The history of Instagram is a fascinating journey that reveals how a simple idea grew into one of the biggest social media platforms in the world.
From its beginnings as a small iOS app created by two friends to the massive influence it holds today, Instagram has changed the way we share photos, connect with others, and build online communities.
We’ll go over Instagram’s early days, key milestones, and how it has adapted to remain relevant. Let’s dive into the story of Instagram and explore its evolution.
The Founders and the Beginning
Before there was Instagram, two men named Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger were experimenting with ideas for a new app.
Systrom, who studied at Stanford University, had a background in both technology and photography. He wanted to create a simple way for people to share photos.
Krieger, also a Stanford graduate, joined Systrom on this mission. They initially developed an app called Burbn in 2010, inspired by Systrom's love for whiskey and bourbon.
Burbn’s Key Features
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Burbn was a location-based app where people could check in at places, similar to Foursquare.
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Other users could post photos and plan outings, but the app had too many features.
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It was a bit too complicated, and the founders quickly realized that other users mainly liked one specific part – photo sharing.
The Launch of Instagram
In October 2010, after deciding to focus solely on multiple images, Systrom and Krieger launched Instagram.
They kept it simple – it was a photo-sharing app with just a few filters. It launched exclusively for mobile devices at first, which helped it gain popularity among iPhone users.
Within 24 hours, the app had 25,000 downloads. By the end of the first week, that number jumped to 100,000.
People were drawn to Instagram’s ease of use, the fun filters, and the ability to instantly share multiple photos with friends.
The idea of capturing moments and applying filters was fresh and exciting.
Early Success
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One million users joined in just two months, marking an explosive start.
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Users loved the idea of posting “filtered” user’s photos that made their shots look artistic without needing fancy equipment.
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Instagram started to feel like a community, where people shared everything from coffee cups to sunsets.
Key Milestones in Instagram’s History
Instagram didn’t just stay the same; it grew and changed over time. Here are some major milestones that shaped its path.
1. Facebook Acquisition (2012)
In 2012, Instagram was acquired by Facebook for $1 billion in cash and stock. At the time, Instagram had only 13 employees and was seen as a huge purchase.
Facebook’s acquisition helped Instagram grow, providing it with resources to scale and expand.
2. Introduction of Video (2013)
Instagram initially only supported photos, but in 2013, it added video-sharing capabilities. Users could post 15-second videos, which later expanded to longer formats.
This addition was a response to Vine, another social platform focused on short videos, which was gaining popularity.
3. Launch of Instagram Direct (2013)
Instagram launched Direct Messaging in December 2013, allowing users to share private messages, photos, and videos.
This feature made the app more social and interactive, creating a space for private conversations alongside public feed posts.
4. Introduction of Advertising (2015)
By 2015, Instagram introduced advertisements.
This shift allowed businesses to Instagram’s user base on their preferences and browsing habits, creating a new revenue stream for Instagram.
According to Statista, Instagram’s global advertising revenue was estimated at $1.8 billion in 2016, highlighting how valuable ads were to its IG business pages.
Evolution of Instagram Features
Instagram didn’t stop at photos and videos. It continued adding features to engage users feeds and keep up with competition.
Features Added Over the Years
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Stories (2016): Inspired by Snapchat, Instagram Stories allowed users to post temporary photos and videos that disappeared after 24 hours.
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IGTV (2018): IGTV was launched to support longer video content, a move to attract creators and YouTubers.
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Reels (2020): In response to TikTok’s success, Instagram introduced Instagram Reels, allowing users to post short, engaging videos with music and effects.
Comparison of Instagram’s Core Features Over Time
Each feature was added with a purpose – to engage users and adapt to the trends of the time.
These additions helped Instagram stay relevant as new and other social media platforms emerged.
Instagram’s Impact on Culture and Business
Instagram has had a significant impact on modern culture and business. It’s more than just a platform; it’s a tool that has influenced how we communicate, share, and even shop.
1. The Rise of Influencer Culture
Instagram created a new career path: the influencer. People began building personal brands by sharing their interests, whether it was fashion, travel, food, or fitness.
Influencers can earn money through brand partnerships, sponsored posts, and product endorsements.
In fact, influencer marketing on Instagram was valued at $2.3 billion in 2020, showing how powerful it’s become in advertising.
