Instagram and Nokia have announced that an official app is due for Windows Phone
The day has finally arrived, folks. Instagram is officially heading to Windows Phone in the “coming weeks”. Announced this morning in Abu Dhabi during Nokia World 2013, the longtime thorn in the heel for Microsoft’s struggling platform has finally been pulled.
Kevin Systrom, CEO and co-founder of Instagram had this to say of the announcement:
"Our ultimate goal is to bring Instagram to everyone who wants to use it…We're looking forward to watching the Windows Phone community use Instagram to capture and share beautiful moments in the coming weeks."
That is undoubtedly a big turnaround in the company who famously gave the cold shoulder to Microsoft, despite the platform’s recent heavy focus on imaging i.e. the Lumia 1020. Granted, Windows Phone users have had quite a few Instagram clients available to them, including the highly rated 6tag from developer Rudy Huyn. But nailing an official title, especially one as important as Instagram, gives the necessary validation to Redmond’s struggling platform.
6tag still appears to best the official app in terms of raw features, but in the end it is all about consumer choice and that companies recognize Windows Phone as a legitimate mobile platform. With an official Instagram app developed by Microsoft coming in the next few weeks, the Windows Phone community can finally move on to their next big challenge. Victory, is here.
Congratulations, to the Windows Phone community.
Reader comments
Hallelujah! Instagram is officially coming to Windows Phone in the “coming weeks”
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In coming weeks ? Maybe in coming years
When it is coming?
My bet is next week.
When???
When??
Now we play the waiting game.
I will probably go from 6tag to the official depending on the notifications i hate getting them late
So feeling EXOITED!!!! I can now replace 6tag. It has been an effective Instagram client, though.
Pretty sure it'll take about an year to come to WP 7x devices -_-
I need to buy a new phone.
Get a 520, awesome & affordable.
Lol, nope. I'd rather stick to my 710 rather than buying a 520. I'll maybe save up and get a 720 or something. I've got my heart set on that 1020 beauty, though.
6Sec is decent (a few bugs here and there) but 6tag is perfection. I won't be moving from 6tag. Rudy deserves our support. Not to mention, he brought us these apps months before Instagram did.
I have a 925 and my roommates all make me take pictures of them since my camera is so awesome (Nexus 4 & iPhone 5s owners) then e-mail them to them and they love 6tag since it has so much more features than the actual Instagram app, still cool having the "official" title but I literally CAN'T see myself using the official app, I used to e-mail pictures from my 710 to my iPod so I know the official app and then when I got a 521 I just used Instance which still was a bother not having official app but then when we got 6tag there's no looking back! Still really good news, me working for a T-Mobile call center I can finally dodge the "well I heard Windows Phone doesn't have any apps I want the iPhone or I want the S4" since it'll have what consumers want which is an "official" app since it's the first thing they'll look for in the Store. Overall would make WP way easier to sell.
Happy with my 6tag and sure Instagram itself won't be close to as good as 6tag. But at least all the haters now have to search for a new reason to hate. Might take them a day or two.
I think Rudy deserves champagnes! lots! Well done sir!
Glad to hear that Instagram is FINALLY coming to WP, but I still will use 6Tag and Instance. I will just add Instagram to my line up.
RUDY ALL THE WAY!! TOO LATE INSTAGRAM
IMO, 6Tag is a great app. I used the "official" app on Droid for a year. I like 6Tag better.
That being said, I'll probably stay with 6Tag, but new users will need an "official" app to sign up.
Always great to see "official" apps on the docket if for no other reason than we have a standard to compare 3rd party to, and, it adds ligitimacy to the Windows Phone platform for every popular "official" app that is released for WP8.
Glad to have it coming. That, and Flipboard. I am really anxious for Flipboard to arrive. I love that app.
Great
Maybe MS buys 6tag and slaps Instagram on it
Hmm. So assuming that the instagram official app is like the one on my android devices and IOS device, what motivation do I have to change from 6tag? Other than the feature to upload previously filmed video?
Hallelujah!! The wait is over to screw the perfect pictures. I never cared for Instagram but faux tech media kept hounding Nokia and MS. Don't worry. They will find something else to hound Microsoft as an offering to Google.
Here's hoping (but not holding my breath) that it'll be available for 7.8 at launch.
The only reason that I am glad that Windows Phone will be getting Instagram is so that the Android trolls and iSheep will stop using it as an excuse for the "not enough apps" argument. I probably won't even download it. It makes me wonder what app they will use as an excuse now. Oh I've got it! * Candy Crush *. Now there is a "must have" app. :p I'm so glad that I'm not an iSheep. That's a depressing thought.
