Apple now has an official Instagram account bearing its own name. The @apple Instagram appears to be entirely devoted to iPhone photography, with Apple launching the account with photosets celebrating the best iPhone photographers in the world.

This isn't the first time Apple has ventured onto Instagram. The company already runs Instagram accounts for various properties, including iTunes, Apple Music, the tiresome Carpool Karaoke, and the terrible Planet of the Apps. However, this is the first time Apple has used @apple.

The iPhone Excels At Shooting Photos

Apple is extremely proud of the iPhone's camera. And rightly so. The iPhone has always excelled at shooting photos, and the camera unit gets better with each new iteration. Realizing this is a huge selling point for people, Apple has been running a campaign with the hashtag #ShotoniPhone.

This campaign has now spread to Instagram. Apple has launched its new @apple account with a video extolling the virtues of iPhone photography. There are also photosets showcasing some of the best iPhone photography Apple has discovered. All accompanied by the obligatory hashtag.

This isn't all about the professionals though, as Apple is also inviting amateur iPhone photographers to get involved. All you have to do is post a photo shot on an iPhone on Instagram and include the hashtag #ShotoniPhone. Apple could then include your composition in the future.

Apple on Instagram Means Free Advertising

This is very clever marketing. Instagram is THE place for smartphone photography, and Apple knows it will be preaching to the converted on that platform above all others. And framing the whole thing around a hashtag, and inviting everybody to get involved, means free advertising.

Are you on Instagram? Will you be following the @apple account? Do you own an iPhone? Do you think it's above average at shooting photos? Or has the iPhone lost some ground to the best Android handsets in that department? Please let us know in the comments below!