Photo-sharing site Instagram created a controversy recently when it proposed a change in its terms of service that would have allowed the company to incorporate user generated images in ads without users' permission. The company has since reconsidered its decision.
Having written "10 Ways to Use Instagram for Business," I decided to research other photo-sharing sites similar to Instagram. Here is a list of eight worthy alternatives, suitable for ecommerce merchants.
1. Flickr
Flickr, which was one of the very first photo-sharing sites, offers a newly launched app for iPhone, as well as similar apps for Android and Windows phones.
In addition to uploading photos to Flickr, the app allows sharing on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, and email. Photos can be uploaded from the camera roll, tagged, sorted into sets and groups, and location data can be added.
Instagram-like photo filters are also now available, though fewer in number — 15 compared to Instagram's 18. Interestingly, each filter is named after an animal: Panda, Iguana, Narwhal, and Toucan are examples.
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2. Snapseed
Google got in the photo-sharing business years ago with its acquisition of Picasa. However, in September 2012, the search giant purchased Nik Software, a maker of technology products for professional photographers.
Snapseed is a Nik Software product that takes the technology developed for photographers and makes it available for anyone with a mobile phone.
The app includes several photo filters, though not as many as Instagram. However, once a filter has been chosen, a second enhancement can be added, if desired. Other features include auto-correct, color balance and image cropping.
Users can access Snapseed via desktop and through mobile versions for iOS, Android and Windows phones.
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3. Camera Awesome
Camera Awesome, an iOS app from SmugMug, goes way beyond photo-filters to incorporate 300 effects, filters, and editing tools.
Included are unique features such as a level for the horizon and the ability to focus in one place and set exposure in another. Photos can also be shared across a range of social networks — Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, SmugMug, and Flickr.
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4. Pixlr
Photo editing service Pixlr has two apps, which are available in both web-based and mobile versions for iOS and Android.
Pixlr Express has more than 600 effects, overlays, and borders. You can crop or resize images, remove red-eye and even whiten teeth.
Pixlr-o-matic is more like Instagram, but more robust. It offers 100 different photo filters divided into seven sets. There are also dozens of overlays and borders to further enhance photos. In addition to the mobile and web versions, this app is available as a download, on Facebook, and as a Google Chrome web app.
If you're more interested in efficiency, then choose Pixlr Express for its extensive list of professionally oriented effects. However, for fun, use Pixlr-o-matic.
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