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Analysis by LookedApp · Published · Updated
Instagram is a social application designed for sharing photos and videos, connecting with friends, and discovering content based on personal interests. It is suitable for individuals seeking to express themselves through various media formats and engage with a broad community.
What is Instagram?
Instagram is a social application focused on sharing visual content, connecting with others, and exploring interests. It allows users to post their daily moments and life's highlights through photos and videos.
The application is developed by Instagram, Inc., a well-known entity in the social media space.
Instagram is available for download on both Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices.
Latest on Instagram
Is this the real Instagram app?
- Verified publisher infoSame developer on Google Play and the App Store (Instagram), and the developer website help.instagram.com matches the publisher.
- Established since 2010Listed since Oct 6, 2010, 5,000,000,000+ installs on Google Play.
| Developer on Google Play | |
|---|---|
| Developer on the App Store | Instagram, Inc. |
| Same developer on both stores | Yes |
| Android package name | com.instagram.android |
| iOS bundle ID | com.burbn.instagram |
| On the stores since | Oct 6, 2010 |
| Installs on Google Play | 5,000,000,000+ |
| Developer website | help.instagram.com |
| Content rating | Google Play: Teen / App Store: 12+ |
These details come from the public store listings. LookedApp doesn't host downloads: install from the Google Play or App Store buttons on this page.
Key features
- Users can share short-lived content with Stories and Notes that disappear after 24 hours.
- The application facilitates group chats and sharing unfiltered moments with a 'Close Friends' list.
- Memories from recent events or trips can be shared in the Feed.
- Short, entertaining videos can be discovered and created using Instagram Reels.
- Posts can be customized with exclusive templates, music, stickers, and filters.
- Content from favorite creators and personalized content can be watched, and new accounts can be discovered in Explore.
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Privacy and permissions
The Google Play listing indicates that Instagram may request access to several permission groups including Identity, Calendar, Contacts, Location, Phone, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, Wi-Fi connection information, and Device ID & call information. This broad range of permissions allows the application to function across various device features.
The developer provides links to Terms and Policies, as well as a Consumer Health Privacy Policy, for users to review how their data is handled. The App Store listing does not specify individual permission groups.
Instagram, Inc. publishes its privacy policy at instagram.com.
Instagram permissions in plain English
The Google Play listing shows 11 permission groups. Google Play also lists 18 other permissions, such as “view network connections”. That is more than most social & messaging apps LookedApp reviews (typical: 9).
- CalendarCan read or change your calendar
- CameraCan take photos and record video
- ContactsCan read your contacts
- Device ID & call informationCan read your device ID and call status
- IdentityCan find accounts on the device
- LocationCan use your precise location
- MicrophoneCan record audio
- PhoneCan read phone status or make calls
- Photos/Media/FilesCan read and change your photos, media and files
- StorageCan read and change files in shared storage
- Wi-Fi connection informationCan see Wi-Fi connection details
The App Store privacy label lists these data types:
- Used to track you: Contact Info, Identifiers, Other Data
- Linked to you: Health & Fitness, Purchases, Financial Info, Location, Contact Info, Contacts, User Content, Search History, Browsing History, Identifiers, Usage Data, Sensitive Info, Diagnostics, Other Data
Permission names come from Google Play; the plain-English lines describe what each permission group allows, not how this app uses it.
Instagram at a glance
| Developer | Instagram, Inc. |
|---|---|
| Category | Photo & Video |
| Rating on App Store | 4.7 out of 5 (30M ratings) |
| Rating on Google Play | 4.0 out of 5 (170M ratings) |
| Price | Free |
| Age rating | 12+ |
What changed in the latest Instagram version
App Store · Version 451.0.0, released Oct 12, 2026
The release notes are general and don't list specific changes:
“Performance optimizations and stability improvements for a smoother, more reliable experience.”
Quoted from the store listings' release notes.
Pricing
Instagram is available at no cost on both the App Store and Google Play. There is no initial purchase price for the application.
While the application itself is free, the Google Play listing states that it includes in-app purchases. The App Store listing also confirms that the application is 'Free' but does not explicitly mention in-app purchases within its description, though it is a common model for such applications.
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How to get Instagram safely
To acquire Instagram safely, individuals should only download the application from reputable digital storefronts such as Google Play or the App Store. It is advisable to verify that the application publisher is Instagram, Inc. or Instagram, as stated on the store listings.
