You've nailed it with the last line: "simply becuase they lack the users and culture that instagram have built up."
It's all about content, and the content curators and contributors on Instagram are insanely passionate about their "art", and treat it as art with the same sort of engagement you would find among such groups (Burning Man, WoW Clans, etc.). Instagram embodies the Apple culture in that it has created an ecosystem. You don't just download Instagram because it's technically superior to other apps (it's not), but you join Instagram because it's a lifestyle.
Disclaimer: I was greatly addicted to Instagram for about 6 months, then moved on to the next big thing. Nevertheless, I was on it long enough to appreciate why it was so engaging.
It's all about content, and the content curators and contributors on Instagram are insanely passionate about their "art", and treat it as art with the same sort of engagement you would find among such groups (Burning Man, WoW Clans, etc.). Instagram embodies the Apple culture in that it has created an ecosystem. You don't just download Instagram because it's technically superior to other apps (it's not), but you join Instagram because it's a lifestyle.
Disclaimer: I was greatly addicted to Instagram for about 6 months, then moved on to the next big thing. Nevertheless, I was on it long enough to appreciate why it was so engaging.