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Instagram launch
Instagram was created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, and launched in October 2010 as a free mobile app. Originally, a distinctive feature was that it confined photos to a square shape, similar to Kodak Instamatic and Polaroid images, in contrast to the 4:3 aspect ratio typically used by mobile device cameras. -
Instagram reaches 10m users
Almost a year later, the app had 10 million users uploading their photos.
Instagram is distributed through the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Windows Phone Store.[10] Support for the app is available for iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch, and Android handsets, while third-party Instagram apps are available for Blackberry 10 and Nokia-Symbian Devices. -
Facebook acquires Instagram
As of April 2012, Instagram is owned by Facebook. Mark Zuckerberg's company acquired the app for US$1 billion in cash and stock.
Mark Zuckerberg noted that Facebook was "committed to building and growing Instagram independently", in contrast to its past practice. According to multiple reports, the deal netted Systrom US$400 million based on his ownership stake in the business. The exact purchase price was US$300 million in cash and 23 million shares of stock. -
Instagram introduces video
Initially a purely photo-sharing service, Instagram incorporated video sharing in June 2013, allowing its users to record and share videos lasting for up to 15 seconds. The addition was seen by some in the technology media as Facebook's attempt at competing with Twitter's Vine video-sharing application. -
Instagram adds different aspect ratios
In August 2015, version 7.5 was released, allowing users to post photos captured in any aspect ratio. Users can also apply digital filters to their images. The maximum duration for Instagram videos is 15 seconds.
Some quick stats show that, in 2015, Instagram has over 300 million active users with over 30 million photos shared.
