The company known for starting instant film is now helping photographers take better instant photos with their smartphones. Thursday, Polaroid launched Polaroid University, packing instructional photography videos in an on-the-go app.

Initially launching in the App Store for iOS users, Polaroid says an Android version for the Google Play store is also in the works. The app is free to download, but some videos require a purchase. An annual $10 subscription, available from Amazon, will give app users access to the entire video library, which currently has over 40 videos.

Polaroid University covers topics for a range of skill levels from beginning shooters to more seasoned photographers, including a selfie course, slow motion videos, and a video tutorial on using Instagram, Snapchat and Snapseed. The instructional videos are led by several different professional photographers.

“’s mission is to empower anyone with a smartphone to shoot amazing photos and videos,” said Marc Serota, professional photographer and the app’s founder. “The app and subscription pack not only make it easy for people to take great photos and videos with their devices, but make it simple for users to access tips and tricks from our episodes in a way that is convenient for them.”

Users can choose episodes on a certain topic, or set up a play list to start with the beginning topics and work their way further into the advanced lessons. Lessons are currently divided into three categories — the fundamentals, topics for specific types of photography and On the Road, which follows Serota as he travels and shoots.

Several of the apps videos are also available online and on the Polaroid University YouTube channel. The Polaroid University app, developed by Eyeland Education LLC, is available for both the iPhone and iPad, with an Android version in the works.

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