Is Developing a Photo Sharing App Like Instagram Worth the Investment? Find Out the Potential Cost and Impact!

Maximizing ROI: Developing a Photo Sharing App
Abhishek Founder & CFO cisin.com
In the world of custom software development, our currency is not just in code, but in the commitment to craft solutions that transcend expectations. We believe that financial success is not measured solely in profits, but in the value we bring to our clients through innovation, reliability, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.


Contact us anytime to know moreAbhishek P., Founder & CFO CISIN

 

Although Instagram has a large selection of tools and filters, there is always room for improvement to serve its around 1,000 million monthly users better.

You can use Instagram in many different ways with third-party apps. We have highlighted the best Mobile Application Development Company solutions.


Instagram Is A Popular Social Media Platform

Instagram Is A Popular Social Media Platform

 

Research reports that Instagram is the fourth most used social media platform, with 2 billion monthly users. By 2025, Instagram is anticipated to have 1.44 billion monthly users or 31.2 percent of all internet users.

Now, let's examine the factors that make Instagram so well-liked among social networking apps:


Unique User Experience

Instagram users can share edited photographs and follow other users' postings. Instagram is distinct from other programs that let users share pictures and videos, such as Snapchat and Facebook.

Instagram users can use filters to change the look and feel of their images. The program also provides photo editing features, including cropping, rotating, and altering brightness and contrast.

Additionally, you may rapidly find photographs using the search option by location and hashtags. Other apps are different from the experience that Instagram provides.


Utility

Since its debut in 2010, Instagram has substantially changed its development. It is now a successful branding, marketing, and communication tool.

Businesses may use Instagram to sell goods or services, communicate with clients, and get new followers, and be a platform for sharing photographs and videos.

Businesses frequently use Instagram to offer marketing initiatives, including freebies, competitions, and product promotions.

Additionally, Instagram offers insights and analytics to assist enterprises in gauging their postings' success and comprehending their followers' involvement. Instagram is undoubtedly a valuable tool for all businesses, as is apparent.


Wide Reach

Instagram is a vibrant community that can be found in nearly every part of the globe. The most recent version of Instagram can now be used in 25 different languages.

This makes it accessible to all users worldwide. With more than 2 billion active users, Instagram has a sizable user base. Businesses benefit from a large audience as a result.

Instagram is a well-liked social media site with lots of activity. Businesses may reach a broad audience through their posts and guarantee that potential buyers notice them.


Simplicity

Instagram is a user-friendly, straightforward program that everyone can use. It is easy to use and locate the features you need.

The app is continually being updated, making it even easier to use. Instagram enables companies of all sizes to advertise their goods and services to their target market. These are just a few reasons Instagram is a popular social media platform.

Let's now examine the expenses related to creating an app like Instagram.


How To Develop An App Like Instagram At A Low Cost: Understanding The Parameters

How To Develop An App Like Instagram At A Low Cost: Understanding The Parameters

 

The price of an app like Instagram ranges from around $30,000 to $500,000. Building an app like Instagram can range from around $30,000 to $500,000.

Imagine that you want to develop an Instagram-like app that offers a distinctive user experience and differentiates itself from other apps in the digital environment. The cost of this app could rise to approximately $500,000. Here is an estimate of the cost of creating an Instagram-like app dependent on complexity:

Simple: Around $30,000 to $75,000 in 3 to 6-Months.

Medium Complex: Around $88,000 - $120,000 within 6 to 9 months.

Very Complex: Around $150,000-$500,000 in 9 Months +.

The features, wireframing, design and mobile app development process can all affect an app's price. You can calculate the price of an Instagram-like app using our formula.

An app development process like Instagram involves everything, from successful project requirements analysis to app design and coding, through launching and upkeep. This cost generally includes the following:

  1. The features of your social media application matter.
  2. Product management.
  3. Development of native apps.
  4. Backend development.
  5. High-quality assurance.
  6. Design for mobile apps.

We now have a method for calculating how much a social networking program will cost. Let's talk about the numerous elements that affect the price.