When installing, users should review the permissions requested by the application, particularly those listed on Google Play, to understand what device functionalities Instagram may access. Avoiding unofficial sources for application downloads, such as APK mirrors or modified versions, is recommended to help maintain device security.
How to install Instagram
On Android (Google Play)
- Open the Google Play Store app on your Android phone or tablet.
- Search for Instagram, or use the Google Play button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Instagram.
- Tap Install (or the price, for a paid app) and wait for the download to finish, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
On iPhone and iPad (App Store)
- Open the App Store on your iPhone or iPad.
- Search for Instagram, or use the App Store button on this page to open the listing directly.
- Check that the developer under the app name is Instagram, Inc..
- Make sure your device has iOS 16.3 or later and about 609 MB of free space, as the listing states.
- Tap Get (or the price), confirm the download, then open the app from your home screen.
- The listing shows in-app purchases, so review any purchase prompts before you confirm.
Instagram version and app details
| Google Play | App Store | |
|---|---|---|
| Latest version | – | 451.0.0 |
| Last updated | Oct 13, 2026 | Oct 12, 2026 |
| First released | Apr 3, 2012 | Oct 6, 2010 |
| Package name | com.instagram.android | – |
| Bundle ID | – | com.burbn.instagram |
| Requires | – | iOS 16.3 or later |
| Download size | – | 609 MB |
| Content rating | Teen (Users Interact, Shares Location, In-App Purchases) | 12+ (Infrequent/Mild Mature/Suggestive Themes; Infrequent/Mild Profanity or Crude Humor; Infrequent/Mild Sexual Content and Nudity; Infrequent/Mild Alcohol, Tobacco, or Drug Use or References) |
| In-app purchases | Yes ($0.19 - $10,000.00 per item) | Yes |
| Contains ads | Yes | – |
| Languages | – | 38 (including English) |
| Developer | Instagram, Inc. |
Who Instagram is for
Instagram is designed for individuals who wish to connect with friends, discover new communities, and stay informed about what others are doing. It caters to those who enjoy sharing personal experiences, from everyday activities to significant life events, through visual content.
The application is also suitable for users interested in exploring diverse content from creators, brands, and small businesses, enabling discovery of new interests and products tailored to their personal style. Its content rating of Teen on Google Play and 12+ on the App Store suggests it is intended for a younger and adult audience.
Instagram for kids and families
Pros
- Provides various ways to share content, including photos, videos, Stories, Notes, and Reels.
- Facilitates connection with friends through direct messages, group chats, and Close Friends features.
- Offers extensive customization options for posts with templates, music, stickers, and filters.
- Enables discovery of new content, creators, and businesses through personalized feeds and the Explore section.
- Widely available on both Android and iOS platforms, reaching a broad user base.
Cons
- The application includes in-app purchases, which may lead to additional costs.
- Some Instagram features may not be available in all countries or regions.
- The Google Play version requests access to a wide range of device permissions.
- The content rating of Teen and 12+ indicates it may not be suitable for very young children without supervision.
Instagram: frequently asked questions
Is Instagram a free application?
Yes, Instagram is available at no cost on both Google Play and the App Store. However, the Google Play listing indicates it includes in-app purchases.
Which devices can use Instagram?
Instagram is available on devices running Android, through Google Play, and on devices running iOS, through the App Store.
Who is the developer of Instagram?
The application is developed by Instagram, Inc., according to the App Store listing, and by Instagram according to the Google Play listing.
What is the content rating for Instagram?
On Google Play, Instagram has a content rating of Teen. On the App Store, it is rated 12+.
How often is Instagram updated?
The Google Play listing shows an update date of 2026-01-28. The App Store listing shows an update date of 2026-10-12.
Can users customize their posts on Instagram?
Yes, users can customize their posts with exclusive templates, music, stickers, and filters, according to the store descriptions.
- Category
- Photo & Video
- Version
- 451.0.0
Download
Looking for the Instagram website or sign-in? Go to help.instagram.com →The developer's website, as given on the store listing.
Instagram ratings breakdown
Google Play 4.0 average from 169,656,822 ratings
- 566%
- 48%
- 34%
- 23%
- 119%
App Store 4.7 average from 29,598,138 ratings
- 586%
- 47%
- 32%
- 21%
- 14%
Share of ratings for each star level, as shown on the listings, as of Oct 15, 2026.