Consumer Behavior 101:
You guys have to realize that, although 6tag is great, the everyday consumer doesn't always want to learn a new app. They want familiarity, turn key.
Analogy: Joe's Local Coffee Shop has awesome, artisan coffee, but some people will end up going to Starbucks down the street because they know it and are comfortable there.
It's not a knock on 6tag, or everyday consumers, just the way consumer behavior works.
Hopefully it won't be like the craptacular Words with Friends and Draw Something apps that we all waited and waited for. What a joke those were.
Still will use 6tag. An app that set the bar higher for third party applications
...Now that everyone who truly cares has 6tag and probably won't use the official app.
Oh thank goodness! Now no one can complain about not having an official instagram
So is Microsoft going to develoo de App as the Facebook one? Ir Facebook? It developed Windows 8.1 App
Yeeeesssssss!
If this is true Its About F***ing time.
I like 6tag, but Instagram would be great for Window Phone.
WP OS needs the best Apps.
Don't mean to be a hater but i don't give a damn about having an instagram app. How about people clamour for something that actually matters. WHERE ARE THE BANKING APPS!!
I love how everyone is like "OFFICIAL APPS NEED TO COME TO WINDOWS PHONE!111 FOR ECOSYSTEM" and then they announce the OFFICIAL app coming and now everyone's like "FVCK INSTAGRAM WE HAVE 6TAG 4 LYFE!!111"
Welcome to the insanity. :-/
Like someone else said, this is probably because 6tag took off to the extent it did. It pressured Instagram to create an app "to compete" against it. One entire billion-dollar company was beat by ONE PERSON coding a SUPERIOR app in his SPARE TIME, and this isn't even Rudy's only app. If that's not the definition of shame, I don't know what is.
6tag would be the best option guys dont get to crazy with official instagram 6tag all the way way more featuers
I'm happy for the news even though I don't use the service but I am curious as to why they decided to support the platform now. Is it because they realized that developers like Rudy Huyn were making better unofficial apps? Was it because the platform is finally gaining ground around the world? Or is it because they realize that once the Microsoft purchase of Nokia becomes final, the WP8 platform is here to stay?
Or Microsoft paid, a lot.
instagram is a crap company that wouldnt support windows phone untill they saw we were gonna use their service either way. Now they feel that they have to in order to become profitable in the future.
Does anyone who got the hastag ban from using Instance and InPic know that if using the official apps on iOS and Android the last few months always worked to make searchable hashs?
Who Cares!!!
Thank FING GODDESS. Now all these people I speak that praise my phone in passing but squirt out "Windows Phone App Store is lacking KEY APPS SUCH AS INSTAGRAM" just before they out of ear-shot will STFU. Ok, more seriously, I'm not sure I want to share a platform with users who are so rabid for software like Instragram. I respect their choice but it is quite silly. Much like Camelot.
We still need to get a solution for us that have had our hashtags banned :(
Yea!
wait... it is developed by Microsoft?!
Anyway, 6Tag is great for me, I really want Snapchat. Rudy please make 6Snap it happen :)
Of course it is Rudy Hyun has thoroughly embrassed them to the point that they feel obliged to make one. If I was a company and I was outdone by one third party guy I'd be making it as well. Silly instagram
I'll use 6tag for everything but video. I love 6tag but the 3rd party server uploading was problematic. What happens if the servers are terminated? Its a different story if Instagram went out of business, but with 3rd party it happens fairly often, due to costs.
I wouldn't even download instagram because I think they're pompous self righteous bastards for consciously refusing to support windows phones, even when the platform had the best camera phones out there. Besides 6tag is probably 5billion times more amazing
Can we get a official Snapchat....
It will have to be excellent for me to give up 6tag. Now if we could get an official or a Rudy-fied Pinterest app that would be great.
Developed by Microsoft? It going to be another facebook garbage app!
I've never used it but glad it's coming so people can FINALLY stop whining about it. Great day for Windows Phone!!
To me honestly this is the best way to lure new people to getting a WP then when they talk bout awh I got WP for instagram that when we loyal WPusers show them 6tag how great 6tag and Rudy development powers are and then they will realize how great we love this phone
6tag for life.
6TAG!!!
Wonder how much Microsoft paid for this loll, but whatever this is a big deal
I can see them throwing a kink into how 6tag works afterwards. Its called strategy. Instagram puts their official app out. A few weeks later, non official apps begin to have random hiccups. People just start using the official app. Instagram will not sit around and watch Rudy make money. ..
