Instagram Like App Development: Key Features, Cost, and Monetization Strategies

Social media is now a part of everyday life. About 63.9% of people use social media, with an average daily usage of 2 hours and 21 minutes. Sharing photos with loved ones and staying connected, no matter the distance, is now easier than ever with social media platforms. Through social media app development, anyone can share high-quality and beautiful images with friends and family by simply logging into a social network. The most popular app in this space is Instagram.

Instagram’s focus on images, through photos, videos, storyboards, and reels, has set a new standard for content creation and interaction. Besides personal use, businesses and influencers rely on Instagram as a powerful tool for branding and marketing.

The potential for user engagement, monetization, and viral growth is huge. Instagram as well as other social media platforms have transformed how users connect, leading to a multi-billion-dollar industry focused on visual content and instant interactions.

The idea of Instagram like app development is highly attractive to entrepreneurs and startups. Despite Instagram’s dominance, new opportunities exist for fresh ideas. However, simply copying Instagram’s features isn’t enough, you need to create a stronger and more unique product to stand out.

In this article, we’ll cover everything you need to know about how to develop an app like instagram​.

Market Statistics Of Social Media Mobile Apps

The social media industry is growing rapidly, offering opportunities for those entering the market. To start, analyzing market trends can provide valuable insights into user needs.

• Currently, 72.5% of the U.S. population, approximately 246 million users are active on social media. Advertising spending in this industry is projected to reach $276.7 billion in the coming year, making it a constantly evolving digital space.
• Did you know that Instagram has over 1 billion users worldwide? According to Statista, the app has been downloaded over 3.8 billion times so far. Impressive, right?
• On average, smartphone users spend two hours and twenty minutes per day (or 70 hours per month) on social media apps. Around 55% of the 4.88 billion social media users have a Facebook account.
• Instagram content consists of 73.5% images, 13.7% videos, and 12.7% carousels.
• The number of global Instagram users is expected to grow by 361.1 million between 2024 and 2028.

What Is Instagram?

Instagram is a popular social media app that allows users to share pictures and videos. You can take photos, apply filters, and upload them online for others to see. Users can like, comment, or share content. You can follow celebrities, friends, and brands to stay updated with their latest posts. Instagram also has Stories that disappear in 24 hours and Reels for short videos. Private messaging is also available.

Businesses use Instagram to promote their products and engage with customers. Influencers create content and endorse brands, and companies run ads. Instagram is free to use, all you need is an account. You can choose to make your profile public or private, where only approved followers can see your content.

Launched in 2010, Instagram is now owned by Facebook (Meta) and has millions of active users daily. It’s a go-to platform for sharing photos, trends, and updates. Users love it because it’s easy, fun, and creative. With filters, stickers, and music, Instagram allows you to express yourself. Whether for entertainment, business, or staying updated, it’s an excellent platform.

Why Develop an App Like Instagram?

Are you wondering why developing Instagram like app development​ is a good idea? There are many reasons. Current market trends show strong growth, making it a great time to enter the industry. Let’s explore the key reasons why Instagram like app development​ is worth considering.

1. Increasing Trend

The rise in social media users creates an opportunity to build an app similar to Instagram. Today, people love to express their emotions, share activities, and connect on social platforms. The number of active social media app users continues to grow, and engagement levels are higher than ever. This makes it an ideal time to develop an Instagram like app that meets user needs.

2. User Engagement

From the moment you launch an Instagram like app, you’ll notice increasing business user activity. More users will download and engage with your app, creating opportunities to enhance features and drive success. Since people prefer visual content, whether videos or pictures, a social media platform has high engagement potential. Now is the perfect time to hire a social media app development company and bring your idea to life.

3. Purchasing Power

Businesses rely on daily sales, and a social media platform like Instagram is a great way to achieve that. A quarter of Instagram users have used it to purchase items online, which is a significant number. Looking at current statistics, businesses expect high conversions from apps like Instagram. One of the biggest advantages of Instagram like app development​ is that it encourages users to buy products directly. Additionally, you can maximize profit by renting ad space to various businesses.

