Instagram for Android is almost here: sign up for early access

After revealing that its much-anticipated Android app is coming soon, the hot photo sharing startup Instagram today launched a sign-up page for Android users to be “first in line” to receive the app.

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At this point, it’s unclear what being at the front of the line will get you. We’re assuming it’ll be a beta release of the Instagram Android app that will come ahead of the app’s official release on Google Play.

Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom teased the crowd at the South by Southwest festival with the Android app (he apparently waved it on stage, like a photo app rock star). He also revealed that Instagram had reached 27 million users, a stunning figure given that it only launched about a year and a half ago, and is only available on iOS at the moment.

The company last week announced its first API partnership with Hipstamatic, which will allow the rival photo sharing app to send photos to Instagram (along with other social networks). The deal solidifies Instagram’s presence as a growing social network, and it’ll likely be the first of many such partnerships for the company.

I’ve tried plenty of photo sharing apps myself, but I always end up coming back to Instagram. It’s mostly due to the company’s strong community (if you have friends with iPhones, you’ll definitely find them on it),  but Instagram has also done a great job at honing its core photo sharing functionality. It’s simple — but most importantly, it’s freaking addictive.

Via The Next Web; Picture via Tim Van Damme

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