When Was Instagram Created? Instagram History!

We all love Instagram today – but have you ever stopped to wonder when was Instagram created and how it all began? If you’re scrolling through your feed daily, you might not remember when Instagram first came out or who built it. Before IG took over the social media landscape, Facebook and Twitter ruled the scene – until a couple of Stanford grads completely changed the game.

In this article, we’ll uncover when Instagram was invented, who its founders are, and how it became one of the most influential social media platforms in the world. If you’re passionate about growing your presence, you’ll also learn how its humble beginnings can inspire your own digital journey.

Keep reading – because this is more than just history. It’s a lesson in vision, innovation, and timing.

Meet the Founders of Instagram

No story about when Instagram started is complete without its creators – Kevin Systrom (@kevin) and Mike Krieger (@mikeyk).

Before he became Instagram’s CEO for eight years, Kevin Systrom graduated from Stanford University and worked at a travel startup called Nextstop. He also had a background in tech at Google and Odeo (which later evolved into Twitter).

Armed with coding skills, Kevin built an early photo-sharing app called Burbn – the prototype that would eventually become Instagram. In 2010, after pitching his idea at a networking event, he secured $500,000 in funding and brought on a co-founder with exceptional technical expertise.

That’s when Mike Krieger, another Stanford alum, joined. With his MS in Symbolic Systems and experience at Meebo as a UX designer and front-end engineer, Mike became Instagram’s Head of Engineering for eight years – helping shape the clean, minimal design we still recognize today.

Together, Kevin and Mike created the foundation of the world’s most visual social network.

If you want to learn how platforms evolve over time and adapt to user trends, check out this Instagram Growth Strategy for 2025 – it’s a modern-day continuation of the same entrepreneurial spirit Kevin and Mike had.

When Was Instagram Created?

So, what year was Instagram created? Officially, Instagram was launched in October 2010.

After securing funding in early 2010, Kevin and Mike worked tirelessly for months to refine their idea. The first test photos – including one of a dog at a taco stand – marked the birth of a new era for mobile photography.

The first official post was uploaded at South Beach Harbor Marina, and within 24 hours of launch, 25,000 users joined. By December, over a million people had downloaded the app.

Since Instagram first came out, the platform has evolved dramatically. Today, it includes features such as:

1. Instagram Direct Messages for private chats (learn how to archive instagram messages)
2. Instagram Stories, launched in 2016, which revolutionized content sharing (here’s how to use Highlights effectively)
3. Instagram Live, giving users a new way to connect in real-time

Curious about how Instagram’s reach and engagement have transformed since its early days? Explore the top Instagram analytics tools for 2025 to track your growth the smart way.

Who Is the Head of Instagram Now?

As of today, Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) serves as the Head of Instagram. A veteran in the Meta (formerly Facebook) family for over a decade, Mosseri oversees product, engineering, and user experience.

He’s also known for keeping users updated about Instagram’s direction – from algorithm tweaks to feature rollouts like Reels and Threads. Creators and brands often follow him to stay ahead of platform updates and community insights.

If you’re serious about staying updated on Instagram’s inner workings, check out Instagram Insights: Your Blueprint for Social Media Triumph to better understand how data drives visibility on the app.

Frequently Asked Questions About When Instagram Was Founded

The advent of Instagram seems so long ago. There are questions about its origins. Here are the answers to some popular IG questions.

FAQ: What Year Did Instagram Become Popular?

Instagram officially started in October 2010, and it skyrocketed almost instantly. Within 24 hours, it had 25,000 users; within two months, it hit one million. By 2018, it reached a mind-blowing 1 billion active users – proving that even over a decade later, it hasn’t lost its edge.

If you’re looking to replicate that kind of exponential growth for your brand, our real Instagram followers guide shows how to attract authentic users who actually engage with your content.

FAQ: Who Is Number 1 on Instagram?

As of 2025, Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano) remains the most-followed person on Instagram, with over 630 million followers. He built his empire not just on athletic skill but by mastering digital storytelling – a valuable lesson for anyone learning how to become an influencer on Instagram.

FAQ: When Did Instagram Come Out for Everyone?

Instagram officially became available to the public on October 6, 2010, for iPhone users. The Android version followed on April 3, 2012, opening the floodgates for global adoption.

Since then, Instagram has continued to add features that support creators and businesses alike. For example, learning how to boost Instagram followers organically can help you make the most of these updates in 2025 and beyond.

Instagram Is Here. Let’s Make the Best of It! 

Reading about the visionaries who built Instagram reminds us how innovation starts small but can grow into something monumental. Kevin and Mike took a simple idea – sharing photos online – and turned it into a cultural phenomenon.

If you’ve ever wondered how to unlock your own potential on Instagram, now’s the time to act. With the right strategies, your profile could become the next big success story.

Start by understanding your audience through tools like Instagram engagement rate calculators
and Instagram analytics insights. Then, grow your visibility using ethical and effective methods from Hexrate’s AI-driven Instagram growth platform.

Now that you know when Instagram was created – the real question is: When will you start creating your own digital success story?