2011 was a great year for Instagram. Apple’s iPhone App of the Year is more than just a photo-sharing app, it’s an entirely unique social experience. The platform has been built so that users can easily tell a story through the lens of their iPhone and seamlessly share that story with the world. Looking into 2012, there are four reasons Instagram will continue to see growth and success.
Beauty
There’s nothing quiet like the Instagram experience. The photo filter system has the ability to add a layer of beauty to even the most mundane of ordinary objects. With the rise of mobile DSLR add-ons like this one from Photojojo, the move to mobile for photographers has undoubtably begun. Don’t be surprised if a new wave of “Instagram photographers” start businesses around the platform to shoot weddings, dances, and senior pictures in 2012.
Simplicity
There’s nothing difficult about capturing and editing a photo on Instagram. Point.Shoot.Filter.Share. These four steps allow users to have a streamlined process of capturing,editing, and sharing their pictures with ease. The UI design is simple enough for users of all ages to understand. This design not only lowers the learning curve for new and non-tech savvy users, but also creates a sustainable atmosphere for continuous sharing and interaction.
Community
The Instagram community is a unquietly different your Facebook or Twitter social graph. On Instagram everyone is your friend. You’ll meet people of all backgrounds, nationalities, and timezones. The interaction on Instagram is unlike anything I’ve ever witnessed in social media. Users on Instagram have a special addiction to the like button and enjoy leaving comments and interacting with user content.This phenomenon makes it enjoyable to check your notifications and contribute to the conversation.
Flawless Facebook and Twitter Integration
Sharing across your networks on Instagram is aided by another addicting button: the on/off switch. By creating a simple sharing process, Instagram has effectively removed the need to leave the application and post the photo in other applications across other networks. Although this feature is nothing new, it’s an important feature behind Instagram’s success in 2011 and will continue to be a driving force for growth in the New Year.