2. Boosting Small Businesses
Instagram has been a lifeline for many small businesses. Features like Instagram Shops allow businesses to sell directly through the Instagram app.
Small brands, especially in fashion, beauty, and art, have found success by connecting directly with customers without needing a physical store.
3. The Evolution of Photography
The history of Instagram has also impacted photography trends. With easy-to-use filters and editing tools, Instagram has made photography accessible to everyone.
From selfies to #FoodPhotography, it’s influenced how and what people photograph.
Criticisms and Controversies
While Instagram has many positives, it’s also faced criticism.
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Mental Health Concerns: Instagram can negatively impact self-esteem, especially among teenagers.
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Privacy Issues: Being part of Facebook, Instagram has dealt with privacy concerns and accusations of data misuse.
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Algorithm Changes: Instagram’s algorithm has often been criticized for limiting visibility, affecting both regular Instagram users and businesses.
How Instagram Stays Relevant
Instagram’s journey has been filled with competition, but it has adapted to remain a top choice for one million registered users.
Whether it’s adding new features, like Reels to compete with TikTok, or constantly updating its algorithm to prioritize engaging content, Instagram announced and has managed to stay popular.
The platform listens to trends and adjusts accordingly, ensuring it meets user engagement.
Conclusion
The history of Instagram reveals a platform that started as a simple photo-sharing app and evolved into a cultural phenomenon with over a billion users.
Instagram has revolutionized social media by shaping trends, creating influencers, and supporting businesses.
As it moves forward, it’s likely that Instagram will continue to adapt, bringing new features and possibly addressing some of the concerns that have been raised over the years.
Instagram’s journey is a reminder of how quickly technology can change the way we connect and share our lives.
For better or worse, it’s here to stay, and it will be interesting to see how it continues to evolve.
Whether you use it to upload media of your day, follow your favorite celebrities, or shop for unique products, Instagram is part of the fabric of modern social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the background history of Instagram?
Instagram was born out of a desire to create something simple and focused.
It all started with Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger who worked on the social media platform Meebo for page scrolling mode, two Stanford graduates with an interest in tech and photography.
Their first app, Burbn, was designed as a location-based check-in app with a lot of features, but it was too complicated.
They noticed that users mainly enjoyed the photo-sharing aspect, so they decided to strip the app down to just that.
With a few simple filters and an easy-to-use interface, Instagram was officially launched in October 2010.
The app quickly caught on, gaining 25,000 downloads within a day and over a million within just two months.
It was acquired by Facebook for $1 billion in 2012, which helped it grow into the global social media platform we know today.
What was Instagram's original purpose?
The original purpose of Instagram was straightforward: to let people share photos with each other in a simple, visually appealing way.
Systrom and Krieger wanted to make it easy for users to snap a photo, apply a cool filter, and instantly share it with friends.
The app was designed to make ordinary photos look a bit more artistic without needing fancy editing skills.
Early on, it focused exclusively on photos, aiming to create a community where people could share everyday moments in a beautiful, accessible way.
What is Instagram's history of creation?
Instagram’s creation began with Kevin Systrom’s passion for photography and technology.
After meeting Mike Krieger, the two began working on Burbn, which included various features like check-ins, photo-sharing, and event planning.
However, they noticed that the photo-sharing feature was the most popular among users, so they decided to make it the main focus.
Stripping down the app to its core purpose, they rebranded it as Instagram, combining "instant camera" and "telegram."
The app launched on October 6, 2010, initially only on iOS. Instagram was an instant hit, gaining massive popularity for its simplicity and fun photo filters.
Facebook's acquisition in 2012 was a major turning point, providing the resources for Instagram to expand and add new features like video, Instagram stories, and shopping.
How to see history on Instagram?
If you're looking to see your own activity history on Instagram, such as past likes, comments, and even searches, there’s a simple way to do it:
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Go to your Profile by tapping on your picture at the bottom right.
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Tap the three lines (menu icon) in the top right corner, then go to Your Activity.
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Here, you’ll find various sections, like Interactions (where you can see your likes and comments), Photos and Videos, and Search History.
For specific post histories, like a feature called vertical Stories, you can view them in the Archive section under the same menu if you’ve enabled story archiving.
This allows you to view your past Stories even after they’ve disappeared from your main profile.
Remember, though, that you won’t be able to see others' histories, as Instagram only allows access to your own personal activities for privacy reasons.