Rushabh PatelA few years ago, envisioning an app like Instagram dominating the social media landscape seemed improbable. Yet, as of 2025, Instagram stands as a global leader, boasting over 2 billion active users and generating nearly $50 billion in revenue in 2023 alone. This monumental success has inspired developers worldwide to create mobile applications that emulate Instagram’s core features.
Businesses across the globe are now investing in custom apps that mirror Instagram’s functionalities, aiming to capitalize on the platform’s proven engagement strategies. Companies like Siddhi Infosoft are already building custom Instagram-like apps tailored to client needs in 2025.
Leading Countries by Instagram Users (as of January 2025)
| Country | Number of Users |
| India | 360 million |
| United States | 230 million |
| Brazil | 150 million |
| Indonesia | 120 million |
Source: Statista
Developing an Instagram-Inspired Mobile App in 2025
The original Instagram app required years of development and significant financial investment. However, with advancements in technology and available frameworks, developers can now create similar apps in a matter of weeks. The cost typically correlates with the development time and the complexity of features implemented.
Instagram’s continuous updates and user-friendly interface set a high standard. To replicate this experience, developers must allocate specific timeframes for each feature, which directly influences the overall cost.
Building a Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Instagram operates seamlessly on both Android and iOS platforms. To develop a comparable image or video-sharing app, initiating with a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) is essential. An MVP includes core features to attract early users and gather feedback for future enhancements. This approach allows businesses to assess market conditions and user preferences effectively.
It’s important to focus on essential features initially, rather than replicating every aspect of Instagram, such as IGTV or Instagram Lite.
Whether you’re targeting Android, iOS, or both, firms such as Siddhi Infosoft help clients rapidly launch MVPs for social apps similar to Instagram.
Key Features and Development Timeframes
- Account Authorization
Implementing secure account authorization is crucial. Features include user registration via email or mobile number, password recovery, and two-factor authentication to protect user data. This process ensures user privacy and typically requires approximately 70 hours to develop.
- Profile Creation and Editing
Allowing users to create and edit profiles, including uploading profile pictures and personal information, enhances user engagement. Developers need to establish a connection between the client-side and server-side applications, which generally takes about 50 hours.
- Real-Time Messaging
Integrating real-time messaging enables users to communicate instantly. This feature involves setting up notifications and ensuring the server can handle continuous message traffic without issues. Utilizing services like Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM) or Apple Push Notification service (APNs) is common. Development time ranges from 100 to 120 hours.
- Media Upload and Management
A user-friendly interface for uploading and managing photos and videos is vital. Incorporating editing tools allows users to personalize their content. Developers may choose between standard file handling or creating custom solutions. This feature typically requires 70 to 100 hours to develop.
- Social Media Integration
Facilitating connectivity with other social networks expands user reach and engagement. Allowing users to share content across platforms like Facebook or Twitter can be implemented in approximately 10 hours.
- Location Sharing
Enabling users to share their current location with posts enhances social interaction. Developers use APIs like Google Maps for Android or MapKit for iOS, along with location services, to implement this feature, which takes around 24 hours.
- Search Functionality
A robust search feature allows users to find friends, groups, or content easily. Implementing efficient search algorithms and backend support is essential, typically requiring about 60 hours of development.
- Additional Settings and Notifications
Incorporating features like push notifications, language preferences, privacy settings, and friend request controls enhances user experience. Developers must integrate these settings with the app’s server and external services, which can take between 70 to 80 hours.
Factors Influencing Development Costs
Several elements affect the overall cost of developing an Instagram-like app:
- Feature Complexity: Advanced features require more development time and resources.
- Design Specifics: Custom designs and animations can increase costs.
- Platform Compatibility: Developing for multiple operating systems (iOS, Android) adds to the expense.
- Developer Expertise: Experienced developers may charge higher rates but can deliver quality results efficiently.
- Technology Stack: Choosing the right technologies impacts both performance and cost.
Recommended Technology Stack
Frontend Development:
- Swift for iOS
- Kotlin for Android
- React Native or Flutter for cross-platform development
Backend Development:
- Node.js or Ruby on Rails
- Cloud services like AWS or Google Cloud
Additional Tools:
- Firebase for real-time database and authentication
- Google Maps API for location services
- Facebook SDK for social media integration
Estimated Cost to Develop an Instagram-Like App
The cost of developing an app similar to Instagram varies widely based on features, design complexity, and development team rates. Estimates range from $5,000 for a basic MVP to over $5,000,000 for a fully-featured application.
For context, Instagram’s initial development was funded with $500,000 in seed money, followed by a $7 million Series A round, and a $50 million Series B round, totalling $57.5 million before its acquisition by Facebook for approximately $1 billion in 2012.
Conclusion
Creating an app inspired by Instagram is a complex but achievable endeavor. By focusing on essential features, leveraging modern technologies, and assembling a skilled development team, businesses can build a competitive social media platform.
If you’re considering developing such an app, it’s crucial to plan meticulously, prioritize features, and allocate resources effectively to ensure success in the competitive social media landscape.
