Facebook hasn't yet shown us how it plans to cash in on Instagram, which it acquired last year. After a mere hint at the prospect, buried in Instagram's terms of service, irate users threatened mutiny.
Last week, though, Nike and Instagram joined together to create the NIKEiD for Instagram app, a peculiar partnership combining casual photography with casual footwear. Though it's unclear if Instagram is making anything off the partnership — a representative hasn't yet returned request for comment — this, for now, is the best preview we have of what the business of Instagram may look like.
The app gleans the color palette from your Instagram photos (once you've given them permission to access them) and customizes your sneakers accordingly. The deal allows Instagram to make some money off its cachet as a cool brand, and Nike to borrow some of it.
It's an idea that may work better in theory than in practice. First of all, the integration isn't very deep — this is how you're supposed to repost the picture:
Plus, some of the results can be a bit strange. Here's a few examples of what people are making.
Got a cool dog? Now you can wear him.
Hey, remember that great view from that trip to Mexico? WEAR it.
Quick mirror selfie? Capture it forever.
I made this pair to remember a delicious turkey dinner from last Christmas for $147.00.
Some are definitely better than others...
But at least they're not as bad as these:
Or these:
Update: An Instagram spokesperson told BuzzFeed the Nike integration is not part of a revenue generating operation. "Nike is just using Instagram's API in an awesome way—not a formalized partnership and no revenue share," the spokesperson wrote.