Now that you know how to make an app like Instagram, it’s time to sum up everything said above.

The plan to make an app like Instagram should include the following steps:

1. Market research to identify your target audience
2. Competitor analysis to evaluate the competition
3. App idea validation to finalize your app idea
4. Design to create a visual representation of your app
5. Technology stack to implement all features
6. Features that will form the basis of your app
7. Monetization strategy to decide on how to make money with your app
8. Development process to create the code base of the solution
9. Ongoing development to quickly adapt to the latest changes and trends
10. Marketing and promotion to get and increase the user base

How does Instagram make money?

Instagram hasn’t always been a successful business project. It didn’t make money during the first two years of its history. Today, the platform has a robust monetization strategy that allowed it to secure a place on the list of the Fortune 500 companies

Instagram makes money with sponsored posts, carousel, feed, story, and video ads.

How much does it cost to make an app like Instagram?

The average cost of creating an app like Instagram varies from $50,000 to $300,000+. The final cost depends on several factors, such as the complexity of custom features, integration of third-party solutions, and the place you outsource app development.

What is Instagram’s technology stack?

Instagram uses Python/Django on the server-side, JavaScript and React.js for front-end development, React Native for iOS and Android app development, PostgreSQL for databases, Amazon S3, Amazon EBS, Amazon EC2 for cloud computing.

How can I make an app like Instagram?

To create a photo-sharing app like Instagram, you will need to follow a 10-step process: start with conducting market research and competitor analysis, validate your app idea, create the app’s design, decide on the technology stack and features, choose the best-fitting monetization strategy, start the development process, launch the app to the market, work on ongoing development, and promote the app among potential users.

What are the competitors of Instagram?

There are a lot of apps like Instagram on the market, including Retrica, VSCO, Snapchat, Flickr, Hipstamatic, Pinterest, and many others. Even though TikTok has a different format, it’s also considered as one of the main rivals of Instagram that erode Instagram’s standing as the leading social media platform in the world.

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How To Make An App Like Instagram For Free

Instagram began as Burbn in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Ten years of developing and tweaking to meet users’ expectations, now have over 1 billion active users, with 500 million daily users.

Additionally, compared to other platforms like Facebook, the Instagram network comprises young users, with the majority being between years  25 and 34.  

Maybe you have been thinking about how to make an app like Instagram where you can share photos. Today, you will learn how to create a social media app like Instagram from scratch without paying a dime for it.

Instagram app has evolved over the years. Through the lens, now it’s more than a photo-sharing app but also an e-commerce platform and messenger. Social commerce is growing at an exponential growth with an estimation of $34.5 billion by 2021.

The new Instagram version gets designed for Direct Messages, Videos, and E-commerce. Here are some of the Instagram key features:

• Stories –  A great feature that highlights a short 15-second video or photo that usually disappears after 24hours. It was launched in 2016 and now has over 500 million daily users. A third of IG stories are from businesses.

• DMs (Direct Message) – It’s used to send and receive messages both private and generic.

• IG TV (Instagram TV) – This vertical video sharing feature allows you to share video content up to  60 minutes in length.

• Explore page – The section gives you updates on new content or those accounts going viral.

• Shoppable posts – You can buy directly from Instagram newsfeed with a shopping button attached to a photo post.

Instagram has sponsored posts that appear on the newsfeed, and recently on IG stories. After you create an app like Instagram, you may want to monetize it. Here are some ways to do it;

1. In-app purchases – You get to put a range of products up for sale on your own or enable users to post their products, and you receive a percentage of the sale.

2. Offer special deals and promo codes to active users.

3. Use sponsored advertisements where users and businesses can create profiles to promote their products.

When you decide to make an Instragam alternative, you want to stand out from the competition by considering some of these critical factors:

1. Number of active users

A photo-sharing app without users will not grow and scale. You need to figure out how to keep the number of active users engaged and growing.

Having high profile users like Instagram influencers who are active on your app is excellent. But how do you get them to use your Instagram alternative app?

Good marketing and PR programs can help you attract users. Invest in some of the communities you are targeting to get users.

2. User involvement and retention

After you get some users, how you retain them and build a loyal community?

• Provide high-quality editing tools for your audience to play with and continuously work on improving them.

• Send push notifications to remind them of any app updates; maybe they follow posts, new content, or engagements( likes, or comments) of their content occurs.

• Encourage monetization by users selling their products on the Instagram app. Let them have some ‘skin in the game. ’

You don’t want to build the next Instagram ( copy & paste), but a unique Instagram app focused on design, branding, and it’s differentiating factor.

