Instagram has sent out invitations to members of the press to come to a “share a moment” event in New York City on December 12 .
Tech companies typically send messages through email but Instagram sent out its invitation via Fedex apparently because it is something that cannot be sent online. The invitation is made of a small wooden block with a printed Instagram picture on it. It is also comes with a slit in the back for hanging. The invitation noted that the event will start at 10 am on December 12 and will take place in Midtown Manhattan.
The invitation fueled speculations on what will be presented during the event. The company is mum on providing further details but recent press reports suggest that it may introduce a private messaging system. Rumors of an Instagram messaging feature existed for some time now so it wouldn't really be a surprise if the photo-sharing social network finally announces a messaging service that would rival apps such as Snapchat and WhatsApp.
Per CNET, Instagram may launch a service that will allow users to print their pictures. The format of the invitation seems to suggest the launching of this photo printing service. Launching this service makes sense because offering photo printing services will provide Instagram with a source of additional revenue. Third party companies providing this service already abound and there is clearly a market for this kind of service.
Instagram experienced exponential growth since its launch three years ago. It now has 150 million active users worldwide. In November, the company announced that it will start to run advertisements in a bid to monetize its popular photo sharing platform.
The company is also said to experiment with group messaging. This feature could appear in the next update of the app, which is expected to be released before the year ends, and may be launched during the “share a moment” event.
