What Was Instagram Originally Called? Unveiling the Pre-Instagram Identity

The platform we know and love (or occasionally loathe) as Instagram wasn’t always called Instagram. Before its meteoric rise to global photo-sharing dominance, it was initially christened Burbn.

The Genesis of Burbn: A Location-Based App

From Check-ins to Photo Focus

The story of Instagram, or rather Burbn’s origin, is a fascinating tale of pivoting. Co-founders Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, Stanford alumni with a passion for code and creativity, initially envisioned Burbn as a location-based social networking app. Think Foursquare, but with a visually appealing interface. Launched in March 2010, Burbn allowed users to check in at locations, share plans, and post photos. However, it quickly became apparent that the check-in features were competing with established players, and the app was becoming cluttered.

The Defining Pivot: Prioritizing Photos

Systrom and Krieger, always astute observers of user behavior, noticed that the photo-sharing aspect of Burbn was the most engaging feature. Users loved posting and sharing photos, often utilizing filters to enhance their visual appeal. Realizing this, they made a crucial decision: to pivot away from location-based check-ins and focus entirely on photo sharing. This pivotal moment marked the true beginning of what would eventually become Instagram.

From Burbn to Instagram: A Name Change and a Rebirth

The Inspiration Behind the New Name

With the decision made to center the app around photos, a new name was required. The founders wanted a name that was concise, memorable, and reflective of the core functionality of the app. They landed on Instagram, a portmanteau of “instant camera” and “telegram.” This name perfectly encapsulated the app’s vision: to provide a platform for sharing instant snapshots of life, akin to the immediacy of a Polaroid camera, combined with the speed and simplicity of sending a telegram.

Refining the User Experience

The transition from Burbn to Instagram wasn’t just a name change; it involved a complete overhaul of the user experience. Systrom and Krieger stripped away all the extraneous features, focusing solely on photo sharing, filters, and social interaction. They painstakingly refined the app’s design, making it intuitive and aesthetically pleasing. The result was a streamlined, user-friendly experience that resonated with a growing audience.

The Launch of Instagram: A New Era of Photo Sharing

Instagram officially launched on October 6, 2010, on the Apple App Store. The app quickly gained traction, attracting a dedicated following of early adopters who appreciated its simplicity and focus on visual content. The combination of a catchy name, a refined user experience, and the growing popularity of mobile photography propelled Instagram’s rapid ascent. The rest, as they say, is history.

FAQs About Instagram’s Origins

Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate the origins of Instagram and its predecessor, Burbn:

1. Why was Burbn so cluttered?

Burbn attempted to incorporate various social networking features, including check-ins, photo sharing, and making plans. This led to a complex and overwhelming user interface, which ultimately hindered its adoption.

2. What were the original filters on Instagram?

The initial set of filters on Instagram included options like X-Pro II, Earlybird, Hefe, Sutro, and Toaster. These filters were designed to enhance the look and feel of photos, adding a unique artistic touch. They quickly became a defining characteristic of the platform.

3. How did Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger meet?

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger met at Stanford University, where they both studied engineering. Their shared passion for technology and design led them to collaborate on various projects, eventually culminating in the creation of Burbn and Instagram.

4. What was the initial reception of Burbn?

While Burbn had some initial traction, it struggled to gain widespread adoption due to its cluttered interface and competition from established location-based apps. However, the founders recognized the potential of photo sharing and wisely pivoted.

5. How long did it take to develop Instagram after the pivot?

After deciding to focus on photo sharing, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger spent approximately eight weeks developing the initial version of Instagram. This rapid development cycle allowed them to quickly launch the app and capitalize on the growing demand for mobile photo sharing.

6. Was Instagram an instant success?

Instagram wasn’t an overnight sensation, but it experienced rapid growth in its early days. Within a few months of its launch, the app had attracted hundreds of thousands of users, demonstrating its appeal and potential.

7. Why did Facebook acquire Instagram?

Facebook acquired Instagram in 2012 for $1 billion in cash and stock. This acquisition was driven by Facebook’s recognition of Instagram’s growing popularity and its potential to compete with Facebook’s own photo-sharing features.

8. Did Burbn have any unique features besides check-ins and photos?

Burbn allowed users to earn points and badges for checking in at different locations, similar to Foursquare. It also included features for sharing plans with friends and discovering new places.

9. What impact did Instagram have on the photography industry?

Instagram democratized photography, making it accessible to a wider audience. Its filters and editing tools allowed anyone to create visually appealing photos, regardless of their technical skills. This led to a surge in amateur photography and the rise of “Instagram photographers.”

10. How has Instagram evolved since its launch?

Instagram has undergone significant changes since its launch, including the introduction of features like Stories, Reels, IGTV, and shopping. It has also expanded its focus to include video content, e-commerce, and influencer marketing.

11. What role did filters play in Instagram’s success?

Filters were a crucial element of Instagram’s early success. They allowed users to quickly and easily enhance their photos, giving them a distinctive look and feel. The filters also contributed to Instagram’s brand identity and helped it stand out from other photo-sharing apps.

12. Is Burbn still available?

No, Burbn is no longer available. After the launch of Instagram, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger discontinued Burbn to focus their efforts on the new app.

In conclusion, Instagram’s original name was Burbn, a location-based social networking app. However, the astute decision to pivot towards photo sharing, coupled with a catchy name and a refined user experience, transformed Burbn into the global phenomenon we know as Instagram today. The story serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of adaptability and user-centric design in the ever-evolving world of technology.