Here are some development features you want to include from the start;

• Personalized feed
• Clear UX/UI design
• A well-function application
• Intuitive- user navigation
• Impressive and eye-catching graphics like logo

Features every app like Instagram should have:

1. Photo customization ( editing & filtering features)
2. Messenger for both text and photo.
3. Ability to post photos( uploading, add hashtags, tag other users).
4. Timeline for comments likes, and follow.
5. Push notifications and notifications.
6. Feature to search for the username, hashtags, names, etc.
7. Authorization to sign up and create a new profile.
8. Ability to edit the profile.
9. Location tagging where the photo was taken

1. Write down the objective.

As we mentioned above, the original Instagram app has evolved to be more than just a photo-sharing app. Before you begin development, define the objective of your Instagram-like app. If you think of adding extra features( e-commerce, video) in the future, write them down.

2. Do comprehensive market research.

The competition is asleep at the wheel. You need to do your market research well to understand how your app like Instagram will differentiate in the market. Which version will be the best to start with? Android or IOS version? For some context, the Android version has an 87% market share, according to Statista.

3. Decide on the features for your MVP.

Your minimum viable product needs to have the essential features you aim to build your Instagram app upon.

4. Hire the right development team.

You may not have programming skills like most people. But to bring your app to life, you need these skills. In your team, you will need people skilled in:

• App development
• UI/ UX design
• Project Management
• Digital Marketing

5. Promoting your Instagram App

Here the digital marketing specialist comes in handy to help you attract users. You need to hire the most qualified marketer to succeed. You can also use referrals and special deals to attract new users by using the existing users.

The cost depends on what kind of Instagram app you want to build, and it’s functionality. On average it costs between $50,000 to $60,000

To hire a UI/UX designer alone on Upwork it will cost up to $150 per hour. Imagine if the task takes weeks.

Although you might decide to teach yourself to code the Instagram app from scratch, the learning curve is quite steep. The number of hours you will dedicate to mastering programming languages like Java, Javascript necessary for the app’s coding is immense.

Without a background in coding, you can make an app like Instagram for android for free.

A free app builder by AppsGeyser enables you to create an android Instagram app from your Instagram account profile link for free in  5 minutes or less. With AppsGeyser’s free app creator template, you get to make an app like Instagram wit apk file features like;

1. Push notifications;
2. Social Media tabs;
3. Monetization;
4. Any URL support.

Here are the simple steps to make your social media app like Instagram for free with AppsGeyser.

1. Copy and paste your Instagram URL;
2. Add other social media tabs;
3. Name your app;
4. Choose or upload an icon;
5. Use the keywords in the name and description to tell about features;
6. Localize the app into your home language;
7. Preview your website app before building an apk file.

To create an app like Instagram needs more than a plan of action but also resources. The cost will vary depending on the functionality of your Instagram app.

Make An App Like Instagram for FREE

How do you create an app like Instagram for free?

1. Open AppsGeyser.com;
2. Choose an Website template;
3. Enter Instagram or its alternative link;
4. Name the app;
5. Upload the icon;
6. Click the ‘Create‘ button. Your Instagram app is ready.

Can I create my own app for free?

With AppsGeyser, you can create your Instagram app for the android version for free in 5 minutes or less.

Can I make an app like Instagram?

To make an app like Instagram, you first need a minimum viable product with basic features of the Instagram app and get a limited number of users to test with it. You then use the feedback to tweak and develop your Instagram app further. But with AppGeyser, you need features for your Instagram done for you for free. All you need is to follow a few steps, and your Instagram app for android is ready in minutes.

Make An App Like Instagram for FREE

How to replace Instagram*: 6 apps for Android and iPhone

March 14How to liveiOS

These programs duplicate the functions of Instagram* to some extent. And some even offer their own unique features.

Share

On March 14, Instagram* was finally blocked throughout Russia. If you want to continue sharing your photos and videos somewhere, you can try switching to alternative services. Here are five sites.

1.VSCO

Russian : supported.

The service positions itself as a space for self-expression with a large community of creative people. In the application, any user can share pictures and short videos, as well as follow the publications of other participants.

VSCO features a powerful photo editor with lots of filters and a magic wand that enhances images in one click. Some of the tools are available only to paid subscribers.

Download

Price: Free

Download

Price: Free

A popular messenger in the West with an emphasis on sharing stories — disappearing photo or video messages. It was Snapchat that set the fashion for them, after which it was picked up by Instagram *, VKontakte and other well-known services.

In Snapchat, you can take photos, record videos, add text and pictures, and then send it all to selected friends or share it with everyone nearby.

