Best Instagram Alternatives in 2021
Here, we have curated the best alternatives to Instagram for Android and iOS. We have also mentioned apps like Instagram made in India. Finally, in the end, we have added alternatives for Instagram Reels as well. You can expand the table below and move to the corresponding app with a click.
1. Snapchat
If we are looking for Instagram alternatives, Snapchat rightfully deserves to be on the top of the list. After all, Facebook copied many of Snapchat’s features and added them to Instagram to keep users from leaving. From Stories to disappearing messages, face filters, and more. So if you want to use the OG Instagram, I would recommend Snapchat without any reservations. The best part is that lately, Snapchat has revamped its efforts and brings new features such as Discover similar to Instagram Feed.
Also, we already know, the AR filters on Snapchat are much better than those on Instagram. Snap Map is also a great place to explore events, breaking news, etc. To sum up, Snapchat is not a generic social media app but one that could foresee what direction social media will take in a few years, i.e. short video Stories. If you want to experience innovative new features, Snapchat is better poised to bring them than Instagram.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
2. 500px – Best Instagram Alternative App for Photographers
500px is easily one of the best alternatives to Instagram for photographers. It serves as a community for digital photography enthusiasts and aspiring photographers from more than 195 countries. It does not have many social media features like Stories or Reels, but you have an explore tab, and you can also create Quests, which works like Instagram Guides. The best part is that 500px also has a website so you can explore the best photographs on a bigger screen.
Bear in mind, 500px allows users to upload only 20 images per week on the free plan. If you don’t want any limitation, you can pay $25 annually to share as many photos as you like. All in all, 500px is not for everyone but for budding Instagram photographers who want exposure to their work.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
3. Pinterest
Strictly put, Pinterest is not the best alternative for Instagram, but it brings some features which can be helpful for niche users. If you generally use Instagram for exploring and finding new creative ideas, Pinterest will offer you much better content. It doesn’t matter if you are looking for home design concepts or a wedding theme, you can find everything on Pinterest. It’s also a great Instagram alternative website in that regard.
What’s more, there are DIY concepts, lifestyle tips, fashion styles, etc., available on the platform in abundance. You can also create your own design concepts and upload them on Pinterest. In addition, you can save your ideas, organize them, label your saved posts and share them with your followers. So if you are one of these users, you will find a home on Pinterest.
Install: Android / iOS (Free)
4. Tumblr
Tumblr is one of the oldest social media networks on the Internet, but it has not garnered as much popularity as Instagram or Facebook. It is widely seen as a microblogging platform, but Tumblr is much more than that. You can now post multimedia such as images, GIFs, videos, and more. There are also options to explore Tumblr with hashtags, and you can create a community with support for private chats. There is no support for Stories, though.
Note that Tumblr has previously been criticized for adult content on its platform, but it was banned back in 2018. Tumblr is a niche social media platform and can be a creative outlet for many users if used with the right settings.
Install: Android / iOS (Free)
5. Imgur
Imgur is one of the most popular photo-sharing websites on the web. If you are looking for a website alternative for Instagram, then Imgur does most of the things right. Bear in mind, Imgur is primarily a public platform, but you can hide your photos/ videos, and they will not be searchable. You can create a private link to share your content. As for the features, you can upload photos, videos, and GIFs and share them with your community through tags.
Imgur is basically a hub for meme-makers, and you can use it to your own advantage. The service has an excellent explore tab that allows you to find viral content on the web. What’s more, Imgur now has a messaging feature, so you are covered on this front. Overall, Imgur is a great alternative to Instagram if you keep your account public.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
6. VSCO
VSCO ranks among the best photo editors for Android and iOS, but not many know that it also has a vast community of creative users. Within the community, you can post your content, connect with other artists, take up the weekly challenge and discover a ton of original content. The Discover section is amazing, and you can filter content with tags, location, and other parameters.
