2016 has been an eventful year to say the least! And now that 2017 is right around the corner it’s a good idea to take some time and reflect on what happened this year.  You’ll find tons of “top apps of the year” lists out there, published by everyone from Apple to Business Insider.  To save you some searching, I’ve combined the best of the best and created a list that combines both newly released apps and some classics that have made major updates to stay relevant in 2016. So, without further ado, here is my list of the Apps that really stood out this year.

Instagram- The popular image sharing, social media giant, Instagram became even more popular this year! From changing its iconic logo from the old familiar camera design to a minimalist outline on a colorful background last May, to August when it introduced a new “Instagram Stories” feature that allowed users to share short daily videos like on Snapchat, Instagram really worked hard to update itself this year. It’s hard work paid off because according to Apple’s website, Instagram is currently more popular than Facebook and even music apps like Spotify and Pandora! Instagram is free for both iPhone and Android devices.

Musical.ly- Since the slow decline of Vine and the end of its platform in October, Musical.ly, a similar video sharing app has continued to rise in popularity. Musical.ly is unique from Vine’s platform in that it focuses on short, self shot music videos. The app has a collection of short clips from popular songs and also ones that are currently trending on Musical.ly so you can join in on the fun along with everyone else and easily make videos of your own! Musical.ly is free for both iPhone and Android devices.

Snapchat- This was a huge year for Snapchat! It released new features in its app like groups for Snap Story and the ability to make your own “geofilter” for special events (maybe my fave thing of the whole year!) Then there was a ton of buzz around the app when it released its first wearable technology the Snapchat spectacles! People around the country were just dying to get their hands on a pair and were eagerly watching the company’s website to see where the next yellow vending machine selling the spectacles would pop up next! Snapchat is free on both iPhone and Android devices.

Pokemon Go- Yes, this app ends the list because it not only set records in popularity but had its users extremely invested, with users trying to play the game at work, in their cars and literally everywhere else! Pokemon Go had our entire country going outside to catch Pokemon and at its peak it had an impressive 25 million users! You can “catch’em all” for free on both iPhone and Android devices.

What do you think of my list of the best apps from 2016?! Would you add any others? And, if you have somehow missed the 2016 hype on these apps, it’s not too late to try them out before we ring in the new year!

featured, instagram, musical.ly, Pokémon GO, Prisma, Snapchat

By Meredith Red

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