Download

Price: Free

Download

Price: Free

Professional photographers form the backbone of this social service. EyeEm is a platform with which it is convenient to look for sources of inspiration and promote your work.

The service allows you to edit photos, apply filters to them and publish photos to a wide audience. You can also list your photos for sale in the built-in store and submit them to competitions that are regularly held in the community.

Download

Price: Free

Download

Price: Free

4. Flickr

Russian : Not supported.

Flickr is a very old social network for amateur and professional photographers. Each user can post up to 1,000 photos for free. When this limit is reached, you will have to delete something or switch to a paid plan.

With Flickr, you can share your photos in thematic groups and be inspired by millions of other people's work. Pictures are complemented by the characteristics of the camera on which they were taken. There is a built-in image editor with many settings and filters.

Download

Price: Free

Download

Price: Free

The Tumblr blogging platform is most often used to create and share videos and GIFs, but nothing prevents you from posting your pictures there or connecting with loved ones.

Users can subscribe to friends' updates and repost their content to their accounts or other services. In addition to graphic posts, Tumblr allows you to publish text, audio and other materials - there are many possibilities.

Download

Price: Free

Download

Price: Free

6. 500px

Russian language : Partially supported.

This is one of the main social networks for beginners and practicing photographers. Any user can publish there, but still, 500px is not suitable for simple communication with friends and personal blogging.

Pay attention to this service for those who want to develop as a photographer, license their pictures and participate in various competitions.

Download

Price: Free

Download

Price: Free

Read also 🧐

• 18 extensions for secure and private browsing in Chrome
• 0122
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*Activities of Meta Platforms Inc. and its social networks Facebook and Instagram are prohibited in the territory of the Russian Federation.

Creating applications without code: how to make your own mobile application for Android or iOS

Creating applications if you don't know how to program is quite possible. You just need to understand what you are doing the application for, choose the appropriate constructor and work step by step.

This article explains how to create an application: when it is worth doing it yourself and how to get a viable business tool in the end. At the end is a selection of app builders with descriptions and prices.

• Why create a mobile app
• When you can create an application yourself
• Ways to create applications
• Development with a programmer
• Zero-code app builders
• How to create a mobile application: work steps
• Training
• Development
• Launch and testing
• Promotion and support
• Services for creating mobile applications on Android and iOS
• draftbit
• Adalo
• Bravo Studio
• Kodika
• Mobincube
• AppsBuilder
• AppsGlobal
• Alternative to mobile applications - chatbot
• Building Apps: Things to Remember

Why create a mobile application

Every year more and more people use mobile phones instead of computers. At the same time, the number of installed applications and the time spent in them are growing - it is more convenient to go to the application on the phone, and not to the site.

The chart below shows how much time people spend on their phone - in the browser and in apps. Applications are confidently leading and, judging by the forecast, will continue to increase the gap.

At the same time, people install quite a lot of different applications. According to the graph below, every fourth phone has more than 30 applications.

When you can create an application yourself

You can create a small and simple application by yourself that will cover the needs of your existing customers. This will help build loyalty: you will show that the company is trying to become even more convenient.

For example, you have a pizzeria and many regular customers. You know that a lot more orders come through the site than through the phone. You make an application - it becomes easier for the client to buy pizza from you. In addition, you can send push notifications through the application: talk about promotions, inform about the readiness of the order.

In general, if there is a need that can be quickly closed by an application, it is worth creating it. Here are more examples. A news publication can make an application to make it convenient for subscribers to read the news. Medical clinic - so that customers can choose the right doctor and make an appointment. Company - so that employees have quick access to standards, rules and knowledge base.

But creating an application on your own for the promotion of the company is a bad idea. You need to very accurately guess the request of potential customers and make an application that will be seen, downloaded and not deleted after the first use. It is difficult and most likely will not justify the effort invested.

Ways to build applications

The classic way to develop is to hire programmers. But there is also an option when you create an application yourself, using special services. Let's consider both.

Development with a programmer

The method is suitable for teams that have a developer on staff with the relevant experience or money to hire one. It can be either an individual freelancer or an entire agency - the choice will depend on the complexity of the application and the size of the budget.

Before hiring an outside specialist, make sure of the experience - ask for examples of work. Ideally, these should be examples in your topic, such as shopping or booking tickets.

Zero-code application builders

For those who do not know how to program, there are services on the market for creating applications on their own - the so-called no-code or zero-code services. You will receive a selection of such services with a description and prices later in the article.

Zero-code services work on the principle of constructors: you assemble an application from the existing set of elements and functions, create your own design. Traditionally, there is a set of ready-made templates that you can adapt to your needs.

