Overview
Instagram is a free, online photo-sharing application and social network platform that was launched on October 6, 2010. The service rapidly gained popularity, with over 100 million active users by April 2012. Instagram is distributed through the Apple App Store, Google Play, and Windows Store. Users can upload photos and short videos, follow other users' feeds, and geotag images with the name of a location. Users can also apply various digital filters to their images.
History
Instagram was created by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, and launched in October 2010. The service was acquired by Facebook in April 2012 for approximately US$1 billion in cash and stock. During its development stage, Instagram was titled 'Codename', which later changed to 'Burbn'. The creators decided to focus on a feature that had become particularly popular among Burbn users - photo-sharing. The name 'Instagram' is a portmanteau of 'instant camera' and 'telegram'.
Features
Instagram has several features that allow users to upload and edit photos and videos, follow other users, interact with them on their posts, and live stream video content. The 'Explore' tab allows users to discover photos and videos from accounts they do not follow. The 'Stories' feature lets users upload photos and videos to a separate feed from their main one, with each post accessible by others for 24 hours. The 'IGTV' feature supports long-form video. Instagram also includes augmented reality filters, shopping tools, and a short video 'Reel' feature.
Popularity and Impact
Instagram has been immensely popular since its initial release. Its user base rapidly expanded, with over 100 million active users by April 2012. Instagram's influence on the global digital culture is significant. It has impacted various aspects of society, including social communication, business, and news reporting. Instagram has also been associated with high levels of anxiety and depression in young people.
Controversies and Criticism
Instagram has been the subject of criticism due to issues such as data privacy, censorship, and illegal material. The platform has also been criticised for its handling of hate speech, its use of algorithms that promote harmful content, and its intrusive advertising practices.