When was Instagram created? Instagram was officially launched on October 6, 2010, by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. Originally designed as a simple photo-sharing app, Instagram quickly grew into a cultural phenomenon that’s now a part of everyday life for billions of users worldwide. With its focus on mobile photography and user engagement, Instagram has transformed the way we communicate and connect with others online.
In this article, we’ll not only explore when Instagram was created but also how the platform evolved to become one of the largest social media platforms globally.
When Was Instagram Created? The Origins of a Global Phenomenon
When was Instagram created? The social media app was born on October 6, 2010, after its founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, decided to pivot from their original idea of a location-based app called Burbn. At that time, mobile photography was on the rise, but there wasn’t an easy, streamlined way to share photos. Systrom, an avid fan of photography, saw this gap in the market and simplified Burbn’s complex features into what we now know as Instagram.
The app’s focus on instant photo-sharing was a game-changer. With Instagram’s minimalist design, users could quickly upload photos, apply a variety of filters, and share them with their friends and followers. This simple yet effective model attracted 25,000 users on its first day of launch.
Within three months of when Instagram was created, the app had already gained 1 million users—a huge milestone that paved the way for future success. By 2012, Instagram had become so popular that Facebook (now Meta) acquired the app for $1 billion. This acquisition was a turning point for Instagram, allowing it to scale its user base and develop new features that kept it ahead of competitors.
Instagram’s Evolution Over the Years
From the moment Instagram was created in 2010, the platform has continuously evolved, adding new features that have kept users engaged and coming back for more.
How many users are on Instagram today? By 2024, Instagram has over 2.4 billion active users, making it one of the largest social media platforms in the world. Its growth trajectory is nothing short of impressive, and this success is largely due to Instagram’s commitment to innovation. From the introduction of Instagram Stories to Reels, Instagram has mastered the art of adapting to user demands.
Here’s a timeline of Instagram’s major milestones since it was created:
Year | Major Milestones |
2010 | When was Instagram created? Instagram launched on October 6, 2010 |
2012 | Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion |
2013 | Video sharing introduced on Instagram |
2016 | Launch of Instagram Stories, which quickly became a user favourite |
2018 | IGTV launched to support longer vertical videos |
2020 | Introduction of Reels to compete with TikTok and attract video creators |
How Many Users on Instagram? A Look at Instagram’s Growth
When Instagram was created, it started with a small user base but quickly grew to millions. By 2024, how many users are on Instagram? The platform now boasts over 2.4 billion active users globally, accounting for nearly one-fourth of the world’s active internet users.
Instagram’s growth has been exponential, as shown in the following table:
Year | Users (in millions) |
2013 | 110 million |
2015 | 370 million |
2018 | 1 billion |
2020 | 1.4 billion |
2024 | 2.4 billion |
The platform’s ability to keep evolving with user behavior is a significant factor in its growth. Features like Instagram Stories, Reels, and IGTV have introduced new ways for users to engage with content and for brands to connect with their audiences.
How Many Instagram Accounts Can I Have?
With Instagram becoming more versatile and serving both personal and business needs, many users often ask, “How many Instagram accounts can I have?” Instagram allows users to create and manage up to five accounts from a single device. This feature is beneficial for influencers, business owners, or individuals who want to keep separate accounts for personal and professional use.
Here’s how you can add multiple Instagram accounts:
- Go to your profile.
- Tap the menu icon in the top-right corner.
- Select Settings > Add Account.
- Follow the prompts to create or log into another account.
Managing multiple accounts is easy, as Instagram lets you switch between them with a simple tap. For users who need to manage several brands or personal projects, this feature is essential.
Notable Instagram Records and Fun Facts
From the day Instagram was created, it has seen many exciting milestones and records. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Instagram:
- When was Instagram created? October 6, 2010.
- The first-ever Instagram post was by co-founder Mike Krieger, who shared a photo of South Beach Harbor before the app’s official launch.
- Cristiano Ronaldo holds the record for the most followers, with over 599 million followers.
- The most-liked Instagram post is a photo of Lionel Messi celebrating his 2022 World Cup victory, with over 75 million likes.
Instagram’s story is filled with fascinating moments that have kept it relevant and at the forefront of social media innovation.
The Future of Instagram: What’s Next?
Since Instagram was created, it has evolved from a simple photo-sharing app into a comprehensive social media platform that supports video content, shopping, and even live interactions. As Instagram moves forward, we can expect even more features to enhance user experience and keep the app relevant for the next generation of users.
The app’s ability to adapt to trends, like introducing Reels to compete with TikTok, shows Instagram’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve. With 2.4 billion users and counting, Instagram will continue to shape how we communicate, share, and connect online.
Are you ready to be part of Instagram’s next big moment? Whether you’re looking to create your own account or just stay up to date with the latest features, Instagram’s future looks brighter than ever.
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Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1. When was Instagram created?
A1. Instagram was created on October 6, 2010.
Q2. How many Instagram accounts can I have?
A2. You can have up to five accounts on Instagram.
Q3. How many users are on Instagram?
A3. Instagram currently has 2.4 billion active users.
Q4. Who owns Instagram now?
A4. Instagram is owned by Meta (formerly Facebook).
Q5. What was the first post on Instagram?
A5. The first post on Instagram was by Mike Krieger, featuring a photo of South Beach Harbor.
Q6. How do I add multiple Instagram accounts?
A6. You can add multiple accounts through the Settings menu by selecting Add Account.
Q7. Who has the most Instagram followers?
A7. Cristiano Ronaldo holds the top spot with over 599 million followers.
Q8. What is the most-liked post on Instagram?
A8. The most-liked post is Lionel Messi’s World Cup victory photo, with over 75 million likes.