During a public reveal, the Rossgram project replaced a previously used logo with a new design that many users recognized as a stock image. The situation grew more complicated when the new version appeared to imitate the Beats Electronics logo, rotated and tinted to resemble Instagram’s color palette. Officially, the website showcases the same logo, which only adds to the confusion surrounding the project’s branding choices.
After Alexander Zobov demonstrated the app’s interface and how it operates, attentive observers raised several legitimate questions. For instance, when a user uploads a photo, the interface prompts setting a price for it, and the price is displayed in dollars, which adds a market-oriented dimension to the platform’s perceived functionality.
The Rossgram team also introduced a feature to download Stories in the prototype. In the exploratory phase, some elements hinted at localization quirks characteristic of certain markets, with timestamps like “3 Seconds Ago” or “3 Hours Ago” appearing with inconsistent capitalization and occasional misspellings during the unpacking process.
On a more positive note, the platform reportedly supports uploading videos from third-party sources such as YouTube, Dailymotion, and Vimeo. Observers noted that similar native integrations for VK Video or RuTube were not presented within the Instagram-like experience, prompting questions about the platform’s scope and partnerships.
The developers projected a public launch window for April 2022, signaling an anticipated milestone in Rossgram’s rollout.
Excitement and PR
Eldar Murtazin, a leading analyst at Mobile Research Group, described to socialbites.ca how Rossgram’s distribution kit for the app was flagged by Google Drive as a malicious file, leading to a block. He characterized the move as a publicity stunt that did not land well, suggesting a lack of development experience, especially after a ban on Instagram prompted the effort.
Digital expert Konstantin Karpov stated to socialbites.ca that building a service similar to Instagram can be done, but crafting a genuinely competitive product is the hard part. He noted that any service stepping into the same space faces a suite of technical challenges that enable massive concurrent usage, and success hinges on a carefully planned, long-term approach rather than a quick fix.
Igor Bederov, head of the information and analytical research department at T.Hunter, spoke to socialbites.ca about user suspicion around a new app. He warned that users are being asked to install something unfamiliar and potentially confusing, with concerns about rapid development timelines and possible data leaks. He also pointed out that vulnerabilities often appear in such new products when built on open-source foundations, and emphasized the need for verification.
Bederov added that the interest from attackers could be tied to the broader narrative around a domestic alternative to a major American network. This context raises questions about data privacy and security as more users register on the platform.
Data theft and “hacking”
On March 28, beta testers received emails containing an APK for Rossgram that redirected users to the company’s site after launch. The Android version of Instagram weighs over 40MB, while the Rossgram installer for Google Play is around 3MB, prompting speculation about the app’s intent and functionality.
Bederov suggested that the developers may have rushed a non-functional product to collect user data, pointing out that the app would primarily serve to display content and could push users toward external sites. He argued that a mobile site could achieve similar data collection without a standalone app.
Earlier, a warning appeared in the Rossgram VKontakte community advising users not to download a fake Rossgram app from the Play Store, noting it had no legitimate ties to the project. By March 29, the duplicate app remained available in the store with a significant download count and a low rating, underscoring ongoing confusion and risk.
Observers questioned why Rossgram executives did not address the situation directly. The overlap between the project name and the organization’s identity amplified concerns among users who labeled the fake app a scam. Some comments suggested that the new platform appeared more like hype than a solid product, with many noting that fresh social networks face an uphill climb in delivering real value and unique features.
As the dialogue continued, voices highlighted the crowded social-network landscape, where Telegram and other platforms already support content creation and sharing, making it harder for a new entrant to offer a distinct proposition.
pyramid on the internet
Arseniy Shcheltsin, CEO of ANO Digital Platforms, shared thoughts on his Telegram channel about the Rossgram hype. He argued that two PR professionals leaned into a known name, created a minimal landing page on inexpensive hosting, and released a version that promised miracles. The reaction from journalists and the public, he claimed, reflected strong demand and misaligned expectations, exposing the risk of hype without substance.
Shcheltsin warned that a showy launch, unsupported by a credible product, can backfire, leaving room for skeptical commentary and rapid crowd reactions. He described the result as a combination of hype and weak execution, with a landing page that didn’t measure up to future development needs.
Against this backdrop, new Instagram-like projects such as Now and Sadnogram emerged. Shcheltsin argued that inflated expectations and subpar offerings contributed to a broader pattern of data exposure, fake pages, and the erosion of trust among early adopters.
Ultimately, the analyst suggested that the trajectory of Rossgram would be shaped by how well its creators could translate interest into a robust, multi-feature platform that differentiates itself beyond name recognition. The clash between hype and real-world capability, he concluded, would determine whether these initiatives leave a lasting imprint or fade away as cautionary tales about overpromising in the social media space.
Source notes: commentary and observations were drawn from industry interviews published on socialbites.ca and related discussions in public channels among technology analysts and industry observers.