The best part is that VSCO has also added a video effect tool, makings it an all-around multimedia platform. That said, bear in mind, features like video effects and advanced presets are available under the paid plan. To sum up, if you are a professional digital artist or a photographer and want to connect with people with similar interests, VSCO is a better place for you than Instagram and an awesome alternative Instagram app for Android and iOS.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
7. SquadCam – Made in India Instagram Alternative
If you are on the lookout for a Made in India app like Instagram, then SquadCam is what you need. The app has a UI very similar to Instagram and Snapchat. It allows you to chat with your friends at the top, swipe left to find your posts, stories, and trending content, and swipe right to see the stories curated by SquadCam.
I must say the user interface is clean, and the gesture-based UX feels smooth and intuitive. Having said all of that, do note that it has a much smaller community than Instagram. As a result, you won’t find much content or creators on the platform. Also, the app is not available on iOS yet. Nevertheless, if you want to try out an India-made Instagram alternative, SquadCam is a good pick.
Install: Android (Free)
8. TikTok – Best Instagram Alternative App for Reels
Similar to Snapchat, Facebook has lifted the short-video Reels feature from TikTok. Many love the new addition, but if you want to see more creativity than Instagram Reels, go ahead and install TikTok right now. It currently has 689 million monthly active users in comparison to Instagram’s one billion monthly active users. The figures are a bit less due to India’s ban on TikTok, but in terms of popularity, TikTok is ahead of Instagram Reels. For users in India, you can find TikTok alternatives from our list.
You also get many innovative social media features such as Duet (which became “Remix Reels” on Instagram), in-library music, AR filters, and more. You can read our comparison between Instagram and TikTok for an in-depth understanding of the features. Sure, TikTok does not have the option to publish standard posts, but that’s the only missing part. You have got a DM option on TikTok as well. I think for quirky short videos, TikTok is a better alternative to Instagram Reels.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
9. Triller
Triller is another short-video app that can replace Instagram Reels for you. It’s a social video platform that allows you to create original and creative videos. With Triller, you can create professional-looking videos and share the content with your followers in seconds. It has all the features that you would expect from a worthy Instagram alternative app.
You can create amazing music videos, participate in trending challenges, use filters, apply emojis, and drawings, collaborate with friends, and more. The platform is popular among celebrities, including Justin Bieber, Rita Ora, Kevin Hart, and more. So, you are going to get a ton of exposure here, much like Instagram. Overall, Triller seems to be a great alternative to Instagram Reels, and you should definitely check it out.
Install: Android / iOS (Free, Offers in-app purchases)
10. MX TakaTak
After TikTok got banned in India, many made-in-India short video apps sprung up having similar features. MX TakaTak is one of the popular ones out there, and now that TikTok is not available, it directly rivals Instagram Reels in India. Just like Reels, you can create and post unique content on TakaTak to gain followers and exposure.
Apart from MX TakaTak, there are many other Reels competitors in India, including Roposo, Chingari, Moj, etc. You can try out any one of these apps, and you would get a similar experience. So to conclude, if you want an app like Instagram developed in India and has a short-video format, MX TakaTak is a good choice.
Install: Android / iOS (Free)
Q. Is there an alternative to Instagram?
There are plenty of Instagram alternative apps out there. We have covered the best 10 Instagram alternatives for 2021 which can offer you the closest experience to the Insta app. Moreover, we have also covered some websites like Instagram in case you want something to browse on the web.
Q. Is there a website like Instagram?
Yes, there are website alternatives to Instagram as well. While Imgur is one of the most popular image sharing and hosting websites, there are plenty of others on this list, including Pinterest, that you should check out.
Q. Where can I post my photography?
Even though Instagram is the most common place for people to share photography, you can also explore using apps like VSCO, and 500px for an Instagram alternative for photographers.
Find Apps & Websites Like Instagram From Our List
So these are some of the best Instagram alternatives on Android and iOS. As Instagram has become an umbrella of features from different social media apps, it’s hard to find an app with all the features, including posts, short videos, and Stories. Nevertheless, we have tried to bring some popular apps to light on this list, so you can choose from a wide selection of Instagram alternative apps. There are also standalone apps that compete with Instagram Reels, so we have added them at the end. Anyway, that is all from us. If you want to learn new Instagram tips and tricks, follow our linked article. And if you have any suggestions to make, comment down below and let us know.
