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Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom

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September 26, 2011 by: Shell

How to Use Instagram

I was instagram-challenged for a while, having no clue what else it did besides take cool pics, so I thought I’d share what I learned with you, in case I wasn’t the only one who didn’t know all you can do with it.

For a while, I had noticed pics shared on Twitter that said “via instagram” or had a link to a pic that started out with “instagr.am/” and when I’d click on them, I’d see a pic and then “so-and-so is using Instagram – a fun & quirky way to share your life with friends through a series of pictures. Snap a photo, then choose a filter to transform the look and feel of the shot into a memory to keep around forever.”

I thought it was pretty cool and then I learned that it was an iPhone app. So, I pouted because I didn’t have an iPhone.

And then I got one this spring. Instagram was one of the first apps that I added to it. And I started taking pics with it. Some I shared on twitter, some I didn’t. It was really easy to use. Simply press the share button and either take a pic right then or select one from your camera roll:

The face my youngest loves to make when a camera is pointed at him. 

Then select a filter:

I choose Lomo-fi for this one. 

Then you can write a caption and choose how/if to share. There are options to connect your twitter, facebook, flickr, tumblr, posterous, and foursquare accounts. I only have my twitter connected to mine for the time being and don’t share every photo I take on twitter.

It was great because it made my photos look like… well, like they weren’t taken on a phone.

Before:
After:
So, that alone makes it a cool app. But, there’s so much more to Instagram than just taking pics!

I noticed that I was sometimes getting people who “liked” my photos or left comments, but I really didn’t know how they were doing that.

And then I checked my “news” tab. It will tell you when someone liked your photo, commented on it, or if someone new started following you or if one of your contacts joined instagram. And I realized, huh, I’m missing out, this isn’t just about me taking a pic.

You can search for people to follow. Go to “profile” and then “find friends” or “invite friends.” You can find friends from your contact list, facebook friends, twitter friends, or you can search names and usernames. And then simply choose to follow who you would like to. My username on there is “shellthings” in case you want to follow me. And now that I know how to see who is following me, I’ll follow you back. πŸ˜‰

So, I started following people on there and checking out their photos by clicking on “feed.” You can see others’ photos and click on the heart to like them or you can leave a comment. At first I thought that it was yet another thing to have to keep up with… as if emails, blogs, twitter, and facebook aren’t enough… but I LOVE instagram.

It’s so quick to scroll through and see what your friends have been doing or to share what you are up to… no reading required. πŸ˜‰

And don’t worry, you can play around with your profile settings to determine what you want to share and how you want to share it. Some people have their photos set to private so that only those they approve can see their photos.

Right now, it is just an iPhone app, but they are working on one for the Droid. It’s also free, so if you have an iPhone, be sure to check it out!

A New Fit: Project #BraHappy
Wine and a Good Cause (Twitter Party)

Comments

  1. JDaniel4's Mom says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:28 am

    This is such a great tool!

  2. Lady Jennie says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:29 am

    I didn't know it could do all that. I have an iphone so I'll have to download this app. I hope I don't get intimidated (like I do with all new tech).

  3. Galit Breen says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:29 am

    Love the tutorial and so -ahem- needed it! πŸ™‚

  4. Kmama says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:28 am

    I LOVE instagram. Like you, I was completely clueless at first. It took me awhile to figure it out.

  5. Adrienne says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:35 am

    Yet another reason why I'm drooling for an iphone…

  6. The Blonde Duck says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:51 am

    I still don't have an iPhone!

  7. The Empress says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:55 am

    You make it seem easy.

    Maybe there is hope.

    MAYBE.

    xo

  8. Evonne says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:57 am

    Instagram pics are really cool, but I always feel left out. I don't have an iPhone.

    I'm glad they're making an app for Droid. I checked out the Droid equivalent and I wasn't too impressed.

  9. MamaCole says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:01 am

    Thanks, I was sadly unaware of this awesomeness, no more, my friend, no more! Off to the app store:)

  10. Samantha says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:08 am

    I LOVE instagram! Didn't know about all of the following stuff though, but now I do! Thanks for this πŸ™‚

  11. Kakunaa says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:24 am

    This app is the only reason I wish I had an iphone. BUT, it shall come to us! And I have Camera360!

  12. Natalie says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:31 am

    Thanks for sharing! I still don't have a smartphone (I know the last person on the planet) but when I do I'll definitely use it! I've seen a lot of people use instagram, and I always love the pics!

  13. Stephanie says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:38 am

    @ Natalie, you are not alone, I also have no smartphone πŸ™

    Instagram is the one reason I am still considering an iPhone but I really want a Droid so if they do come out with it for Droid I will be so excited!

  14. tracy@sellabitmum says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:51 am

    I'm an instagram addict!

  15. MiMi says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:21 am

    I was TOTALLY going to whine about it not being on Android, but if they're gonna do that then I'm happy!

  16. Grumpy Grateful Mom says

    September 26, 2011 at 11:00 am

    That instagram app looks fun! I definitively need an Iphone! My husband offered to get me one about a year ago when he got one and I said, "No thanks!" What was a thinking?