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Factors That Impact The Cost Of An Instagram-Like Application

Factors That Impact The Cost Of An Instagram-Like Application

 

The price of creating an application relies on several essential factors. Let's review them in general. Cost-related variables for an Instagram-like app include:


UI/UX Design

Depending on its UI/UX design it is possible to charge a lot for an Instagram app depending on its UI/UX design.

A visually appealing design can increase user engagement and retain users. The cost of an app may vary depending on how many testing steps it has to pass. It is essential to realize that an app designed well will be easy to use and intuitive, encouraging people to continue using it.

It's crucial to balance complexity and usability while creating apps.


App Platform

The cost of developing an Instagram-like app will change depending on the platform it is built on. Due to different design guidelines and technical specifications, an iOS app may be less expensive than an Android app.

It is advised to start with Android cross-platform app development due to the more extensive user base. As your software gains popularity, you can move to cross-platform apps.


The Location Of The App Development Company

The cost of a social media app development business can depend on where it is located. Suppose the mobile app development company is established in Asia or Africa instead of the US.

In that case, the overall cross-platform development cost is much lower. It's vital to keep in mind that price is only one consideration when choosing an app development team. Additional factors to consider include the company's ability to match your needs and the caliber of its work.


Tech Stack

The price of producing an app is also influenced by technology stacks. Thanks to current technological stacks, your app may be at the cutting edge of innovation.

The prices are increased in direct proportion to the complexity of the app's technology. Even though we've almost completely covered the technology involved with social media apps, you can adjust the tech stack to suit your particular needs.

Let's talk about the features and the time required to incorporate them once we've covered the numerous aspects that affect the price of designing an Instagram app.


Development Of An App That Looks Like Instagram: Features And Hours

Development Of An App That Looks Like Instagram: Features And Hours

 

To calculate the cost of developing an Instagram-like app, your app must include markers. The features you choose to have will impact your app's development costs.

Before you create Instagram-like software, it's critical to assess the viability of each market group.


Authorization For The User

Instagram offers two authorization options, just like any other B2C app.

  1. Register for a new account.
  2. Log in to an existing Gmail account or social media account.

These options are just some of the ones available to users. They can also obtain their passwords by phone, mail, or social media accounts.

Time of development estimated: 65-70 hours.


Create A Profile

The functionality to create and edit profiles should be available in your social networking apps. Users should have access to editing and modifying their profile data in the app, including a picture, bio, and website name.

This necessitates backend communication between an application's client and server sides. Development time: 48-48 hours.


Messaging

Your Instagram app should have a messaging option. It should have a messaging feature to allow real-time messaging.

Use the RESTful HTTP API on HTTP rather than persistent socket connections to prevent overburdening the server with continual to-and-from messages. To enable notification capabilities, you must register your device with Apple/Google servers and establish a connection.

APN and GCM can be used for this. Development time estimated: 120-140 hours.


Upload An Image Or Video

A photo-sharing app's primary function is to allow users to upload images or videos. Users can upload photos or take new ones.

Development time estimated: 70-85 hours.


Photo Editing

If you want to create apps like Instagram or other apps, photo editing is a must-have feature. Photo-sharing apps, image editing, and modification are essential features.

There are three options for the backend:

  1. You have the option of using default files or making your filters.
  2. Copy the source code from the project if you prefer the former.
  3. Create the complete source code yourself if you go with the former approach.

Development time estimated: 60-70 hours.


Social Media Integration

Instagram is distinct from other social networking sites. Through the Instagram clone, Instagram users will communicate by exchanging photographs and videos.

When developing an app like Instagram, you must integrate it with other social media networks. In the backend, you must use third-party authentication techniques like OAuth to link your app account ID and social media account ID.

Development time estimated: 8-10 hours.


Geolocation

What is the price of Instagram? Geolocation affects the resolution. Users should be able to add a location to an image or video on the app.

The global map will be updated to show this post so that others may follow it. Although it may seem simple, this feature can only be developed with APIs. With the aid of maps and location services, this capability is accessible on iOS and Android devices.

Development time estimated: 24 - 30 Hours.


Search

Users can use this function to locate one another and check out what's popular on their photo-sharing applications.

