What is Instagram?

Instagram is a very popular photo sharing social network. It’s most similar to Facebook and Twitter making a perfect compliment of those two other very popular social networks.

For awhile Instagram was limited to iPhones only through an app, but since it’s rise in popularity, it is available now on other devices as well as an online version. Once a username has been created, one takes photos, has a chance to add interesting, rather enhancing, filters to their images, and then uploads them. The user may follow other individuals–either based on real life friendships (similar to Facebook) or based on similar interests (which is more like Twitter) and in turn the follow is often reciprocated. When one is looking through their feed, they will see all the photos uploaded of those they follow. “Likes” are triggered when appreciation for a photo is found; plus comments are made. The similar hashtags and @ tagging of usernames is used. Finally, when one uploads an image to Instagram, an option to post to other online networks is possible like Facebook, Twitter, Flickr, etc.

Ironically, a new art form of photography has come about with the rage of Instagram with the use of iPhones: it’s called iPhoneography. Here’s a sampling of my most favorite iPhoneographist: @magrelacanela.

To witness amazing art on Instagram, follow educator @magrelacanela.

And now, you can also follow the students, books, happenings, and events at HKIS HS Library’s feed: @hkishslibrary!