Ever wondered when you first joined the visual storytelling platform, Instagram? You're not alone. With billions of users worldwide, it's a natural curiosity. Let's dive into your Instagram journey.
Before we get into when you joined, let's talk a bit about Instagram's origins. Founded in 2010 by Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Instagram initially focused on photo-sharing, revolutionizing how we share and consume media.
Instagram's Launch and Early Growth
Instagram formally launched on October 6, 2010. However, it wasn't until a year later, on September 26, 2011, that it crossed the 10 million user mark. By then, Instagram had already introduced features like filters, hashtags, and the 'like' function, driving its viral growth.
So, if you joined between late 2010 and early 2011, you were part of Instagram's foundational community.
Instagram username and user ID
Did you know your Instagram username and user ID might help determine when you joined? Early usernames typically reflect the user ID, which is sequential based on sign-up order. For instance, @instagram is user ID 1, followed by @oskar, @missososs, and so on.
If your username roughly correlates with these early ID numbers, it might suggest you joined during the first few months of Instagram's launch.
Instagram's "Followed By" list
Another way to estimate your join date is via Instagram's "Followed By" list. This feature displays the first few users who followed you. The usernames of these users might give clues about when they joined. Earlier joiners often have short, simple usernames.
Comparing these usernames with known early adopters can offer insights into when you might have joined.
The Rise of Instagram Stories and IGTV
Instagram continued to evolve, introducing Stories in 2016 and IGTV for long-form video in 2018. These features hint at your join date based on their availability.
If your account didn't have the Stories feature initially, you probably joined after August 2, 2016. Similarly, if you didn't start with IGTV, your join date could be after June 20, 2018.
Changes in profile page design
Instagram's profile page has seen several design updates. Recalling these changes can indicate when you joined. For instance, the addition of 'Following' and 'Followers' tabs in 2018 might suggest a later join date.
Remember, while these clues can provide estimates, they're not foolproof. They can't pinpoint your exact join date but can narrowing it down to a particular period.
So, doesn't it feel like you've been on Instagram for ages? From simple photo-sharing to reels and stories, you've been a part of its incredible evolution. Here's to many more years of creating, sharing, and engaging on Instagram!