Khoi Vinh:
It’s not just an additional place to post photos, but a different kind of venue for different kinds of expressions and interactions. In fact, it’s a reminder that competition, when it is robust, directly translates into added functionality at the consumer’s disposal.
Agreed. Flickr doesn’t have to replace Instagram, and I for one don’t really want it to. I check Instagram for random photos of my friends’ kids and pets; I check Flickr for high-quality photos (usually). Respectively, that’s where I post those same types of photos myself — the photos I’m proud of are all on Flickr.
What Flickr needs is a strong mobile presence and proof that it’s a thriving, relevant service. The new iPhone app is a fantastic step in that direction.