Instagram platform evolution and influencer economy (2010–2023)

1. Instagram launches as photo-sharing iPhone app

   Oct 6, 2010Labels: Instagram app

   • MacStories

2. Facebook announces acquisition of Instagram

   Apr 9, 2012Labels: Facebook, Instagram

   • Washington Post

3. Explore tab launches to drive discovery

   Jun 25, 2012Labels: Explore tab

   • TechCrunch

4. Instagram adds 15-second video posts

   Jun 20, 2013Labels: Video posts

   • CNBC

5. First Instagram ads appear in feeds

   Nov 1, 2013Labels: Instagram ads

   • TechCrunch

6. Instagram announces shift toward algorithmic feed

   Mar 15, 2016Labels: Algorithmic feed

   • TIME

7. Business profiles and analytics tools roll out

   Jun 1, 2016Labels: Business profiles

   • DPReview

8. Instagram launches Stories (24-hour posts)

   Aug 2, 2016Labels: Stories

   • TechCrunch

9. Paid partnership label expands branded content disclosure

   Nov 7, 2017Labels: Paid partnership

   • TechCrunch

10. IGTV launches for longer vertical video

    Jun 20, 2018Labels: IGTV

    • CNN

11. Instagram launches in-app Checkout for shopping

    Mar 19, 2019Labels: Checkout

    • TechCrunch

12. Instagram begins testing hidden like counts

    Apr 30, 2019Labels: Hidden likes

    • TechCrunch

13. Reels launches widely, shifting Instagram toward short video

    Aug 5, 2020Labels: Reels

    • Wired

14. Meta pauses Reels bonus payments for creators

    Mar 10, 2023Labels: Reels bonus

    • TechCrunch

15. EU designates Meta (including Instagram) as DMA gatekeeper

    Sep 6, 2023Labels: Digital Markets, Meta

    • EU DMA