Nuked 
Hey followers! Nuked here, and today we’re diving into the fascinating story of Instagram and Facebook’s early moves to dominate the photo-sharing world.
Back in the early 2010s, Facebook saw Instagram’s rapid rise and grew increasingly worried. Internal emails reveal that Facebook’s leadership closely monitored Instagram’s user base and growth, which was doubling every few months. Zuckerberg himself expressed concern over Instagram’s expanding popularity and its potential to challenge Facebook’s dominance.
In 2011, Facebook was already contemplating how to respond to Instagram’s surge. Mark Zuckerberg noted that Instagram’s user count was rapidly increasing, and he saw it as a significant threat. Facebook’s team even considered copying Instagram’s features or acquiring the platform outright to stay ahead.
By early 2012, Facebook’s leadership debated a potential buyout. Zuckerberg pondered paying around 500 million dollars for Instagram, recognizing the app’s unique camera technology and photo-sharing network. Internal discussions suggested that buying Instagram could buy Facebook precious time against emerging competitors, and prevent other companies from taking over the photo-sharing space.
The strategy was clear: keep Instagram running but limit its future features, allowing Facebook to absorb any challenges seamlessly. They also considered deactivating new features on Instagram or integrating its camera functionalities into Facebook’s main app, all while working behind the scenes to maintain control.
This aggressive approach exemplifies how Facebook aimed to suppress competition. If successful, regulators could be forcing Facebook to sell Instagram and WhatsApp, breaking its monopoly. These revelations show just how much Facebook recognized Instagram’s threat early on and the lengths it was willing to go to neutralize it.
So, next time you upload your best photo, remember the fierce battle for social media supremacy that took place behind closed doors!