The functionality of these services directly depends on the tariff. On free or cheap, a minimum of functions is available. Most likely, to create a high-quality native application for iOS and Android, you will have to buy a more expensive tariff, but it can be cheaper than attracting a developer.

How to create a mobile application: stages of work

We conditionally divide the independent creation of an application into four stages:

• preparation,
• development,
• launch and testing,
• promotion and support.

Preparation

At the preparation stage, you need to decide for whom, why and how the application will be made. All this information needs to be collected in one document, which will be the fulcrum for all participants in the process.

1. For whom. Determine the target audience - for whom we are creating the application.
2. Why. We describe what problem the target audience has and how the application will solve it. From here, the conclusion is already - what is the benefit for the company from the application. Understanding for whom and why you are making an application is a critical thing. Without understanding, there will be no real benefit, which means that the application will not be used.
3. What others have. Competitive analysis is a mandatory stage of preparation. Analyze what similar mobile apps are on the market. Try the most popular ones: note what is convenient and inconvenient, what is missing and what are the interesting features. It's also helpful to look at the reviews. They can be found directly on the application page in the market or google.
4. As . We are counting on the strength - it will be possible to make the application on our own or you need to contact the developer. If by ourselves - we choose the appropriate platform, the list will be further in the article.
5. What's next . This is an optional step, but a useful one. Think about how the app will fit into your overall promotion ecosystem. What chances does he have for development, will there be forces, time and money for support.

The result of the preparation: a fully prepared description of the future application with the target audience, functionality and business requirements.

Development

Focus on the target audience problem you identified in the previous step. Based on this, describe a list of basic functions. For example, for a clinic application, this could be:

• see catalog with cards of all specialists,
• make an appointment and leave feedback,
• find the price for the desired service,
• set a reminder to record or take medication.

Then assemble the functions into a common application script. For this, the storyframe method comes in handy: these are draft screens that your application will consist of. They contain nothing but text. Roughly speaking, this is a dialogue between the user and the application: the application offers - the user reacts - the application responds, and so on. You can collect them in services like miro, Figma, Sketch, or use any mind mapping tool from our selection.

For example, you are building an activity recommendation app. A person enters his height, weight and age there and gets the right number of steps or workouts. Then there will be something like this scenario:

• Greeting - tell what method you use to determine the activity and why it is needed.
• Data entry - we ask the user for his parameters.
• Results - counted number of steps/workouts for this user.
• Advanced Recommendations - Tips on how to start exercising more.

At the stage of storyframes, the logic emerges: how many screens will be needed, what they will be, what needs to be combined or divided, where just text is needed, and where an illustration is needed. And already on the basis of storyframes, you will build final screens of the application. You don’t have to change the logic on the go and make big changes.

What else to consider in order to create a good application:

• Onboarding. If something can be misunderstood, so be it. Explain to the user where he got to and how to use the application.
• Immediate response. Every interaction with the interface must receive a response. Change the color of the element when clicked, the appearance of a loading icon, a text hint - so that the user understands that his action worked.
• Less irritants. Make a minimalistic interface - it's better to add something later than to remove it. The simpler and clearer the application is, the higher its chance for a long life in the phone.

And ideally, the application should weigh a little, not be annoying with ads and notifications. The statistics below are the main reasons for deleting apps.

Development result: the first working version of the application.

Launch and testing

Before rolling out the application to the public, it must be tested and all found bugs and errors in the logic should be fixed. The easiest option is to install it on team phones and actively use it for at least a few days. It is best to involve a focus group - people from the outside who fit the description of the target audience and are still unfamiliar with the project.

Don't leave testing until the last minute. If serious problems are discovered, the release date will be pushed back, which can cost you time and money. It is better to take a few weeks for verification - let it go in a deep and calm mode, and you will definitely have time to debug.

Launch and testing result: beta version of the application, tested on a group of users.

Promotion and support

Ready tested application can be launched in promotion. If there is a direct download link, launch advertising campaigns with it. Offer the application to site visitors, announce its release in social networks, make mailings to the base of regular customers. Upload to the app store - Google Play or AppStore.

Advertising systems have special campaign formats for promoting mobile applications. I have collected for you links to information on such campaigns in different systems:

• Yandex,
• Google,
• Facebook.

The result of promotion and support: the application has entered the market, if necessary, you support and refine it.

Services for creating mobile applications on Android and iOS

As I said above, it is not necessary to know the code to create a mobile application. There are zero coding services in which you create applications according to visual logic - you assemble them from ready-made blocks, customize the appearance and functions.