4. Advanced Targeting Options

Since Instagram offers advanced advertising targeting, an app development company can create a similar platform with even more features. Technology now allows tracking of user behavior, enabling you to provide personalized options based on how users search and interact with content.

5. Scope for Innovation

Social media is one of the fastest-growing industries, offering endless opportunities to reach millions of users. There are still untapped areas in social media that can be explored with proper planning. Understanding user needs deeply can help you in Instagram like app development​ that offer something new and valuable.

6. Traceability

As a social media platform, Instagram helps businesses generate leads and convert them into sales. You can easily track your return on investment (ROI) and make necessary adjustments to improve sales. Just like Instagram uses Facebook’s Ads Manager, you can develop a dedicated platform for managing social media ads, allowing users to benefit from essential features.

Must-Have Features For Instagram Like App Development

If you’re investing in Instagram like app development, ensure you understand the app’s core features and how they enhance user satisfaction.

1. User Profiles and Followers

Instagram’s follower feature allows users to build and manage their own networks, making it a key part of social media apps. Your app should let users create profiles, join groups, and interact with posts easily.

2. Photo and Video Sharing

Instagram’s success comes from seamless image and video sharing. To build a similar app, you need smooth uploading, simple cropping, and easy editing tools. Users expect fast uploads without losing quality.

3. Direct Messaging

Social interaction is at Instagram’s core. Users can comment, like posts, and chat privately via direct messages. Instant engagement keeps users active and engaged on the platform.

4. Filters and Editing Tools

Instagram offers editing tools and filters that enhance content. From adjusting brightness to adding artistic effects, these tools make users feel like photographers. Your app should include a built-in editor for refined content without leaving the platform.

5. Map Search

Instagram like apps enhances location-based discovery. Users can search for popular places, helping them find businesses, restaurants, and other services. Your app should allow users to filter locations by categories like cafes, beauty salons, and more.

6. Geotagging

Geotagging adds context to posts, boosting engagement. Users can tag locations where photos were taken, helping others find content from specific areas. This feature is great for users looking for posts related to a particular place.

7. AI Stickers

AI stickers are one of the cool features that grab users’ attention. Users can browse GIPHY stickers and add them to their content. This feature provides endless creative possibilities for sharing images and videos. These stickers are AI-generated based on user instructions given through text.

8. Stories, Reels, and Live Streaming

Instagram’s stories and reels have made temporary content sharing extremely popular. These features boost engagement by allowing users to post short-lived videos. Reels, in particular, cater to the growing short-form video trend, making this feature essential for any Instagram-like app.

9. Explore Page and Hashtags For Discoverability

Instagram’s explore page and hashtags help users discover new content. When developing Instagram like app development with hashtags, you should include an algorithm that recommends content based on user preferences and interactions. Hashtags help content reach a wider audience, fostering growth and community building.

10. Restricting Users

Instagram enables app users to easily control who sees their content. With this feature, users can block or restrict certain people from viewing their posts. They can also adjust settings to limit comments without completely blocking an account. This provides more control over privacy and interactions.

11. Push Notifications

Push notifications always keep app users engaged by alerting them about new messages, likes, comments, and updates. These notifications encourage users to return to the app, making them essential for user retention. However, it’s important to find a balance so notifications remain helpful and not overwhelming.

How To Develop An App Like Instagram

This section of the blog will cover the key aspects to consider when building an Instagram-like app. App development isn’t just about coding, it starts much earlier with market research and competitor analysis.

Below are the steps on how to develop an app like Instagram.

1. Market Research and Analysis

A thorough market study is essential. With Instagram having over 1 billion users, you need to target both individuals and businesses. This helps you identify your potential users and track industry trends. Researching other apps will also highlight what makes your app unique and how it can be better.

2. Check Your Competitors

Analyze apps like Instagram to get inspiration for your own app. Identify their strengths, weaknesses, and revenue strategies. Understand what makes them popular and why people love using them. Study their features to discover what attracts users. This information will help you build a better, more unique app that offers a fresh experience.

