Member-only story
Instagram: The Rise of a Social Media Titan
On Instagram
image
The transition of Instagram from a fad photo-sharing app to one of the most influential social medial platforms is phenomenal. Its twist now conducts over two billion monthly active users, reshaping the ways in which people connect, businesses market, and trends spring... But really, how did Instagram get to the point of becoming this cultural touchstone?
The Beginnings of Instagram
Launched in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram initially started as a filter-rich photo-sharing app, finding its footing in less than two months, having achieved a million users. Its minimalist interface and a platform exclusively dedicated to visual content set it apart from competitors like Facebook and Twitter.
Facebook Acquisition and Rapid Growth
In 2012, Facebook acquires Instagram for an estimated $1 billion, and this acquisition dramatically scaled up its growth. Facebook's (now Meta's) ownership changed the shape of Instagram and enabled Instagram to launch a number of vital features over the years:
Videos (2013): An expansion beyond static images.
Stories (2016): Inspired by Snapchat, Stories became one of the most-used features.