The Instagram platform has changed a lot over the years. But who owns Instagram, and how does this affect the app? In this GoRead.io guide, we walk you through Insta’s ownership, including the founders and shareholders.
Who Owns Instagram Today?
In April 2012, tech corporation Meta Platforms (formerly Facebook, Inc.) bought Instagram, the platform that has helped many businesses grow and individuals become famous. This sale went through in September of that same year for 23 million shares and $300 million.
But when was Instagram founded in relation to this? Less than two years earlier, in late 2010. This means Meta saw Insta’s potential pretty quickly, though it did get popular very quickly.
Meta officially owns Instagram, meaning it could massively change its operations on a whim. But, the deal’s goal was for IG to stay an independent company. Meta has integrated a number of its services into the Instagram app. However, these are mainly for their users’ convenience.
Mark Zuckerberg created Meta in 2004 as Facebook. Today, he is still the company’s CEO and de facto owner. This means he owns Instagram, even if he lets it keep its independence.
Who Is in Charge of Instagram?
Adam Mosseri began as a software engineer at Meta. Today, he’s the Head of Instagram. This is different from a CEO — Meta reserves these titles for founders. But he still oversees every area of Instagram. This extends to him announcing new Instagram features (such as Reels) and serving as the site’s spokesperson.
It’s worth noting that he’s a direct Meta hire. Despite Insta’s independence, its current CEO in all but name is from Meta. However, the relationship between Meta and IG is still seemingly quite hands-off.
When Was Instagram Founded?
The platform was launched in October 2010. In the 14 years it has operated, Instagram has had quite a history.
It wasn’t always a photo-sharing app. In fact, the platform’s creators (Mike Krieger and Kevin Systrom) were trying to make a check-in app called Burbn. During testing, the app’s photo-sharing function was very popular, inspiring the Insta we use today.
The platform’s first photo was of San Francisco’s South Beach Harbor. The San Francisco Bay Area is still a key part of the platform’s history. In fact, Meta is a company with headquarters in the Bay Area’s Menlo Park.
With its official release on October 6th, 2010, Instagram immediately gained a lot of traction. The app even had over 100,000 users within a week, according to creator Kevin Systrom.
Who Owns Facebook and Instagram?
Zuckerberg not only owns Instagram through Meta, but he’s also Facebook’s owner. But as a public company, Meta (and everything under its umbrella) technically has no one owner.
It’s true that Zuckerberg commands a lot of influence as CEO. Meta’s main investors most likely see him as a source of stability. Especially with how hands-on he has been with the company over the past two decades. But he only officially owns 13.5% of the business. He isn’t a majority shareholder.
In fact, Zuckerberg recently sold a massive amount of his stock. He is still the biggest owner based on these metrics. But a merger with other investors could jeopardize his control.
Who owns Facebook and Instagram? In a way, the answer is the shareholders. You can’t buy IG stock. You can only buy from Meta, their parent company. However, this won’t give you control over any of the company’s operations.
What Does Meta Own?
Meta doesn’t just have control over Facebook and Instagram. It spends billions of dollars on research each year. Much of this goes toward making new services and refining current ones.
Here are some of Meta’s other major products:
- Messenger connects with Facebook and allows instant messaging.
- WhatsApp is a mainly phone-based messaging and audio/video call service.
- Threads is a social media platform that exists as a competitor to X/Twitter.
- Meta Quest is a virtual reality system built upon the popular Oculus Rift.
- Horizon Worlds is a VR-capable video game that people can use to gather virtually.
- Mapillary is a service that uses crowdsourced photos to improve online maps.
As you can see, the American company often experiments with new technology and niches.
Who Are Meta’s Main Shareholders?
Zuckerberg still stands as Meta’s biggest shareholder, owning 13.5% of the company. But who’s next on that list? Could they get more than him one day? Here are three other major owners.
1. Vanguard
The Vanguard Group currently owns 7.1% of Meta. As an investment advisor and a mutual fund provider, it has massive influence over corporate America. Its assets cover over $7.7 trillion, and $63 billion of that is Meta stock.
2. BlackRock
In the list of Meta shareholders, BlackRock takes third place with 6.1% of its stock. This financial services company manages over $10 trillion in assets. This makes it the largest asset manager worldwide. It has bought over 6 million Meta shares since 2023 began.
3. Fidelity Investments
Fidelity Management & Research Company has 4.9% of Meta’s stock. It also has $4.9 trillion of assets under management. As Meta’s fourth-biggest shareholder, this investment management company holds significant influence over the tech company.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Mark Zuckerberg own Instagram?
In a way, yes. He is Meta’s CEO, and the company owns Instagram. But he only has very limited outright control over the platform.
How much of IG does Meta own?
Meta bought all of Instagram in 2012. But what does Meta own here? Meta actually chose not to directly own the company, instead leaving it independent.
Who is the real owner of Instagram?
Technically speaking, Adam Mosseri is IG’s real owner. He is perhaps the person with the most sway over the app and how it works.
Make the Most Out of IG’s Success and Enhance Your Online Presence
Who owns Instagram? This depends on how you define the app’s ownership. But in their own ways, Zuckerberg, Meta, Adam Mosseri, and the shareholders are all valid answers.
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