Instagram Unveils New Features Ahead of 15th Anniversary
- The number of Instagram active users has increased to 3 billion monthly active users, one of the highest among social media apps
- The app, which was introduced 15 years ago, is set to mark its anniversary and has released new features
- Among the key additions are a customizable Reels algorithm, which gives users more control over the content they see
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Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta has announced that Instagram has grown to 3 billion monthly active users making it one of the most popular social media apps in the world.
This is a 1 billion or 100% increase when Meta last disclosed Instagram's user figures in 2022.
Source: Getty Images
Reuters reports that Meta, previously known as Facebook, bought Instagram for $1 billion in 2012, a move that had raised questions about the company's strategy as the social media app had begun with just photo-sharing without significant revenue.
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A major factor contributing to Instagram's success is the Reels feature which launched in 2020 and allows users to create short-form content.
Instagram celebrates success
Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram in a statement said the new milestone is one of the achievements in the platform’s 15-year history.
He added that the figures underscores the platform’s ongoing dominance as a global hub for creativity, connection, and culture.
From sharing memes in private messages to watching short-form Reels or following creators, Instagram has become a central part of daily life for billions worldwide.
Mosseri said in a statement:
“This is a big moment for our global community. Instagram has always been about creativity, and it continues to stand for that.
"We are focused on building new ways for people to connect, create, and share what matters to them."
Source: Getty Images
Instagram unveils new features
BusinessDay reports to mark the achievement, Instagram is rolling out and testing new features designed to improve user experience and strengthen its position in an increasingly competitive social media market.
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Key updates include a more customizable Reels algorithm, allowing users to control the type of content they see, and simplified navigation with smoother transitions between the Home feed, Reels, and Messages.
Instagram is also testing a Reels-first mobile experience in India and South Korea, where users land directly into short-form videos upon opening the app, with a Following tab for posts from friends and family. Meta said lessons from these pilots will inform potential global rollouts.
The update comes amid rising competition for user attention from TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Snapchat.
Mosseri said the platform’s enduring focus on creativity:
“From DMing your friends memes to keeping up with your favorite creators, Instagram is still the place to connect over what you love. We want to continue building on that.”
Meta deletes 100 million pages
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Meta has pulled down millions of accounts from Facebook.
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Meta said it is working to improve recognition for genuine creators while demonetising and removing fake accounts and fake pages.
The social media giant stated that it has since removed 100 million pages engaging in scripted follows abuse.
Also, Meta said it pulled down 23 million Facebook accounts that are impersonating other people.
Source: Legit.ng
