Who doesn’t have an Instagram account? The popular photo and video-sharing app has taken the world by storm, with over 1 billion active users each month. Let’s take a look at the story of Instagram, from its founding to today.

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2010: The Beginning

This is where our story starts! Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, two young developers, launched an app called Burbn. The app initially focused on check-ins and “likes” for different locations.

2011: A Pivot to Photos

Burbn didn’t achieve the success the founders had hoped for. However, Systrom and Krieger realized the potential of one specific feature: photo sharing with filters. They decided to shift their focus.

2011: The Birth of Instagram

Instagram was officially born! The app now focused solely on photo and video sharing, allowing users to apply filters to their posts. The name “Instagram” came from combining “instant” and “telegram.”

2012: A Year of Growth

The app exploded in popularity! Within just a year, Instagram reached 10 million users.

2012: Facebook Takes Notice

Mark Zuckerberg saw the app’s meteoric rise and offered $1 billion to acquire Instagram.

2012: Acquired by Facebook

Instagram was officially acquired by Facebook. Many users worried about the future of the app under new ownership.

2013 to Present: Rapid Expansion

Instagram continued to grow and evolve, adding new features such as Stories, Reels, and IGTV, which expanded the app’s capabilities beyond simple photo sharing.

2016: A New Name

The original name “Burbn” was officially dropped, and the app was solely referred to as “Instagram” from this point onward.

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Why Did Instagram Change Its Name?

The name change occurred for several reasons:

• Simplicity: “Instagram” was easier to remember and spell.
• Brand Recognition: The app had established itself as a recognizable brand.
• Focus: “Burbn” didn’t clearly describe the app’s purpose, while “Instagram” reflected its focus on instant photo sharing.

Why Did Facebook Buy Instagram?

There are several reasons why Facebook acquired Instagram:

• Competition: Instagram was becoming a serious competitor for Facebook, particularly among younger users.
• Potential: Facebook recognized Instagram’s growth potential and wanted to add the app to its portfolio.
• Innovation: Instagram’s innovation and expertise were valuable assets for Facebook.

The story of Instagram is one of success and innovation. Despite its name change and acquisition by Facebook, it has remained authentic and dynamic. Whether you love it or not, Instagram is here to stay!