-
Initial Release
Instagram was released to the public on the iOS app store. In 2 months the app already had one million registered users. -
Hashtags
Hashtags were introduced to Instagram in January of 2011. They are a way to discover new photos and videos related to the hashtag. -
Explore
Instagram launched the "Explore" page in June of 2012. It was created to introduce you to popular photos and videos that you may like based on the algorithm. -
Filters
Instagram filters were introduced in February of 2012. The purpose of filters is to change the colour scheme of the photo. -
Android Release
Instagram was released on Android on April 3, 2012. It was downloaded more than one million times in one day. -
Facebook buys Instagram
Facebook Inc. bought Instagram for $1 billion in cash and stock on April 9, 2012. Facebook and Instagram officially closed their deal and purchased Instagram for $300 million in cash and 23 million shares of stock on September 6, 2012. -
Direct Messaging
Instagram launched direct messaging in December of 2013. Users could privately message each other within the app. -
Videos
Instagram launched the video feature in June of 2013. Users could upload a 15-second video on their feed. -
Stories
In August of 2016 Instagram released a new feature called "Stories". Users could take photos and upload them to their story. They would expire after 24 hours and disappear. -
Redesign
In May of 2016 Instagram completely changed its design making the app page black and white and changing the icon to a more colourful and "modern" design. I think this change was influenced by the fashion trends in 2016. Some trends in 2016 included: chokers, bomber jackets, baseball caps, velvet, and slip dresses. I think because of these trends Instagram wanted to change the aesthetics of the app to match the current fashion trends. The new layout was very neutral and would match future trends. -
IGTV
A new feature called IGTV was released on June 20, 2018. It allowed users to post longer videos on their page. -
Stepping down
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger announced that they would be stepping down from Instagram on September 24, 2018. Rumours have been circulated that it was caused by frustrations with Facebook. -
New Owner
Instagram announced that Adam Mosseri would be taking over for Krieger and Systrom on October 1, 2018. -
Reels
In August of 2021 Instagram launched a new feature called "Reels". It was made to compete with another social media app called "TikTok".