Do you love scrolling through your Instagram feed, or maybe you’re just getting started on the platform? Either way, there are probably some fun facts about Instagram that you might not know! In this article, we’ll share 10 interesting and surprising facts about Instagram that are sure to pique your interest. From the most popular filters to the celebrity with the most followers, these fun and fascinating tidbits are bound to make you appreciate Instagram even more.
1.Instagram was originally called "Burbn"
Before it became Instagram, the app was originally developed as a location-based check-in app called “Burbn.” Kevin Systrom, the co-founder of Instagram, created the app in 2010 with the intention of building a platform where users could check in to different locations, earn points, and share photos with friends.
However, after testing the app with a group of friends, Systrom and his team realized that the photo-sharing feature was the most popular aspect of the app. They decided to pivot the app’s focus to photo-sharing and added various filters to make the photos look more visually appealing.
As the team continued to develop the app, they renamed it Instagram, which is a combination of “instant camera” and “telegram.” The name better reflected the app’s focus on sharing photos and communication through images. The rest, as they say, is history.
2. Where Did The Name Come From?
The name “Instagram” actually comes from combining two words: “instant” and “telegram”. Kevin Systrom, one of Instagram’s co-founders, explained in an interview that they chose the name because the app was designed to allow users to instantly share photos and videos with each other, much like a telegram. The “gram” part of the name is a nod to the fact that Instagram was originally designed as a platform for sharing photos, or “grams”. The name Instagram was chosen over the app’s original name, Burbn, because the co-founders felt it was catchier and more memorable. Since its launch in 2010, Instagram has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with millions of users sharing photos and videos every day.
3. The First Ever Photo Posted
The first photo ever posted on Instagram was uploaded by one of the co-founders, Kevin Systrom, on July 16, 2010. The photo shows Kevin’s dog, a Golden Retriever named Dolly, lying on a rug with his belly exposed. The photo was simple, but it set the tone for the type of content that would eventually become popular on the platform – candid, personal, and often featuring pets.
Interestingly, the photo was not taken with Instagram itself, since the app had not yet been developed. Instead, Kevin took the photo with his iPhone and then uploaded it to the platform using a test version of the app. The app was still in development at the time, and the team was testing it internally before releasing it to the public.
The photo may seem unremarkable, but it holds a special place in Instagram’s history as the very first image ever posted on the platform. Since then, billions of photos and videos have been uploaded to Instagram, and the platform has become a cultural phenomenon with users all around the world.
4. The Viral Egg
The egg that went viral on Instagram in 2019 now has more than 54 million likes.
a simple photo of an egg took Instagram by storm, becoming the most liked photo on the platform. The photo, which was posted with the caption “Let’s set a world record together and get the most liked post on Instagram. Beating the current world record held by Kylie Jenner (18 million)! We got this,” quickly gained traction and surpassed Kylie Jenner’s previous record of 18 million likes.
The photo was posted by a user named @world_record_egg, who was later revealed to be a British advertising creative named Chris Godfrey. The egg’s popularity was likely due to its simple and relatable nature, as well as the viral nature of the challenge to beat Kylie Jenner’s record.
The egg’s popularity also led to a number of spin-off memes and products, including egg-themed merchandise and even a “Game of Thrones”-inspired egg meme. While the egg’s popularity has since died down, it remains a fascinating example of the power of social media and the unexpected viral nature of online content.
5. Instagram Acquired by Facebook for $1 billion.
Instagram was acquired by Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion. At the time, Instagram had only 30 million users, but it was quickly growing in popularity. Facebook saw the potential in Instagram’s visual-focused platform and recognized the opportunity to expand its own social media offerings.
Despite being owned by Facebook, Instagram has remained a separate platform with its own unique features and community. However, there have been some integrations between the two platforms over the years. For example, users can now cross-post their Instagram posts to their Facebook accounts, and Facebook’s advertising tools are available to businesses on Instagram.
Overall, the acquisition has been a successful one for both Facebook and Instagram. Instagram has continued to grow and evolve, while Facebook has benefited from having another popular social media platform under its umbrella.
