Instagram: Everything You Need To Know

Instagram

Owned by Meta Platforms, an American company, Instagram is a popular social media platform in which users are able to share photos, stories, and videos. This platform boasts over 1 billion monthly active users in the world. When it first launched, it shows photos that users upload in a square shape instead of the 4:3 ratio that most mobile cameras use. Instagram app supports both iPhone and Android devices. Users can upload and share photos and videos with their followers and friends and see posts, and comments of others.

Instagram developer says it was made to solve three problems:

1. Cool filters - Taking and uploading photos that look like they were taken by a pro is easy.
2. Sharing memories right away on multiple platforms.
3. Uploading is fast and easy.

Facebook purchased Instagram in April 2012 for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock.

Instagram Sign Up

To sign up for a new account from the app:

Step 1: Download and install the Instagram app from the Google Play Store (Android) or App Store (iOS).

Step 2: Launch the app.

Step 3: Tap Sign up with email or phone number, then type your email address or phone number and tap Next. 

Otherwise, tap Log in with Facebook to sign up with a Facebook account. You'll be asked to sign in to your Facebook account.

Step 4: Fill out the required fields including your Full name and password. 

If you register with your email address, you will confirm your email address by clicking the confirmation link in the email sent by Instagram.

RELATED: Instagram Sign Up.

Instagram Login

Step 1: Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.

Step 2: Tap Log in.

Step 3: Type your email address, phone number, or username

Step 4: Type your password.

Step 5: Tap Log In.

You can tap Log in as @"your name" to access your Instagram account with Facebook.

RELATED: Instagram Sign In.

Features

A. Filters

In addition to basically uploading photos, users can use the Instagram filter. This feature is one of the things that makes Instagram stand out from other social media platforms. The filter function works by providing different choices and ways to add a great touch to your photos. Effortlessly, you can turn your photos into ones that look like they were taken by a professional. 

You can choose from 36 filters on Instagram right now.

B. Videos

Instagram's video-sharing feature was introduced in June 2013. Initially, videos can last up to 15 seconds and have 640x640 resolution. Today, videos can now be as long as 60 seconds and have a resolution of up to 1080p.

C. Instagram Stories

The Instagram Stories feature was launched on August 2, 2016. Users can share photos and videos on their Instagram Stories. An interesting fact is that they will disappear after 24 hours from the time you posted. They won't show up on your profile grid or your feed. 

D. Instagram Direct

Launched in December 2012, Instagram Direct introduces a private way for users to share photos and videos, and send messages.