I really hope Rudy has already worked with instagram for a great WP version of the app. One of my favorite features is the 6tag live tile. My iPhone peeps LOVE it and hate it that their phone can't do that.
After all the hard work Rudy has put into....Rudy still the man
What if 6tag IS the Instagram app in disguise. :)
What Kevin Systrom really means is, he is excited for windows phone users to also see the ads we got coming. Don't let the real reason fool you.......... It is ALWAYS about the money.
To take a quote from BlackBerry, "Too Little, Too Late Instagram." We already replaced you. 8p Thanks 6Gram. I would boycott those asshats.
Still no snapchat,YouTube,notification centre,FREEDOM and no app installing in SD card. Android forever!!
No. Troll forever
SH**. JUST. GOT. REAL.
Will also keep using 6tag as it has more features than the official iPhone version that I have on my iPad mini. Well done Rudy.
It is still good news though, hopefully many more to come.
I'm not abandoning #6tag #rudy
While this is awesome, 6tag has been just as good. But this is a huge good move by Nokia.
Fuck instagram wherew Candy Crush?
I just hope that they won't force all the third party clients to shutter.
Glad they got it. But, sticking with 6tag.
Sorry, I honestly don't care other than the fact WP can now say it has it.
6tag is superb and miles ahead of official app.
Lets hope instagram don't do a BBC and for 6tag to close
I hope when It come official. I hope that they make it ugly like they didn't FB
Congrats, don't know if I'm going to use it though
6tag is on instagram, it just tha name not instagram tu get that fully instagram
They should have bought 6tag and made it official
I'm good with 6tag. What's up with Flipboard?
So the bitching, whining and finger-pointing will finally stop? Is the universe in balance at last? Does this mean we'll see a humongous increase in sales number as millions of teeange girls and boys get their hands on shiny and colourful Lumias which are now (well, almost) capable of posting to Instagram (officially)?
Kidding aside, I'm always happy to see an official app land in the Store, especially these high caliber ones. These will appease many.
Nope. Beyond the usual constant cascade of shitty complaints, this will turn into yet another "MS does nothing for their own platform, Nokia did all the work".
Nope. They're already crying over Snapchat.
Let me guess though, only on Nokia Windows Phones?
WP needs the official instagram app just to shut up the mouth of Apple fans. Enthusiasts user like me will keep using 6tag for sure.
I read this all the time... and ya know what, outside of blogs and bullshit articles I just don't see it. I have never had someone approach me and lay some sort of ridicule on me for not having instagram. And honestly, if you know people like that... you need to meet new people.
I don't use Instagram btw :P
Just kept it installed.
This literally happened to me tho once! This girl is likeohh that's not an iPhone! I'm like yeah it's windows phone and it's pretty sweet, the music on this 8X rocks the socks off anybody. It looks sexier than iPhone in my opinion, but I digress. Then she asked if it had instagram, and I'm like uh not officially. She's like oh. And stopped asking about it LOL sad life
I hope its coming for 7.8 too.. If so, my L900 just got more life time..
I don't care if they are coming. Rudy gave us 6tag and did a damn good job. 6tag is the Rolls Royce of instagram apps so why should I turn in my Rolls for a Corolla?
I'm a label whore. While I've supported Instance and 6sec I'm all in for the official apps. I really wasn't a fan of tiered pricing on 6sec just to make an app usable...and it isn't that great. Instance is nice. Instagram will be better. Oggl, Instance, and Vine...very happy about all of that.
While yes it is great to "geek out" over third party apps...1st parties lend credibility. I am very happy to see this happen.
!
I still find it quite odd that they require Microsoft to develop it though...what is wrong with these people? They all just expect Microsoft to do everything, they can't do it themselves...I mean, come on! >=S
We should be lucky that instagram have given Microsoft API access permissions to have the app natively-coded unlike Google who keep shunning Windows Phone users like us with the natively-coded YouTube app blocked on grounds of their stupid Terms of Service where Google is supposed to be open and not being evil in business practices.
+1
Hip Hip!!! HOORAY!
A lot of people are going to switch to WP now...
Why does wpc refer to wp8 as the struggling platform, i thought we had surpassed that point after securing 3rd place. Anyway its nice to see more support coming from developers in the way of official apps.
3rd place in the mobile phone market? Yes. But 3rd mobile OS ecosystem? No. Not in the eyes of many iSh*t and F**kdroid-biased reviewers and now the official instagram app will shut most of their mouths up with their "Windows Phone have no instagram" nonsense despite it's mainly developed by Microsoft.
Dgaf
Not sure I care personally as I think 6tag is more feature rich but its a great sign for WP8!!!