3. Validate Your App Idea

Developing a new app is risky because you can’t predict how your target audience will react. One way to reduce risk is by involving potential users in the process. Run polls, interact with your audience, and ask direct questions to refine your idea. Once you have their feedback, it’s easier to define your unique selling point (USP) and create a business plan for your photo-sharing app.

4. Outline The Key Features

Next, define the must-have features for your app. At this stage, analyze user profiles, news feeds, and content discovery mechanisms to determine essential functionalities. Be mindful of your limitations when selecting features. Start with basic functions and gradually expand to advanced social media features that will make your app more engaging.

5. Design The App

Now it’s time to design and develop the app. Focus on user interface (UI) and user experience (UX) design. A well-designed layout plays a very important role in an app’s success. Ensure the interface is user-friendly, visually appealing, and secure. Incorporate the feedback gathered from users during the research phase. Start with wireframing and prototyping to create a solid foundation for your app.

6. Select a Suitable Tech Stack

At this stage, choose the right tech stack for your social media app to ensure success in the market. You need to select the technology and database that offer the best benefits to meet user requirements. Consider hiring a mobile app development team to discuss the expertise and knowledge needed for efficient and effective development.

7. Choose a Monetization Strategy

Next, decide on a monetization model that will help generate revenue. Once you’ve invested in the app, it’s crucial to determine how to recover your investment, as this serves as motivation. You may also integrate with business-focused platforms. Selecting the right monetization strategy is essential to balancing profitability and user experience. At this stage, align business goals with your target audience’s needs.

8. Testing The App

Releasing an app without testing can lead to wasted resources. The solution? Comprehensive mobile app testing. You can hire developers to ensure your app is thoroughly tested on multiple platforms. This step should include functional testing, security checks, and compatibility testing. Once performance tests are complete, you can set a release date.

9. Deployment and Launch

Now it’s time to select a platform for your app launch. Research and follow the guidelines required for releasing your app on different platforms. When choosing a launch date, ensure all features are up-to-date with the latest technology standards.

10. App Maintenance and Updates

App maintenance is an ongoing process in the development of an Instagram-like app. Create a maintenance checklist to manage and track updates. Regular updates are very important to fix bugs, improve performance, and enhance user experience. Keeping your app updated helps it stand out in a competitive market and ensures continued growth.

Cost To Develop An App Like Instagram

Now that you understand the process of developing an Instagram-like app, you’re probably wondering about the cost of building a social media application. In reality, the cost to develop an app like Instagram typically ranges between $2,000 and $350,000. To determine your budget, consider the factors that affect the total cost. These include complexity, app design, technology stack, platform compatibility, and the development team.

Here’s a checklist of key factors that influence the cost of developing an Instagram-like app:

1. Complexity

The features you choose for your app can increase development complexity, which directly affects the cost. The type and size of the app you want to build will also impact the overall expenses of creating a social media platform like Instagram.

2. Platform

The platform you choose for your app plays a crucial role in development costs. Your app must be optimized for compatibility across platforms like iOS and Android. Developing for a single platform is generally more cost-effective than launching on multiple platforms simultaneously.

3. App Design

Another major factor that affects the cost of development is app design. Following UX/UI design principles is essential, as it influences both user experience and overall pricing for creating an Instagram-like app.

4. Development Team

The company or team you hire for app development can significantly impact your budget. Two key factors to consider when estimating costs are location of the development team (offshore teams may be more affordable) and expertise of the developers (highly skilled professionals may charge more).

5. Tech Stack

The frameworks and tech stack you use for Instagram like app development​ can impact both the speed and cost of your app. The choice of frameworks, programming languages, and databases plays a significant role in determining overall development expenses.

Monetization Strategies For An Instagram Like App

Instagram’s revenue model includes multiple ways to generate income, and an app similar to Instagram can adopt these strategies to maximize profits. Here’s how Instagram like app development​ can monetize their platform effectively.

