Introducing Takes, a new social media app for iPhone.

Takes is a cool new app that falls in the same category as Vine and Instagram. The developers describe it as being like the moving pictures in Harry Potter’s newspapers. I love finding and supporting new startups, so I was thrilled when I was approached by the Takes team to check out their app. Here’s what I found:

• Easy to use, quick to learn
• Good interface with simple buttons and a large viewfinder
• Filters and music
• Photos and videos are created and saved simultaneously
• Photos and videos can be easily embedded in HTML
• Can save photos and videos without posting them to social networking or the app’s website

What sets Takes apart from Vine and Instagram?

It’s kind of like a mix between the two, actually. Now, I’m not an instagrammer so I don’t really know much about that, but I am an avid Viner and I can say that Takes is a lot like Vine except with filters and music. Personally, I’m not a fan of filters because I think they distract from the actual content, but I know many people love the customization. If you like adding filters to your Instagram pics, you’ll love Takes. The music is also a nice touch, because I often find myself making vines of flowers or a walk and wishing I could have music playing over them instead of static background noise.

The coolest part about Takes is that it melds the video and photo-taking processes together so you are simultaneously capturing photos and small video clips. Takes “remembers” the few seconds before and after your photographs, so when you put them together into a finished Take it is more dynamic. It’s pretty cool!

All things considered, Takes is a pretty cool app. It takes a little time getting used to the video/photo thing, because we’re so used to having separate functions for each.

So, if you like Instagram and Vine, give Takes a try! It’s free on the App store right now. Android users don’t fret, they’re building a version for you now. :)

Give it a try and let me know what you think!

~Sage