I still think they're one slip up away from disappearing, but I've got to give them credit for building the way they did.
I've heard that argued too. I wonder if that's true or if it was an accidental, but apparently fortuitous, side effect of having a confusing UI.
But apparently part of the issue with the Android app is excessive lag, which can't be explained away as a UI decision.
Instagram's efforts seem to accommodate (and be championed by) so-called "influencers," people who make funny videos or pose half naked to attract large numbers of followers, and then cash in by promoting herbal teas, waist trainers, clothing brands, apps, etc.
That's the community Instagram is cultivating, and since there are large audiences following this stuff, apparently it's a good business strategy. Still, Snapchat is targeting a different audience by not courting influencers. We may end up with two platforms with similar features but with different demographics.