Have you heard the big news today? Facebook has gobbled up uber-popular photo app Instagram today for about $1 billion.

Displaying some clairvoyant powers, Smirk New Media intern Jessica Findley submitted a blog right before the announcement about what makes Instagram so great.  She must have a direct line to Zuckerberg. Enjoy.  – mk

 

By Jessica Findley, Intern

Instagrant me a glimpse into your life: the uptick of Instagram

Every one loves to look good in pictures, especially those that are going to be posted on the Internet. How many times have you heard, or said, “Oh wait, let me approve that before you post it online” or something along those lines? I know I have, and for egotistical purposes, I hope I’m not alone.

Instagram was designed to make sharing life’s moments instantly visible just as the old Polaroid camera did. And not only has it reached its goal, it has surpassed it.

With the Instagram application on the high-rise, photo editing has been made easy. Although no intense physical alterations can be made, different filters and color schemes can enhance or downplay a picture’s features. You don’t even have to upload a photo from your camera roll; you can just snap one straight through the application itself.

It is the epitome of simple photo sharing. Each user can adjust his or her settings to post their photos to Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Flickr as soon as they are finished editing. Not only can you share your pictures on other sites, you can also build a clientele of
followers through Instagram. They are able to like, comment and favorite your photos and vice versa.

Instagram has at least 18 different filters to choose from in addition to other facets, such as combining multiple photos into one frame. Instagram also offers tips and tricks to its members on filter usage and basic photography principles. I think that every user favors a certain filter scheme, but each one supplies some type of enhancement no matter what your picture is of.

Originally, the app was designed solely for the iPhone but has recently enabled Android users to join in on the picture-sharing fun.

And the best part about it? It’s completely free. No loopholes, no fine print. Just you and your pictures.