Instagram is a social networking service that allows photo sharing. Users are able to take picture, apply a digital filter, and then share them. Photos are confined to a square shape, which is similar to Polaroid images. Instagram was launched in October of 2010 and created by Kevin Systorm and Mike Krieger. By April 2012, this service had over 100 million active viewers. Facebook purchased Instagram for around $1billion in cash and stock on April 12, 2012.

This application is distributed through the Apple App Store and Google Play. You are able to crop, brighten, enhance and filters to your photos. By adding “hashtags” it helps users to discover other photo and connect with each other.

Instagram has recently added a video feature as another way for users to share stories. When going to take a photo, there is a movie icon that allows you to record for 15 seconds. There are 13 filters specifically for video and you are able to select a scene as the cover image when not playing.

Instagram updated its Terms of Service on December 17, 2012. By doing this they granted themselves the right to sell their users’ photos to third parties. This was done with no notification or compensation. The clause stated, “you agree that a business or other entity may pay us to display your username, likeness, photos (along with any associated metadata), and/or actions you take, in connection with paid or sponsored content or promotions, without any compensation to you.”  With all of the criticism from consumers, privacy advocates, National Geographic and celebrities, Instagram was forced to apologize and retract the controversial terms.