Photo-sharing app Instagram has moved closer to the web, and Facebook, with its new web based profiles feature.

Strike a pose

Instagram announced web profiles in a blog post earlier this week, explaining the new service will allow users to more easily share photos online.

The new look layout features a prominent header that displays a rotating array of photos. Clicking on an image expands the photo, with users now being able to like and comment on photos from their own web profile page. 

Further down the page images are arranged chronologically and display information such as the date the image was taken, number of likes and comments.  

At this stage users are unable to upload images online to their Instagram account. 

Timeline traits

Instagram's first move from mobile to web has, aesthetically at least, been influenced by Facebook. The banner and layout of web profiles are strikingly similar Timeline, which isn't that surprising considering Facebook acquired Instagram earlier this year. 

Instagram rising

Instagram has seen massive growth in 2012, expanding by 1000 per cent in six months and recently passing Twitter in daily active users. 

Web profiles will not only make it easier for users to share this growing cache of photos online, it will help also help Instagram win back users who are currently using third-party Instagram viewers.

Picture this

If and how Facebook monetises Instagram remains to be seen, but web profiles will give brands a new, visually arresting way to engage to engage with this rapidly swelling audience.

Web profiles will be rolled out to all Instagram users this week.

To see if your web profile has been activated type instagram.com/username, such as instagram.com/nike.

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