers
- Track users who decided to unfollow you
- Follow and Unfollow users
- See who blocked your account
- Track who your best and worst followers are
- View detailed user profiles
3) PicStitch
Have more than one photo you would like to share? PicStitch is one of the best collage apps around and features:
- Up to 232 different layouts
- 15 different photo dimensions
- Photo Filters
- Ability to share to Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Dropbox
- Save directly to camera roll
- Pick up prints at Walgreens with QuickPrints
4) Repost For Instagram
Want to feature photos of your business that were posted by fans? Repost is a quick and easy way to regram their photos while giving proper credit. It also allows you to:
- Bookmark photos and videos to repost them later
- Search photos by username or hashtag
- Manage multiple Instagram accounts
- Repost directly to Instagram
5) InstaVid For Instagram
One of the best ways to create a photo AND video collage. InstaVid features:
- 39 different layouts
- Add music to your collage
- Choose multiple border colors and designs
- Share directly to Instagram
6) InstaQuote
Ever wonder how to add text to your Instagram images? InstaQuote is perfect for adding fun quotes, sales messages, or even contest rules to your selected image:
- 20 designed templates
- Choose from a variety of backgrounds or use your own photo
- Share directly to Instagram, Facebook or Twitter
- Save to Camera Roll
- Change hue, saturation, brightness and contrast
- Over 50 unique font choices
- Customize your words- font size, color, alignment position and line spacing