6. The Most Followed Celebrity on Instagram
Is currently Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson is currently the most followed celebrity on Instagram with over 260 million followers as of March 2023. Johnson is an actor, producer, and former professional wrestler who has appeared in many popular movies such as “Jumanji,” “Fast and Furious,” and “Moana.” He is known for his charismatic personality and motivational posts, which have helped him build a huge following on the platform.
The Rock is also known for his engagement with his followers on Instagram, often responding to comments and messages, and sharing behind-the-scenes footage from his movies and personal life. He has also used his platform to raise awareness for important causes such as mental health, diversity and inclusion, and environmental issues.
Johnson’s popularity on Instagram has not only made him one of the most followed celebrities on the platform but also one of the highest-paid influencers, earning an estimated $1 million per sponsored post.
7. The Most Followed Brand On Instagram
Is currently National Geographic.
National Geographic is currently the most followed brand on Instagram with over 170 million followers as of 2021. The account showcases stunning photos and videos of nature, wildlife, cultures, and science from around the world. National Geographic’s Instagram account is known for its visually stunning and educational content, which aligns with the brand’s mission to inspire people to care about the planet.
National Geographic has been active on Instagram since 2012 and has since built a massive following. The account regularly features the work of photographers and explorers, and also promotes its own television shows and magazines. National Geographic has even created a separate Instagram account for its popular “Travel” magazine, which focuses on travel photography and experiences.
The success of National Geographic’s Instagram account has led other brands to take notice and try to replicate their social media strategy. Many brands are now investing heavily in their social media presence on Instagram, recognizing it as a powerful tool for reaching and engaging with their target audience.
8. Instagram Has Been Banned in North Korea, China, and Iran.
In North Korea, Instagram is not accessible because the government tightly controls internet access, and only a few selected individuals have access to the internet.
In China, Instagram is blocked by the “Great Firewall” of China, which is a sophisticated system of internet censorship that filters out content deemed undesirable by the Chinese government. China has its own social media platforms, including Weibo and WeChat, which are heavily monitored and controlled by the government.
In Iran, Instagram was briefly banned in 2018, along with other social media platforms, during anti-government protests. The Iranian government views Instagram as a potential tool for organizing and mobilizing protests, so they have periodically banned access to the platform. However, Instagram has since been unblocked in Iran.
It’s worth noting that in some countries where Instagram is not officially available, users can still access the app using virtual private networks (VPNs) or other methods of bypassing internet censorship. However, doing so may be illegal or risky, depending on the laws and regulations of the country in question.
9. The Most Followed Sports Person
As of March 2023, the most-followed celebrity on Instagram is Cristiano Ronaldo, a Portuguese professional footballer who currently plays for Manchester United and the Portugal national team. He has over 250 million followers on the platform, making him the most-followed individual on Instagram.
Ronaldo joined Instagram in 2012, and since then, he has become one of the most popular and influential figures on the platform. He regularly shares photos and videos of his daily life, as well as posts promoting his various business ventures and sponsorships. He is known for his stylish and fashion-forward posts, as well as his motivational messages to his followers.
In addition to being the most-followed celebrity on Instagram, Ronaldo is also one of the highest-paid athletes in the world, with an estimated net worth of $500 million. He has won numerous awards and accolades throughout his career, including five Ballon d’Or titles and four European Golden Shoes.
Overall, Cristiano Ronaldo’s popularity on Instagram is a testament to his worldwide appeal as a professional athlete and cultural icon. His massive following on the platform has helped to solidify his status as one of the most influential figures in sports and popular culture.
10. Instagram was Launched in October 2010
And gained one million users within two months.
Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010, by co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. At the time of its launch, it was only available on the iOS operating system. The app gained popularity quickly and reached 1 million registered users within just two months, which was a significant achievement at the time.
This impressive growth was partly due to Instagram’s unique features, such as the ability to add filters to photos, which made them look more polished and professional. Instagram’s early success also came from its simplicity and ease of use, making it a popular app for people of all ages and backgrounds.
As Instagram grew, it expanded its features to include videos, stories, and other interactive elements, making it an even more dynamic and engaging platform. Today, Instagram is one of the most widely used social media platforms in the world, with over 1 billion active users and counting.