Visual content is compelling and has become the most sought after content in the digitally dominated times. Instagram has a great followership, and the success of this social networking platform has given rise to the number of clones being developed. The photo sharing app market has a lot of players, and there are some unique characteristics to this segment. Let’s list down some uniqueness that you cannot ignore. There is the social aspect which involves profiles, followers, likes, shares and comments which is a must-have feature in this app. The photo editing tools also play an important part in these apps, and these tools include crops, frames, filters, collages, stickers etc. Filtered discovery is important for the success of the photo sharing app, and the main functions of this discovery tool includes hashtags, usernames, locations, popular posts etc. If you are building an Instagram clone, you should know what all should be included in such an app, and then understand the market for which you are aping the app, and finally start with building the app.

The strengths of a photo app are the uniqueness of the concept and the word of mouth publicity it is likely to get. The weaknesses include the quality of the camera using which you are planning to upload the photos and the privacy issues. One of the primary threats is the technical challenges while the opportunities are the improved photo editing functionality that comes with such apps.

You need to know the market and the end goals you are planning to achieve and keep an eye on the KPI for the app to make sure it is a sure success. KPIs include the number of active users, and the publicity it gains from word of mouth.

Doubling Active Users

You need to increase the number of users for your app, and this requires some sort of communication and active engagement from your end.

Social media marketing for your new app is the first connect with the audience. Build a social media profile for your app, and start communicating with your target audience. Even before the launch of the app, start connecting with the audience on what they would like to have in the app. Most users will like to be with you right from the start, and this base is your influencer community. Make sure you have a potential user base even before you get started. Ideally a period of 3-6 months before the actual launch will be helpful to get started.

A referral program at the start of the app building exercise will help you capture the attention of your target audience. Ensure you have set the rewards that you would be sending out in case your audience uses the new filters, effects and other app features you have so painstakingly introduced in your app.

Finally, you will need to invite the influencer community on board, and make them use the interesting features that you have introduced in the clone app.

Get more people to download the app, which means you will need to work with free PR, entice them with features that you believe will fascinate them, and get them to discover a few tools that they were planning to have in their app. PR strategy needs to be worked on if you want your app to be a success right from the time it is launched. Get bloggers and journalists to start working on writing about your app, and get influencers in the community to try out the app.

Once you have people on board, you need to engage them. Engagement strategy will help keep people on your app, and then increase the average session length of your app. When the session time increases, it automatically increases your retention. Keep offering them incentives that will keep them on your app.

Features to Include in the Clone

There are certain features unavailable with the Instagram app that you can include in the clone. Albums and stories are rich storytelling materials that make up for compelling visual content. It is a good idea to include it in your Instagram clone. Exclusive pictures play an important role in generating engagement and offering high quality content. Your app should cater to this feature. On-demand photos are another function that you should include in the clone for better results, as it has been missed out in the Instagram app.

Monetization strategy should be unique and not similar to Instagram as that will help you grab more attention. Working on Instagram clone requires a deep understanding of the users, the market and finally the features that will make your app exclusive.