Well Daniel must feel like a fool after his strong insistance that we'll never get the official instagram and that we just need to get used to thirst party apps
Does anyone care anymore? Rudy's 6tag ftw
Rudy, step up your game and show Instagram how it's done on WP.
6tag'm!
Excellent news for Windows Phone! At this point all I would really love to see: Snapchat, Candy Crush Saga, and a truly RELIABLE Google Hangouts app. (I miss you, Talk.to...)
Holy moly!
This is absolutely amazing news for Windows Phone! But I'll stick with 6tag, Rudy's work is incredible
I will try the app, if its better then Rudy's (which I doubt) I will use it, if irs not then I stay with 6tag. Pretty simple
Much like the Blackberry 10, Instagram is very, very late to the party and no one really cares about it that much anymore. We use 6tag on Windows Phones.
what about wp7 users?
To late...6tag is better....still it will please the masses
I'm gonna miss those "funny" moans and groans about instagram...............like getting kicked in the balls from a spat wearing instaclown or instatwat
Don't use it but thank goodness it's almost here, tired of hearing about it.
YEBAH!!!!!
Hope now, since there will be a official app, there will be also Instragram integration in Windows Phone (8.1). Some people I know are more active on Instragram than on Facebook or Twitter.
It's gonna be new, so expect lots of bugs. Still gonna use 6tag over it till it matures.
NO...EFFING...WAY
I say we all download the official and write poor reviews and talk about, in the review, how great 6tag is.
Great idea
My god in heaven
Yeah!!!!!!! Woohooo!!!! I wanna jump high and scream to the loudest!! But im in Taxi :( but this is an Awesomme news :D
I shall have both. 6tag is great...but some features I've found a little hit or miss. Sometimes I've had to email the images to my iPad so I could use the official app that way.
Also, as has been stated, an official app is really required for those switching. When folk asked "so you have an Instagram app?" We had to say "No...but we have some brilliant unofficial clients!", people just didn't understand.
Also, to address all this hate towards people who mention it in "every article", whilst it's true some have maybe been a bit OTT, most like myself just really like the Instagram service, and saw its inevitable but frustratingly out of reach official app's arrival as, as the article puts it, a thorn in our side. Lets not hate on people who are passionate about seeing official apps get on the platform.
What confuses me is that Nokia just contacted Rudy & put his app in the Nokia Collection
and he had a recent meeting with Microsoft. Hmmmm.
Instagram, Vine... All that remains is Candy Crush and Google.
I hope not only windows phone 8 users will get it
I hope it have zero downloads!
It will be interesting to see what will be the numbers of initial download from the Marketplace once it arrives. Until then, I'm keeping my Metrogram + Instagraph.
C'mon people. 6tag or the official app, is always good to have better supports. Is down to individuals to use whichever app he prefers. The main point is: Instagram is finally joining the family of Windows Phone too. Next will be a official Facebook app, I hope.
Hallelujah somebody
Instagram is meant for potential WP newbs and those that had previously turned away because of no Instagram.
My colleague always wanted to jump ship to Windows Phone but their common questions is the Instagram client. Unfortunately, they recently renewed their contract and got iPhone 5 so I don't think they'll be interested on any WP8 now :(
Support WP7.8?
Dude be nice. At least 7.x (LOL, I'm stuck at 7.5 that's why, hahaha)
That's great
FXXK that Instagram the hell I'm still sticking with mighty Rudy with his might 6tag. A little too late.
Lol, now nobody wants it.
For wp7.x?
What's everyone betting that instagram now change something in the API to perminently block all 3rd party instagram apps from working, and push it out at the same time as the official app forcing everyone to anly use the official app. Just need google to put a GMail, Hangouts, G+ & Official YouTube app on WP & Blackberry to put BBM on WP and it'll be able to compete with Android and iOS.
Something tells me that they will let 6tag and others slide because deep inside, they know that majority of average consumers want Instagram as official app, not 3rd party. I know my girfriend was complaining that there is no official app (even though I told her 6tag is far superior product).
Hope this is not another half-baked official app.. I am actually quite satisfied with 6tag, but im also excited for this.
Don't need official one,since 6tag is more better even in other operating system official insta... Hoping to see path :(
What? Is it ddveloped by Microsoft? I mean not officially by Instagram.??
If true than, we will have pretty poor app like facebook for WP.!
What's wrong with Facebook for WP?
Use it on iOS or Android! u'll know very well.!
I mean.. I'm not complaining about the lack of features but they are just too slow.!!!!
i've used it on both.... slower, no access to other messages...
