Since popular photo-sharing mobile app Instagram opened its API earlier this year, we have seen several new tools and creative efforts from external programmers that leverage its technology and existing community base. Everything from Stickygram's Instagram magnets to Instaprint - a location-based photo booth that curates and prints Instagram content in real time.

On a similar note, Postagram now allows users to print and send physical copies of their Instagram photos to friends and loved ones -- pulling the experience of sharing out of the iPhone. Taking into consideration the large number of brands that now populate Instagram users' feeds (as well as the heightened search capacities now available through hashtags), this creates opportunities for groups and organizations to create strong content that will entice users to print and share their materials offline as well.

Some of my favorite Instagram users are brands. Since it's an iPhone-specific platform, I'm unable to link to their feeds directly -- but for those who may be interested, here's a quick list of my favorite brands and individuals using Instagram. Their usernames are in brackets:

- Kate Spade (katespadeNY)
- Aritzia (aritzia)
- Tiphanie Brooke (antigirl .com)
- Erika Bearman, for Oscar de la Renta (oscarPRgirl) - she tilts her head through some of the most amazing outfits and experiences (read more..)
- Lark (larkshop)
- Levi's Brazil (levisbrasil) - the original. First brand to join Instagram.
- Jenna Wortham (jennydeluxe)

Some of my recent Instagram pics can be found here at flavors.me.

This is a personal take on a blog post I originally wrote for DDB Canada.