🚀 Overview

Photogram is a beautifully designed and feature-rich photo sharing social networking app
where users can upload, like, comment, and share photos within a friendly and engaging environment.
Inspired by platforms like Instagram, it focuses on creativity and simplicity — allowing users to
express themselves visually while connecting with others.

The GPL edition of Photogram is perfect for students, startups, and indie developers who wish to study or extend
a real-world social photo app with core networking and media upload features.
This documentation follows E-E-A-T guidelines: experience-based real app context, expert-level
tech transparency, clear attribution to the original developer, and full licensing clarity for GPL redistribution.

✨ Key Features

• 📸 Photo Upload: users can capture or choose photos from the gallery and post instantly.
• ❤️ Like & Comment System: engage with other users’ posts through likes and discussions.
• 👥 Follow & Unfollow: follow creators and build your own social feed.
• 🏷️ Hashtags & Captions: organize posts using hashtags and creative captions.
• 📰 Personalized Feed: see recent uploads from people you follow in a dynamic timeline.
• 🗂️ Explore Page: discover trending photos, new creators, and top hashtags.
• 🔔 Notifications: get updates when someone likes, comments, or follows you.
• 🛠️ Profile Management: customizable profile page with avatar, bio, and follower stats.
• 💾 Cloud Storage: all photos and metadata are stored securely (Firebase / AWS S3).
• 💬 Real-time Sync: instant updates using WebSockets or Firebase Realtime Database.
• 💰 AdMob Integration: optional monetization via banner and interstitial ads.

⚙️ Technical Stack

• Frontend (App): Flutter (Dart) or Android Native (Kotlin/Java), depending on version.
• Backend: Node.js + Express API or Firebase Functions for real-time operations.
• Database: Firebase Firestore / Realtime DB or MongoDB for scalable data.
• Authentication: Firebase Auth (Email, Google, Facebook login).
• Media Storage: Firebase Storage or AWS S3.
• UI: Material Design 3 with responsive layouts and dark mode support.
• Build Tools: Android Studio / VS Code, Gradle 8+, Flutter 3.x.
• Server Requirements: Node.js v14+ (if using custom backend) or Firebase project setup.

🧩 Installation Guide

1. Extract the Photogram GPL package and open the app folder in Android Studio or VS Code.
2. For Firebase-based version: add your google-services.json and enable Firestore + Storage.
3. Update app-level build.gradle with your applicationId, AdMob App ID, and API keys.
4. For Node.js backend: install dependencies using npm install and configure .env for DB connection.
5. Run backend with npm start or deploy to Firebase Functions.
6. Build and run app on emulator/device → test registration, upload, and feed features.
7. Generate signed APK/AAB for production deployment.

Tip: Enable Cloud Storage rules properly and set daily upload limits to prevent abuse.

📦 Deliverables

• ✅ Complete Android/Flutter source code.
• ✅ Node.js / Firebase backend API.
• ✅ Firestore/Database structure sample.
• ✅ AdMob monetization integration (optional).
• ✅ Documentation & GPL license notice.
• ✅ UI assets: icons, colors, and typography presets.

📱 Supported Platforms

• Mobile: Android 6.0+ (Marshmallow) up to latest stable.
• Cross-platform: Flutter build supports iOS if configured.
• Backend: Firebase / Node.js hosting on VPS or cloud server.
• Network: requires internet connection for social features; offline mode for cached posts.

🧠 Notes

License: Distributed under the GNU General Public License (GPL). You are free to study, modify, and redistribute under GPL conditions.

Customization Tips: Change app colors, icons, and Firebase credentials. Add extra modules like stories, chat (Socket.io), or post filters using libraries such as Glide and ML Kit. Update privacy policy for AdMob and image content compliance.

SEO Assurance: Structured, keyword-rich HTML improves visibility for search queries like “Instagram clone GPL,” “photo sharing app source code,” and “open-source social media app.”

👨‍💻 Original Developer Credit

The original commercial version of Photogram was developed by a verified CodeCanyon/Envato author.
For official updates and extended commercial rights, please purchase directly on
CodeCanyon.

🔒 Disclaimer

This is a GPL redistribution made for educational, testing, and customization purposes only.
It is not an official or endorsed release by the original developer. All product names and trademarks belong to their respective owners.

For commercial deployments, app store publishing, or brand monetization, please purchase a valid commercial license
from the original marketplace and comply with privacy laws (GDPR, CCPA) and Google Play policies.