Instagram is an application that we use every time we make use of our smartphones. The app was launched in the year 2010. Instagram is now integrated into our lives in less than 10 years.
Instagram has grown its popularity not just from a consumer standpoint, but also within the world of digital marketing. It boasts over one billion active users per month as of today. Let’s see the reason why:
Quick Facts behind the Instagram.
| Year Launched | 2010 |
| Founders | Mike Kraiger, Kevin Systrom |
| Headquarter | Menlo Park, California |
| Industry | Social Media |
| Key People | Kevin Systrom, Adam Mosseri, Mike Krieger |
| Website | www.instagram.com |
Instagram Start-Up
On the 6th of October in 2010, following several months of development and testing, Instagram was officially launched. On the first day of its launch, it achieved 25,000 Instagram users.
There was however no quick success, as one might think, and I’ll detail the entire story.
Who was the founder of Instagram?
The responsibility for the development of Instagram is due to the two founders of Instagram. Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. The mobile app of Instagram was first launched in the year 2010.
Who is Kevin Systrom?
Kevin Systrom was born in 1983. When he graduated from college in management of science and engineering. He began working as a marketing manager.
Before that, he worked as an intern with Odeo Company (Twitter). He began Instagram as a side project that was his part-time job. Then, he left his job and began working all day to create Instagram.
Mike Krieger
Mike Krieger, born in 1986, was the co-creator of Instagram. Kevin Mike was acquainted in the course of their studies at Stanford University, where Mike researched symbolic systems.
While studying, Mike developed a very interesting application that was photo-sharing application. The idea was to make everyone smile by sending images of the sun in winter.
Instagram over the time:
2010 the journey got started.
October was the beginning of everything. A new era of production of content started with the launch of Instagram. It quickly draws 100,000 users.
2011, becoming popular.
It was the month of June when Instagram launched one of the most popular trends of today. That is the introduction of hashtags to the platform.
2012, Insta got a new owner.
The month of April was when Facebook acquired Instagram. It was an enormous step in Instagram’s development.
2013, getting techy.
In July, Instagram permits other sites to share their content on Instagram provided they have the permission to do the same. Brands gain increased engagement through the embedded hyperlinks.
In November, Instagram launched sponsored post advertising, and Michael Kors became the first official Instagram user, adding 34,000 followers in just 18 hours.
2014, getting into the business.
In August, Instagram introduced a profile for businesses due to the increasing popularity of posts that were sponsored. The company had also added a dashboard for analyzing impressions, reach and the frequency of ads campaigns as well as personal ads, using the tools offered by Facebook for this feature.
2015
June: CTA’s were launched! Instagram introduced new types of conversion such as app installation or newsletter sign-ups. They also offer links to websites for retail in anticipation of a purchase. They also tease the introduction of new targeting capabilities that are based on Facebook’s highly-granular user information.
2016, users getting control.
The month of May is here: Instagram rolls out audience demographics and posts impressions. It also offers reach, as well as the ability to transform posts that are performing well into advertisements.
The month of August. Instagram stories were just launched. Now for twenty-four hours, users can upload photos and videos to Stories.
November: We’re able to affirm that Instagram had a busy year. Live video streaming had started. It was now possible to communicate with your viewers in real-time.
2017, More Ads
March was a busy month, so be ready. Full-screen story ads, as well as new analytics for posts with multiple images and stories, are available now on Instagram. The new shopping option within Instagram makes it simpler for users to find and buy products.
In December, story highlights were added to post regularly created videos on your profiles. It was an easy method to promote your business and highlight your new products without overwhelming your customers.
2018
May: The latest messages had been received in the inboxes of direct accounts for businesses. Fast responses are also an element of the program to ease some of the stress.
June: Instagram’s video sharing app, IGTV, was created. To be competitive with YouTube, Instagram has added the capability to share videos with a duration of 60 minutes.
In August, the feature was now available to include links in Instagram Stories. Making use of this feature is essential because users can click directly to go to a specific page for a product.
September: Accounts for businesses were at the top spots in Stories. To facilitate shopping on an e-commerce website or Instagram shopping page more convenient for consumers, brands were now able to add product stickers to Stories.
2019, Influencers got a platform.
Jan: Instagram offers Creator Accounts. That’s right. Soon, influencers, famous people, and other accounts with a high profile will be able to monitor their growth and analytics. Instagram promises that its new feature will come with new insights for followers and direct messaging tools and adjustable labels.
March: Instead of going to an external site to purchase on Instagram, Instagram has introduced an app-based payment function. Thanks to the feature Instagram is now able to become a major online retailer.
May: Similar to Business Accounts that launched on Instagram in 2014. Creator Accounts are Instagram’s effort to cater to the increasing number of influencers using Instagram to promote their brands, art, and product endorsements. Creator accounts can track growth, insights into followers and more efficient messaging.
2020, The covid crisis or business for Instagram?
January: Instagram’s business accounts now have access to an additional inbox. Businesses can now separate direct messages into priority and low inboxes, making communication more efficient.
The month of March was here. IGTV, the long-form platform of Instagram, was now allowing creators to make money from their videos through ad revenue.
In April, the COVID-19 pandemic was a catalyst for Instagram to launch brand new profile and story features to help small-scale companies. On Instagram users can now apply stickers to their stories which allow users to purchase gift cards, place orders for food or even donate cash.
August: Excited by the popularity that TikTok has, Instagram launched Reels in more than 50 countries.
Oct: Facebook launched Facebook Business Suite, formerly known as the Pages Manager App, to allow small-scale businesses to control the management of their Facebook and Instagram messages, content, and tools for analysis in one place.
December: Product tags were added to Reels and products that are included in Reels posts available for purchase on Instagram. Instagram app.
2021, The recent
February: With insights, analytics and other resources directly from the Instagram app. Instagram unveils a Professional Dashboard for businesses and creators.
What is it that made Instagram such a huge success?
There are many reasons behind the popularity of Instagram:
- Instagram lets you simply take normal photos and turn them into stunning images. This can be attractive.
- Instagram has focused on doing only one thing, rather than trying to accomplish several things.
- It is packed with exciting features and is regularly updated to meet the needs of the users daily.
- It’s not full of annoying ads. Nothing is displayed!
- You can create a good business profile and earn lots of money having your impact.
Conclusion
The initial idea was to create an image-sharing service, Instagram has emerged as an effective marketing tool for companies as well as an integral component of our everyday social media use.
There is no doubt about the fact that Instagram continues to grow shorter, and remains relevant to our lives for quite a time.