Instagram was founded in October 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, initially as a simple photo-sharing app called Burbn. The app was inspired by Systrom’s love for photography and the concept of sharing experiences through images. However, after realizing that users were primarily interested in the photo-sharing aspect, Systrom and Krieger pivoted the app’s focus, simplifying it to allow users to upload and edit photos with various filters. This shift led to the official launch of Instagram in October 2010.

Within a short period, Instagram gained immense popularity, attracting over a million users within the first two months. The platform’s success was driven by its user-friendly interface and emphasis on visual storytelling. In April 2012, Instagram was acquired by Facebook for approximately $1 billion, which provided resources for further development and expansion.

After the acquisition, Instagram introduced various features, such as the ability to share videos, the Stories format inspired by Snapchat, and IGTV for longer video content. The platform also implemented advertising options and shopping capabilities, allowing brands to connect with users more effectively. Throughout its evolution, Instagram has maintained its focus on creativity and community, becoming a key player in social media and influencing cultural trends worldwide. Today, it boasts over a billion monthly active users, making it one of the leading social media platforms globally.