  17. Barbara says

    September 26, 2011 at 11:05 am

    Seriously? I thought it was only about taking pictures making them look cute and posting them on facebook. I have so much to learn!

  18. Joshua says

    September 26, 2011 at 11:14 am

    If they make the Droid one, I'll probably get it.

  19. Heidi says

    September 26, 2011 at 11:22 am

    Ah, it's for an iphone. That explains why I had no idea what it was. I'm still in the dark ages with a phone that just makes calls and takes pictures.

  20. Jessica says

    September 26, 2011 at 11:42 am

    One more reason I want an iPhone.

  21. Rach (DonutsMama) says

    September 26, 2011 at 12:09 pm

    Yeah, I still have a Droid and I'm hoping they'll come out with an app for that b/c I don't see us getting an iPhone anytime soon.

  22. Franchesca says

    September 26, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    LOVE instagram!!! πŸ™‚

  23. Kir says

    September 26, 2011 at 12:43 pm

    I don't have an Iphone..but my camera on my Evo Shift is so much more exciting thank my palm was and then it was "upgraded" and now I have all the same kinds of things that I can do with pictures that you can do. I love being able to make them look "vintage" or "cool" or "glitter" and then upload to FB or Tweetcaster right there. It sounds like it's a lot like I what I have. Which I just love.

    I don't see an iPhone in my future, but at least I have gadgets too. πŸ˜‰

  24. Jenny says

    September 26, 2011 at 12:51 pm

    i can't wait for it to come to my droid! i always have picture envy when i see instagram!

  25. K Pugliano says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:23 pm

    This is my ALL TIME favorite app!! LOVE it! πŸ™‚

    Did you know that if you double tap a pic, it will also "like" it?

    My only ? is how do folks get the little pictures on there? Like the thumbs up, or hearts??

  26. Desperate Housemommy says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:41 pm

    Where the frack do you find the time to figure this stuff out? I'm going to have to set aside a week, at the least, to familiarize myself. And that's WITH your fab tutorial. Very cool, though.

  27. Jennifer says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:46 pm

    I love, love, love Instagram. Now if I could just remember to use it.

  28. Emmy says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Yes I love all of the filters on Instagram- made me really like the pictures I take with my phone.

  29. Courtney K. says

    September 26, 2011 at 1:57 pm

    InstaGram is my absolute FAVORITE app. I still have no clue how to add the little thumbs up, etc. things that I see here and there, but oh well. πŸ™‚

  30. KSK says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    When I get an iPhone, I will use this! πŸ™‚

  31. Brittney says

    September 26, 2011 at 2:43 pm

    ahhh booo I want a smart phone.. my rinky dink phone won't do anything cool!

  32. Julie says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:32 pm

    Okay thank you for this.

    Seriously.

    I finally got an iPhone AND Instagram was the one and only app I've downloaded so far.

    But I still don't know how to use it.

    So now I'm going to go get my phone and go back through your post.

    Wish me luck…

  33. Foursons says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    I don't have an iphone and am always disappointed when I see an instagram. πŸ™

    I had to change the URL to my blog. It is now http://www.myfoursons.com instead of .net. Long story. I'll share soon on my blog.

  34. Carolyn says

    September 26, 2011 at 3:56 pm

    Awesome tutorial. I wondered about what Instagram! Now I have to wait for the Android app.
    Thanks again!

  35. Lizbeth says

    September 26, 2011 at 4:01 pm

    Ok, I have to tell you the COOLEST thing is the faces your kiddo is making! Second, thanks for getting me up to speed.

  36. Jill says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:27 pm

    I love Instagram. It can make any pic look sexy. My app looks totally different on my phone though!

  37. Lourie says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:35 pm

    Gonna go find you now! πŸ™‚ I love instagram. It is such a fun app!

  38. Hopes@Staying Afloat! says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:42 pm

    I'm crying in my wine right now! I SO WANT AN iPHONE!! I swear I 'm the last person on the face of this earth without one! HA! We are waiting for the new one to be release before we make the leap. It can't come soon enough! Instagram is going to be the first app I install.

  39. Jessica says

    September 26, 2011 at 7:56 pm

    I love Instagram. It's so much easier to see pictures than trying to catch them on Twitter.

  40. Sarah says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:20 pm

    I heart instagram!!! It's one of my favorite apps!!!
    I'm @jollyegirl!!! πŸ™‚

  41. Charlotte says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:26 pm

    What a cool app! I am really hoping to get an iPhone at some point, I guess when my contract runs up next year (grrr) but I'll be sure to look into this one. Awesome tutorial, Shell!

  42. By Word of Mouth Musings says

    September 26, 2011 at 8:38 pm

    ack, so technical .. and me, so not!

  43. Teresa (Embracing the Spectrum) says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:04 pm

    NEAT!

  44. The Preppy Girl in Pink says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:12 pm

    I love seeing Instagram used on the Twitter updates and I just saw the interview last week where they mentioned that they will be introducing a droid version soon. I have a droid, so I will have to live vicariously through those that have it until I can get it.

    Btw, thanks for signing up as a follower! Made my day when I saw your thumbprint pop up!