1. In-App Advertising

Instagram’s primary source of revenue comes from in-app advertisements, which appear in feeds and stories. Sponsored posts are seamlessly integrated into users’ content streams. To avoid annoying users, ads should be well-targeted using data analytics. Personalised ads based on the user behavior, interactions, preferences, and demographics can increase engagement and boost revenue.

2. Premium Features

Offering premium features through subscriptions can be a great revenue stream. While Instagram does not currently have a paid subscription model, your app can stand out by introducing exclusive subscription-based features. This is especially appealing to users who want more control and customization over their posts. Additionally, selling in-app purchases like filters, stickers, and special effects can further increase profits.

3. Influencer Partnerships and Brand Collaborations

Your app can create opportunities for influencers and brands to collaborate directly on the platform. You can charge businesses for sponsored posts, brand promotions, and influencer partnerships. Similar to Instagram’s Creator Marketplace, your app can offer a dedicated space where brands can connect with influencers based on audience demographics and engagement rates.

4. Shopping Features

Instagram has partnered with various eCommerce platforms to provide a seamless shopping experience. An Instagram-like app can allow users to browse and shop within an in-app storefront, enabling direct purchases without needing third-party platforms. This simplifies online shopping and can significantly increase revenue.

5. Licensing Content

Since Instagram is one of the most popular platforms, user-generated content (UGC) needs to be protected. Licensing content ensures that authenticity is maintained, and it can be a profitable revenue stream. Instagram like app development​ can generate millions by licensing user content while also enhancing brand trust and visibility across multiple channels.

Best Practices For Instagram Like App Development

In this section, we will share tips and tricks to help you create your app successfully. Below is a list of simple tips to follow when developing an app similar to Instagram.

1. Ensure Security and Safety for Users

Social media apps that do not offer encrypted user data can impact the app’s design and trustworthiness. Prioritizing security helps build user confidence and ensures long-term engagement. You should provide multiple security options to guarantee a safe mobile app experience.

2. Implement AI

Today, AI is becoming increasingly common in social media apps. Using AI in your app can give you an edge when developing an Instagram-like platform. By incorporating AI beyond basic app functions, you can help users understand and adapt to changing preferences more effectively.

3. Implementing AR and VR

The trend of AR-VR is catching the attention among young people and attracting them to use social media sites. Implementing AR filters, VR-based storytelling, and interactive posts effectively attracts users to apps.

4. Choose The Right Business Model

These models can be either business-centric or customer-centric. It is important to decide which model you will use when creating an app similar to Instagram. After identifying your target market, you must develop a comprehensive plan.

5. Select The Right Technology and App Design

The app user interface is crucial since it’s the first glimpse of an application. Therefore, it is important to look at its style and design as well as the kind of technology used for creating an app. Technology that is right for you will give you a greater scope for app development.

Why Choose EmizenTech For Social Media App Development?

Building a social media app that can compete with Instagram in terms of profit and engagement is a challenge. However, with the right strategy, attention to detail, and a strong feature set, it’s absolutely possible. If you have a vision for a social media app, we can help bring it to life.

EmizenTech is a trusted social media app development company known for creating high-quality and innovative apps. Our expert team specializes in developing user-friendly and scalable applications like Instagram. From concept to launch, we ensure your app delivers an exceptional user experience.

Ready to turn your social media app idea into reality? Contact us now for a free consultation!

Conclusion

Instagram is a hugely popular app with over 1 billion users. It is used by people to post photos and videos, as well as communicate with their friends and family. Businesses also utilize Instagram to communicate with their clients and promote their business. Investing in Instagram like app development ​will succeed particularly with the growing number of smartphone users who love social media and prefer online interactions.  

If you are planning to create an application that is similar to Instagram ensure that it is unique. Include unique and innovative features that Instagram doesn’t offer. Find out what the users require and how you can make your app distinct. With the right strategy, concept, and features, your app can grow and attract a large audience. Focus on great user experience, security, and engaging features. With a well-designed app, you could create the next big social media platform.

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