What to consider when choosing a service:

• Language. Most of the good services for creating applications are in English, there are very few Russian ones, but there are some in the selection.
• Interface and functionality. If there are any special requirements, then check their feasibility at the service selection stage. At the same time, look at the interface - can you work in this.
• Results format. This must be a ready-made package with application files (apk or aab for Android, ipa or pkg for iOS). Or the service itself will help you upload the application to the stores - this is an ideal option to avoid unnecessary complications.

I have collected services for you that allow you to create a mobile application and share the result - download ready-made packages, create a download link for users, or upload the application to the store. The price is for the rate at which you can get packages for downloading to stores or assistance with the download service.

Draftbit

Language: English

Platforms: Android, iOS

Tariff: $,449 per year, free to try.

A complete service with a nice design and intuitive interface. There are many elements and functions, you will have to spend a little time getting to know each other, but create a multifunctional application.

At the start, you will be prompted to set up an initial template: for example, whether your application will be filled with content or products, organized as a gallery, list or feed. Integrations are available - built-in and through the REST API, so you can connect data sources and other services to the application.

The service uses only open programming languages ​​and libraries. This means that the developed application will entirely belong only to you, the service will not have any rights and licenses for it.

Adalo

Language: English

Platforms: Android, iOS

Tariff: $50 per month, free to try.

There is an integration with Zapier, a service that allows you to connect your application with 1500 other services. For example, set up integration with Trello or SendPulse, your CRM or payment system. It is also possible to connect data sources.

The ability to publish to app stores is built in - Adalo has detailed step-by-step instructions for this.

Bravo Studio

Language: English

Platforms: Android, iOS

Tariff: three package downloads per week for free. To remove the limit and the service logo from the finished product - 49 euros per month.

This service is unlike the other collections. This is not a builder, but a converter - it turns layouts made in Figma or Adobe XD into native applications for iOS and Android. Each layout element is marked with a special tag, and with their help, the service translates the layout into code. External data sources and third-party services are connected to the finished application via the REST API.

The knowledge base of the service has detailed guidelines for uploading to the App Store and Google Play, as well as instructions in case of refusal to publish and for supporting the published application.

Kodika

Language: English

Platforms: iOS

Tariff: 30 euros per month, free trial plan available.

Tool for creating iOS applications using drag&drop. The best part here is the App Store publishing feature, which avoids self-uploading. Supports REST API.

Mobincube

Language: Russian (automatically translated).

Platforms: iOS, Android.

Tariff: free for applications with built-in advertising from the service and a monthly audience of up to 2000 users. You can increase the audience, remove the service logo and monetize the application from 3 euros per month.

The only service in the collection that allows you to create ready-made packages for Android and the App Store for free. Of course, there are limitations: there will be advertising from the service, and the monthly number of unique users should not exceed two thousand.

Discover the chat bot

Build auto sales funnels and answer user questions using the chat bot on Facebook, VK and Telegram.

Create a chatbot

AppsBuilder

Language: English.

Platforms: iOS, Android.

Tariff: 24 euros per month. Not a free plan, there is a small trial period.

Another drag&drop constructor in our selection. Acceptable rate compared to competitors, but not a very modern interface. There are built-in integrations with social networks, RSS technology, Facebook and Google services, form designers and other tools.

Apps Global

Language: Russian.

Platforms: iOS, Android.

Tariff: $9 per month with a limited number of elements in the constructor. Full access from $15. There is a 7 day trial period.

A constructor that allows you to not only create an application, but also manage it and receive analytical data. It is convenient that the service is not just a Russified tracing paper of a foreign counterpart. Here you can, for example, connect the usual payment systems to the application: Sberbank, Yandex, Qiwi.

An alternative to mobile applications is a chatbot

Instead of a mobile application, you can use a chatbot in a social network or messenger. This is a good option if you don't have the resources or the desire to get into building apps yet.

A business chatbot can be equipped with many useful functions, from onboarding to payment. For users, this is already a familiar tool, besides, they do not have to install anything on their phone: everything works in familiar messengers.

Here are three chatbot cases that solve real business problems. All made in the SendPulse chatbot builder.

• Bot for online conference participants. He issued the program, helped to contact the organizers, sent reminders and useful materials.
• Bot for football club fans. Developed on a free plan, but replaced the whole application: here is the game schedule, buying tickets and merchandise, information about players and coaches, as well as a special section to buy food at the stadium during the match.
• Bot for customers of the Tsapa cafe in Chernihiv. Here, the standard cafe functionality is fully packaged in Facebook Messenger. You can view the menu, order delivery or a table, find out the address and leave a review.

We have put together a whole section with examples of chatbots. There you can study the functionality and test each bot.

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