Instagram rival Hipstamatic is back to restore old-school photo joy

Gary Pageau ,

Register to get 3 free articles

Support the Dead Pixels Society and get access to exclusive content by becoming a subscriber!

No spam Unsubscribe anytime

Want unlimited access? View Plans

Already have an account? Sign in

Hipstamatic, one of the biggest early rivals to Instagram, has returned to the Apple App Store with a more social-focused app for photo-oriented enthusiasts. The app listing includes the declaration: “BIG NEWS: Hipstamatic now has its own social network. It’s time to photo-share like it’s 2009 again!”

The return of Hipstamatic – which was Apple’s 2010 app of the year selection – is one of several responses to the new video-centric direction of sector leader Instagram, as it responds to the popularity of TikTok. Prominent users like Kim Kardashian have criticized Instagram’s pivot. A spate of photo-centric rivals – like Dispo, the “anti-selfie” Poparazzi, Locket and BeReal – did just that.

Last summer, the Dead Pixels Society featured one of those alternatives, Glass, on the podcast. Listen below:

Written by 

Gary Pageau is principal of InfoCircle LLC, continuing his marketing communications career. InfoCircle LLC is a marketing and communications consulting firm, specializing in business-to-business markets. For nearly 25 years, he was with PMA International, serving most recently as Publisher, Content Development and Strategic Initiatives. His primary responsibilities included overseeing the Association’s editorial department, marketing research unit, education and corporate relations department.