Instagram is a popular iPhone app with a strong community of followers. As a dedicated Android user, I’m frustrated that it’s difficult for me to see the photos my wife has posted.
Here are some ways to keep up with instagr.am without using an iPhone:
Instagram on Android
Instaroid is a basic Android app that allows you to view the popular page from Instagram. My favorite use of Instaroid is the “Near” function that allows you to use the Android GPS to view instagram photos taken near your current location. This application is still very basic – as in, I can’t find functionality to follow users, but it is a good start.
Instagram on Firefox or other web browsers
Sites that do not require an instagram login
- Web.stagram.com is login-required web service for instagram that is tailored for commenting on instagram pics.
- listagr.am does not allow you to log into your instagram account, but it offers a good search feature and a better visual layout and gallery view. Listagram is most useful for those without an iPhone or instagram account that just want to explore the instagram world.
Sites that require an instagram login
- inkstagram.com Inkstagram requires a login to access the site – so it is obviously intended for those with an actual iPhone and instagr.am account. This is currently the most feature rich instagr.am webapp I’m aware of – it allows liking and commenting directly through the web interface. It also provides a http link to images, a tag cloud, and mapping utility.
- myinstadeck.com Instagram has a great gallery view and is very well suited to managing an existing instagram account through a web browser. With the Instagram interface, you can easily manage your likes and comments, though interaction is somewhat limited.
Miscellaneous
- Instagrid allows you to create an instagram album to distribute to others via a web browser. Login Required.
- bajanbot.com lists the top 20 current hashtags from instagram, and it’s automatically updated every two hours. This could be a great tool to “ride the wave”.
- Gramjunction is intended to allow you to view the instagram photo gallery from a selected user in your browser, but the functionality appears to be broken – it does show a selection of popular instagram pics in an attractive format. I’m not clear on the purpose of this tool – it LOOKS like it’s pulling from flickr, but it claims association with instagram.
- Instawar allows you to view two instagram pictures and choose which one you think is better. This is neat and all, but I don’t see anything being done with the votes. A neat idea that will probably be developed into a useful site.
- Printstagr.am – A pay service to print instagram photos on posters, stickers, etc.
Developing with the Instagram API
There are currently two ways to access the Instagram API – the approved method requires login to use instagram resources, while the hacked method allows anyone to view instagram images. I’m not sure how correct that understanding is!
These API instructions were developed in December 2010. http://mislav.uniqpath.com/2010/12/instagram-web/. They are not sanctioned by instagram, and I have seen several references to sites being taken down for using this API. It may have the benefit of allowing login-free viewing (?)
On February 25, 2011, Instagram released their official Instagram API. This will certainly lead to a lot of new web development and likely a fully featured Android App.
