Instagram, commonly abbreviated as insta in the early days and ins in mainland China, is a free online photo and video sharing community application from Facebook, released in October 2010. Since its release, it has become popular with celebrities, fashion bloggers, and internet users. The app allows users to take photos and then add different filters to them, with a wealth of convenient and beautifying features. One of the distinctive features of Instagram is that the photos are taken in a square shape, whereas most device cameras use a square shape. In June 2013, Instagram added the ability to share short videos, allowing users to record and share clips of up to 15 seconds in length. A micro-community was also created based on these photos and videos where users could interact with other users by following, commenting, liking, etc. In November 2016, Instagram launched a live streaming feature, which is available to certified public figures.

In January 2011, Instagram was the runner-up for "Best Mobile App" in the 2010 TechCrunch Cunchies Awards.

In May 2011, Instagram CEO Kevin Strom was voted 66th most innovative person in business for 2011 by Fast Company magazine.

In June 2011, Inc. magazine named the two co-founders, Strom and Krieger, to its "30 Under 30" list.

In September 2011, Instagram was voted "Best Local App" by San Francisco Weekly]. cover.

In December 2011, Apple's App Store named Instagram 'App of the Year 2011'.

In 2013, Instagram was named one of TIME Magazine's "50 Best Android Apps of 2013".