Tech with Dec

The colorful world of Instagram

Declan Loftus, Cutting Edge Writer

 

In recent years, social media has taken the world by storm. One app still doing so is Instagram, which is now possibly the most popular instant photo sharing app on the market. With that in mind, there are so many things that make it as popular as it is.

The explore function on Instagram allows the user to discover other users' pictures.
Declan Loftus
The explore function on Instagram allows the user to discover other users’ pictures.

First of all, Instagram provides its user with simple ways to edit their photos. Whether it be multiple filters or techniques used in expensive photo-editing software like Photoshop; Instagram provides them.

For example, borders can be added to photos, but it is not clear as to how they are added since multiple app updates have hidden this feature. To add a border, select a filter, then simply tap the same filter again and tap the border button.

The filter tool which allows users to place borders on pictures and to reform the color and texture of the images.
Declan Loftus
The filter tool which allows users to place borders on pictures and to reform the color and texture of the images.

Also, Instagram has put all of the secondary editing tools such as alignment and tilt shift into its own section of the photo editing screen. Whether a user wants to sharpen the quality of the photo, make the photo brighter or even put emphasis on certain spots, those will all appear in the right-hand section of the photo editing screen.

The tool function allows users to edit their images in a more in-depth and individual fashion.
Declan Loftus
The tool function allows users to edit their images in a more in-depth and individual fashion.

Secondly, Instagram makes it easy to navigate many photos and profiles. There is a search feature in the app, which is the second main section on the bottom navigation bar. Much like Twitter, Instagram uses hashtags in order to find related posts. If someone uses a hashtag in the caption of a photo, tapping that hashtag will take the user to more photos that used the same hashtag.

Finally, Instagram is so popular because it truly appeals to the current generation. Many young people want a new way to share photos without necessarily having to spread them to sites like Facebook and Twitter. That is why so many teens and young adults made the decision to make an Instagram account.

It seems like Instagram became big at the right time because now it seems like there is no end in sight. Tens of thousands of people join Instagram every day and for a good reason. If someone wants to spread photos in a different way, tell him or her to do it on Instagram. This app’s priority is photos and it comes through very well every time.