Users may also learn about trending topics on social media, including news about well-known people, the newest fashions, new culinary creations, and many other things. The user-desired outcomes are returned by the backend server. Development time estimated: 60-70 hours.


Additional Settings

You may also allow users to alter the language, turn on private mode, turn off or activate notifications, and access many other options.

The app server needs to sign up with Apple or Google servers if you want to build an Instagram-like app with push notifications. The server ID is used to send messages. Development time estimated: 90-120 hours.

Read More: A Rising Trend in Mobile App Development: Blockchain Technology


Layout

We began assembling the home layout using another software developed by a mobile application development company employing nine additional photographs to make photo collages.

It's completely free and can be used without any advertising.

Thanks to its independence, you can make picture collages using this layout without logging into Instagram. Once you're done, sharing your collages on Facebook, Instagram, or other platforms is quick and straightforward.

  1. Android version: 4.1s
  2. Developer: Instagram
  3. Google Play: Download it
  4. Cost-free
  5. Category: Photography

Boomerang

Another home program that lets you make quick videos and endless repeats is Boomerang. The design is the same whether you're using Instagram or another app that allows you to transmit videos; Boomerang is a quick and easy software from a mobile app development service.

Boomerang creates an endless loop from a video clip that you save. This is often very colorful. After recording, you can change the pace and make little tweaks.

  1. Developer: Instagram
  2. Google Play: Download it
  3. Cost-free
  4. Category: Photography

Microsoft Hyperlapse

Microsoft Hyperlapse is an intriguing program that lets you capture fast-moving films and still photographs. This can be used by your Instagram followers to influence.

It is advisable to register in the proper settings and aim your camera at the front, even though the effect is rather interesting.

You can produce instant camera recordings with Microsoft Hyperlapse up to two times more quickly than with 32x. The primary emphasis is on image stabilization.

Mobile application development solutions soften and make the video more enjoyable to watch.

  1. Android version: 4.4 sec
  2. Developer: Microsoft Corporation
  3. Google Play: Download it
  4. Cost-free
  5. Category: Photography

Framelapse

Another program that enables you to record video with quick cameras is Framelapse. However, it differs significantly from Microsoft's older one in that Framelapse incorporates images into each period.

Microsoft Hyperlapse image stability does not exist. The continuous recording uses less storage space. Long lengths of time can be spent using it without worrying about storage.

  1. Android version: 4.0 to
  2. Developer: Neximo Labs
  3. Google Play: Download it
  4. Cost-free
  5. Category: Photography

Panorama For Instagram

You can view numerous photographs in a single publication thanks to Instagram's introduction of photo view in the carousel.

It was the first application that could use Instagram photographs to create panoramas. However, Google Play is no longer available. So, we'll use Instagram's Panorama feature.

Choose a new photo and then pick one from your collection. Then, select the grid. Panorama allows you to cut the original photo into smaller pieces that can be posted on Instagram.

It mimics the look of panoramic images.

  1. Developer: TripleApp
  2. Google Play: Download it
  3. Cost-free
  4. Category: Social

Instaswipe

Panorama may not approve of you using Instagram. There is an alternative option. You'll be able to take a picture and upload it to Instagram.

The UI has been slightly updated and has more settings and a preview mode. Finding photographs in the gallery is more challenging using Panorama.

  1. Android version: 4.1s
  2. Developer: LiveHappy
  3. Google Play: Download it
  4. Cost: free
  5. Category: Photography

Color Pop

Pop color is a term that describes the effect of removing all colors from an image except for a few specific elements.

Some picture editors offer this effect; however, Color Pop Effects also provide it. The application does not use color ranges. Instead, you will need to paint the desired parts black and white. It is not difficult, but it can be done with top Android app developers.

  1. Android version: Starting at 4.2
  2. Developer: MD MAHMUDUR RAHMAN
  3. Google Play it
  4. Cost: Free
  5. Category: Photography

Starting with the fundamental MVP development elements, including registration, user profiles, and newsfeed, is advised.

After receiving user input, you can add more features like filters and photo editing. Your MVP can be developed into a complete social networking application. Now let's talk about constructing the social network app's MVP.


