MOSCOW, March 16. /TASS/. Rossgram, a Russian alternative to the popular American-based photo and video sharing social network, Instagram, might be launched on March 28, digital marketing specialist Alexander Zobov revealed on Wednesday.

Instagram, the Meta-owned social networking app, boasting more than 1 bln users worldwide was prohibited in Russia on Monday after the social media platform removed its ban on hate speech against Russians and allowed calls for violence against Russian troops, explaining it away as a form of "political expression."

"The Russian alternative to Instagram with familiar features and tools and mobile apps for Android and iOS will be launched on March 28," Zobov said, adding that at first the new platform will be available to top bloggers, investors and sponsors and will be accessible to ordinary users in April 2022.

According to him, Rossgram will get additional monetization tools, including paid content, fundraising and referral programs.

Rossgram may arrange transferring media files and data from Instagram, he added.