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Instagram: A Thorough Overview​ (2026)

Instagram, ⁢a Meta ‍Platforms-owned social media ⁤platform,⁤ has become a dominant force in visual interaction and social networking. Launched⁤ in 2010, it has evolved from a ‍simple photo-sharing app to a multifaceted platform ⁢encompassing video, stories, live streams, and shopping features. As of January 2026, Instagram boasts over 2 billion ⁣monthly active users worldwide [meta Newsroom], making it one of the most popular social networks globally.

A Brief History of Instagram

Instagram’s origins trace back ⁣to​ a location-based check-in app​ called⁣ Burbn. Recognizing that users were primarily engaging ⁢with the photo-sharing aspect of ‍Burbn, founders ‌Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger pivoted the‌ app’s focus, launching Instagram on October 6, 2010. The app quickly gained traction, particularly among mobile users, due to its​ simplicity and focus on visual ‍content. Facebook (now Meta) acquired Instagram in April 2012 for approximately $1 billion