MVP Development For A Social Media Application: Understanding Cost Optimization

MVP Development For A Social Media Application: Understanding Cost Optimization

 

These are a few advantages of developing an MVP for an Instagram-like application:

  1. The price of developing an app might be significantly decreased.
  2. It is unlikely that you will end up creating a duplicate of a current app.
  3. It will take time to see which Instagram features are popular and which aren't.

We will only advise you to splurge a little cash on your phone to add all of Instagram's capabilities.


How Do You Make an Instagram Like app?

How Do You Make an Instagram Like app?

 

If you have a brilliant concept for a social media app, there are only a few things you need to take:

Competitive Business Analysis And Market Research: Here you can examine the activities of your competitors.

There are others in the area who can teach you. Additionally, it would be best if you used all your research to create something superior to or distinctive from what is already on the market.

You may enhance your app to make it more valuable than it already is using these insights.

Defining Your Target Audience: It is essential to define your audience because of the app's extensive feature set.

This will allow you to decide which features should be included in your app.

Users of Instagram come in a variety of forms. Some people purchase adverts on Instagram. Some people enjoy sharing their lives with family and friends, while others enjoy connecting with their followers.

These Instagram users have access to a wide range of features. They can edit, share, look up geotagged locations, watch popular content, and even go live.

Defining Your Budget: You'll need to set aside money to fund the development of an Instagram-like app.

This will enable you to stick to your spending plan and avoid excessive purchases of unneeded products.

Hire A Dedicated Team: Engage a qualified development team of developers if you want to create an app similar to Instagram.

The app's core functionality and features are all present in this version, but there are some missing features.

Before releasing the complete version, you can utilize the MVP to gather customer input and make adjustments. The only features on this feature list are photo and video uploading and deletion, geolocation, user comments, tagging, and third-party integration.

Test: Now it's time for testing. This is an essential step because it will allow you to find bugs and issues in your app.

You can also get feedback from users to make improvements.

Send The App To The App Stores: You can publish your software solution to either the Google Play Store or the App Store once testing is complete (or the App Store).

This shows that the app is now ready to release to the general public. Make sure you adhere to the guidelines of each store.

Maintenance: It would be best if you got ready for upkeep. It is crucial to maintain the app updated after it has been launched.

You must update the software with the newest operating systems, correct errors, and add new features.

You now know how much it costs to create an app like Instagram. But you might also be interested in making money from an app similar to Instagram.

You now have a solid understanding of how to build an Instagram-like app and its functionalities. The monetization strategies will now be discussed.


How Can You Make Money With An Instagram-Like App?

How Can You Make Money With An Instagram-Like App?

 

One of the most popular apps is Instagram. It's understandable why someone would want to make an Instagram-like app.

How to get income using an app like Instagram. Instagram offers many monetization options to make money. These are some of the options:


Advertising

Advertising is the best way to make money with your app. Even though it's straightforward, it may be highly effective if executed properly.

Banners and videos can be displayed when your app is used. Your app will make you more money the more people use it. Ads may irritate some users, resulting in a decline in app usage.

Both premium and free applications can benefit from this technique of revenue generation.


Sponsored Posts

Another method of generating income with an Instagram-like app is through sponsored postings. Posts from businesses or brands that pay you to display them on your website or app are known as sponsored posts.

This strategy is most effective if your users are active and have a lot of followers. Pictures, videos, and even simple text are all permitted in sponsored posts.


In-App Purchases

In-app purchases are another way to make money. Users will find paid-only services more appealing because they will have access to features that are not available to free users.

Users are more willing to pay extra for features that enhance their experience, such as customized filters or effects.

Instagram-like software can be used to generate income in a variety of ways. It all depends on your preferences.

If you need help determining which approach to use, you can experiment with a few different ones until you find the one that works best. Whatever the approach, ensure it doesn't have a detrimental effect on the user experience. Less user retention will result from this.

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Conclusion

You can combine multiple photos or use filters and masks to merge them with the wallpaper. Your level of expertise will determine the final result.

Still, it is possible to create complex designs with the right content. There are many Mobile Application Development Company in the market.

You need to find the one that suits your needs.