Windows Phone is finally getting an official Instagram client. After months of pressure from Nokia, Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom confirmed today that an official client will be made available to Windows Phone users shortly. "Our ultimate goal is to bring Instagram to everyone who wants to use it," says Systrom. "We're looking forward to watching the Windows Phone community use Instagram to capture and share beautiful moments in the coming weeks." The app closes a big hole in the Windows Phone ecosystem, allowing owners to use an officially supported Instagram client.

Nokia and Instagram aren't detailing all of the app's features today, merely confirming it's planned in the coming weeks. 6tag, an unofficial Windows Phone app, recently launched for Windows Phone with full support for photo filters and video uploads. The app has been continually updated, and most recently gained a collage option that's not found in the official Instagram clients for iOS and Android. While an official app is welcomed, it's possible that third-party alternatives may still offer a better experience for Instagram on Windows Phone.

Just one app, but a significant one

Either way, Instagram is a big deal for Microsoft and Windows Phone. The software giant has been trying for months to convince Instagram to support Windows Phone, and third-party developers have been taking risks to provide a variety of options to users. It's only one app, but it opens up Microsoft's mobile operating system to a community that has largely stayed clear of the platform because of the lack of Instagram support. It also furthers the case for Windows Phone as the number three mobile OS as Nokia continues to push the market share in the right direction.