WP app for facebook rocks compared to ios/android (even non techy other half preffers the WP app)....
so like you were already asked, what's so bad about it ;)
My thoughts exactly. Being developed by Microsoft and not Facebook means that feature inclusion is going to be lagging way behind iOS and Android just like the Facebook app.
What's instagram?
Fuck this, 6tag forever! I love Rudy Huyn (with no malice)!!!!
This is not just great for consumers. Its also a confidence step for future developers. High caliber app like Instagram usually attracts more developers by making the OS "legitimate". Yes, we can all agree that 6tag is million times better, but as se witnessed it can be disabled overnight.
Sooo, will this be a Nokia exclusive or what? Hope these new aps are comming to all W. Phones.
victory is ours! lets celebrate WP community!
Finally getting Instagram is big! Brings legitimacy to WP8 for sure! This is welcomed news. However, I am forevermore linked to 6tag!! Long live the "Rudymeister"!!
People complaining about not getting a WP becuase lack of instagram. Now instagram is coming, "those people" need to get a Lumia phone now; or I guess they will still find some other reasons to not get a WP.
Starbucks app....
how about PATH??
Being on the windows phone platform since nearly day 1 and hearing all the talk and rumors of when instagram will become available for the past 2 years and finally seeing it being officially announced is pretty surreal.
Instagram, Vine, Flipboard all coming to show their support of Windows Phone...
...Your move, Google.
Nice to have the "official" instagam app. But 6tag is a better instagram app then the "official" one on my wife's iPhone.
Nice for an official, but 6TAG FTW!
Lol, I'm not even using instagram, but it's nice to see that it's finally coming to wp
Windows Phone is now officially a 3rd ecosystem. Congrats guys.
I would like to know if Instagramwill be integraded with PEOPLE HUB and CONTACT informations?
Good question
Good morning presents!
Too little too late I'm afraid. 6tag
Oh good lord finally! This will stop the most asked question on the WPCentral comment section
Great news! But there are always options right. Several options, you choose. :)
The big thanks is to Nokia and there care for their costumers. If it was to Microsoft, we will be waiting more years. They even forgot their own platform when they developed the remote desktop application.
Way to go Nokia .....
Great News but i will keep using 6Tag, but well it will be nice to upload videos too
I have anInstagram account and I don't see the fuss but if this makes anyone happy and for other people holding back with jumping ship then HORRAAAYYY for Windows Phone!
I feel bad for rudy with all the work he did. What happens now to 6tag?
I wouldn't feel bad for Rudy, his apps have a cult following and there are many of us that will continue to support him. I can see instagram as a backup to 6tag.....personally
I'll stick with 6tag :)
Why is there no news about Vine App that was announced BEFORE Instagtam?
I don't want an official one anymore, I'd rather use 6tag ~
I don't have an iPhone but I think that pic looks like the iPhone camera app. Am I right ???
Much awaited moment. Not cuz i want to use the "official" instagram app but because i am sick of people lamenting about "no instagram" on WP8.
Win for the platform. Major WIN!
Tough decision... but unless the official app is really good, I'll stick with 6tag.
Does anybody know if this is just for windows phone 8 or will they make instagram for wp7.x devices?
Don't get your hopes up Daddy's Big Dick...
:(
So happy!
6tag will still have more features then the official app will. Who wants to bet Instagram won't utilize live tiles, camera tiles, quick-share, etc, etc.
Its being developed by Microsoft so it will have every possible feature I'm guessing.
yeah just like the facebook app. LOL hahahahaha
Well their YouTube app was top notch until Google cut it off...
Who needs this pathetically late arrival which has shunned the platform when you've got 6tag? Serious question...
Too little, too late, Rudy stole all your thunder and he ain't giving it back
Now that is the biggest surprise
Yeah...Vine, Instagram, Temple Run 2
Awesome. Thanks for filling the gap when nothing was available Rudy and Daniel! About time instagram!
1320....720p
Fuck it, they can't beat 6Tag anymore. They're too late. Rudy, I'll keep supporting you!
Windows 8.1 App Hopefully :D
Who cares, 6tag owns!
+720
Instagrammm ! Video support ? I'm afraid , it will limited like android . Only ICS and above will have the video function .
HOLY BALLS THE UI IS AWESOME!
http://i.imgur.com/tF8i8ex.png
Seeing that only gives me more and more the impression that I'll stay with 6Tag.
Its really not. What's so particularly special about it? Theyre just going to copy, paste and dump the Droid UI onto the app
FINALLY! But 6tag still has several more features than the offical app even has! But it's great for personal choice and what people prefer!
Microsoft is the one developing the App? Well, I think we can be sure that Rudy's 6tag will still be a better App then.
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