Over the past years, few platforms have left a mark as lasting as Instagram. The photo-sharing sensation of our time has taken the world by storm since its very beginning in 2010. From a humble platform for sharing filtered snapshots to a global powerhouse of visual storytelling, Instagram forever changed the way we communicate and perceive the world.

As we celebrate its 13^th anniversary, let’s embark on a journey through the remarkable history of innovation and growth of this social media icon.

The Birth of an Idea

Instagram was founded by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger in October 2010, an idea stemmed from Systrom’s passion for photography and a desire to simply the process of enhancing and sharing pictures.

The platform initially launched exclusively for iOS and allowed users to share square-shaped photos with quirky filters. The app’s simplicity and aesthetic appeal quickly captured the imagination of the world: within the first 24 hours, it gathered 25,000 users and, within two months of its launch it had reached one million users!

A Timeline of Instagram’s Milestones

From 2010 forward, we saw Instagram undergo several transformations. In March 2011, Instagram debuted the “classic” app logo, and by September 10 million people had officially fallen in love with this social network! In 2012, Instagram hit 100 million users.

From the introduction of videos to the stories, here are some of the key milestones of the social media we all love:

The Rise of Filters (2011-2012)

One of Instagram’s early defining features was its filters. These filters allowed users to transform ordinary photos into captivating images with just a few taps. “Amaro,” “Hudson,” and “Lo-fi” became household names as Instagram’s user base grew exponentially.

The Acquisition by Facebook (2012)

In a historic move, Facebook acquired Instagram in April 2012 for approximately $1 billion. This acquisition marked a turning point in Instagram’s history, as it gained access to Facebook’s vast resources while maintaining its unique identity.

The Introduction of Video and DMs (2013)

Instagram expanded its horizons in 2013 by introducing the ability to share short videos. This move put Instagram in direct competition with Vine, a once-popular video-sharing platform. Users could now capture 15-second video clips alongside their photos, diversifying the content available on the platform.

In December, Instagram also introduced direct messages (DMs), expanding its functionality beyond photo and video sharing. DMs allowed users to have one-on-one conversations and share content privately, revolutionizing how people interacted on the platform.

The Advent of Stories (2016)

Perhaps one of the most significant milestones in Instagram’s history was the introduction of Stories in August 2016. Drawing inspiration from Snapchat, this feature was initially met with skepticism, but it turned out to be a game-changer. Stories became a cultural phenomenon, attracting millions of users who embraced the format of sharing moments that disappeared after 24 hours.

The Worldwide Influence of Instagram

On Culture

Instagram has played a pivotal role in shaping cultural trends and influencing the way we perceive the world. It’s not just a platform for sharing pictures; it’s a space for self-expression, art, and activism that inspires trends globally.

The visual nature of Instagram has empowered countless artists, photographers, and creators to reach a global audience. It has also given rise to the emergence of influencers and allowed individuals to become entrepreneurs.

Moreover, Instagram has played a significant role in driving social and political change. The platform has been a powerful tool for activists, allowing them to share stories, raise awareness, and mobilize support for various causes. Movements like #BlackLivesMatter and #MeToo have found a home on Instagram, where voices can be amplified and solidarity can be shown.

On Business

For businesses, Instagram has opened up new avenues for marketing and sales. The platform’s visual nature makes it a perfect fit for showcasing products and telling brand stories.

With the introduction of Instagram Shopping in 2018, brands can now directly sell products through the platform, revolutionizing e-commerce. Influencer marketing, too, has exploded on Instagram, with celebrities and everyday people partnering with brands to reach a highly engaged audience.

Instagram has also been a breeding ground for entrepreneurship. Many small businesses and startups have found success by leveraging the platform’s visual appeal to showcase their products and services.

To End… Some Interesting Facts

• Instagram is the 4^th most popular social media platform in the world in terms of user numbers, right behind Facebook, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
• In 2023, Instagram is expected to reach 1.35 billion users worldwide.
• Roughly 20.3% of all the people on Earth use Instagram today.
• Nearly 100 million accounts share a story on Instagram every day.