  45. Foursons says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:49 pm

    *sigh* Make that myfourboys.com

  46. Healthy Mom Project says

    September 26, 2011 at 9:58 pm

    I love Instagram. Unfortunately I don't have an iphone, so I shall just pout.

  47. Stasha says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:17 pm

    Andddd. . .

    You have made me want an iPhone even MORE now.

    Thank you very much.

    πŸ˜‰

  48. Heather says

    September 26, 2011 at 10:25 pm

    Uh yeah, hangs head in shame, I so needed this tutorial…

  49. Kimberly says

    September 27, 2011 at 12:51 am

    I love instagram. It's so easy to use and makes the pictures look great. I find I check on my instagram app almost as much as twitter. πŸ˜‰

  50. Jessica {Team Rasler} says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:06 am

    I got my iPhone, downloaded instagram and then…never used it. Thanks for the tutorial and the nudge (though I probably need another social media app like I need a hole in the head)!

  51. Expats Again says

    September 27, 2011 at 8:05 am

    Thanks, have an i-phone and the app, but never used it. I will now!

  52. The Blonde Duck says

    September 27, 2011 at 10:35 am

    Love the fundraiser you're doing!

  53. blueviolet says

    September 27, 2011 at 12:36 pm

    I have an android so we're still waiting, but I'm sure this is on my iPod Touch, although I really don't use that for more than listening to music.

    I really do need to play around with the apps I do have available though.

  54. ModernMom says

    September 27, 2011 at 1:48 pm

    Oh I have astupid Blackberry πŸ™

  55. Mommy Nani Booboo says

    September 27, 2011 at 2:14 pm

    Oh I haven't played with Instagram in soooo long. Looks like they have new features. Thanks for the rekindle of the flame…

  56. WhisperingWriter says

    September 27, 2011 at 3:53 pm

    I hope they get it for Droids! Very nice.

  57. Tonya says

    September 27, 2011 at 5:03 pm

    I love me some Instagram and I am really enjoying their new version! Great tutorial, Shell.

  58. Kate F. (@katefineske) says

    September 28, 2011 at 11:08 am

    Thanks for the overview on Instagram! I have an account and still don't quite utilize it like I should πŸ™‚ All of the sudden one day I saw that somebody "liked" a photo of mine and I thought "Wow! hmm… there is so much I don't know about Instagram" πŸ™‚

  59. For the Love of Naps - Sarah says

    September 29, 2011 at 11:06 pm

    I love instagram and I ahve been following you for a bit now. I am called "mamasarah" on there. In case you were wondering who that was. haha!

    ANyways, I LOVE getting a peek into your mama world, since you don't always focus on that on here. Your boys are ADORABLE!

  60. MommaKiss says

    October 2, 2011 at 9:56 pm

    Big fan if instagrm.

    And of you.

  61. Kristin @ What She Said says

    October 3, 2011 at 4:12 pm

    I don't have an iPhone. But I want to get one just so I can use Instagram.

  62. Stephen @Kirk_Stephen says

    December 12, 2011 at 4:19 am

    Clean, simple intro – just what I wanted… Thx

  63. Carri says

    January 23, 2012 at 5:05 pm

    I just got an iPhone 4S yesterday and the first thing I did was download instagram! I love it.

    • Shell says

      January 23, 2012 at 6:22 pm

      Isn’t it addicting??? I love it.

  64. Carri says

    February 7, 2012 at 9:32 pm

    I love instagr.am! I’ve had my iPhone 4S for only a couple of weeks and I’m officially hooked.

  65. Eijah says

    February 8, 2012 at 10:47 am

    Hello there. I have a question. How do you put POP! in the picture in instagram? does it only appear hen your picture becomes popular? or do I need to upgrade my instagram? thanks.

  66. CCC says

    June 10, 2012 at 10:36 am

    Hey,
    how can you put several pictures into one? I always see other pictures of other users with more than one picture. I don’t have any clues how they are doing this.
    Are they editing them before editing on instagram?

  67. Jess says

    July 4, 2012 at 5:50 pm

    I do t know how to take a pic with instagram

  68. Zoze says

    July 15, 2012 at 11:27 am

    follow me on instagram zoro95_95

  69. Barb says

    July 30, 2012 at 2:52 am

    I think HipstamatIc is so much more interesting, but it doesn’t have the social features, unfortunately

  70. Calista middaugh says

    March 11, 2013 at 11:38 am

    It was a good tutorial but it still did not explain how to tag a pic

    • Shell says

      March 11, 2013 at 11:44 am

      Type @username of the person you want to tag. No space between the @ and their username. Hope that helps!Β 

  71. how do i get a photographic memory says

    April 21, 2013 at 2:59 pm

    Thanks for sharing your thoughts on how to use instagram.
    Regards

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  74. Ally says

    September 21, 2013 at 11:13 pm

    How do you post someone’s profile??????????!!!

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Welcome to Things I Can't Say: Tips and Tales from an Introverted Mom. I'm Shell. Boy mom, beach girl, bookworm, ball games, baker, brand ambassador, Thinking yoga, food, and travel should start with "b," too. Finding the easiest way to do some things while overthinking so many others. Read More…

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