Instagram took the world by storm with its photo-centric platform and just announced that it has reached 300 million users, making it the second largest social media site.
IG surpasses Twitter's user count, which is currently at 284 million. Facebook remains as the leading social networking site, with of 1.35 billion users.
Based on reports, mobile social networking site users post an estimated 70 million images and videos a daily on Instagram. What sets Instagram apart from other social networking sites is users must post an image, as text status updates alone are not allowed on IG. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, there is no web-based version for the mobile app where users can post photos.
Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom says that the company continues to grow and his entire team is excited about the new milestone. IG is also launching "verified accounts," much like those that have a blue check next to user names on Twitter and Facebook.
According to Systrom, Instagram is no longer just about posting cute photos for everyone to see. The popular social media platform has become the world's "live pulse." He went on to say that users will be seeing more changes on IG. They will be adding the "verified feature," where real persons will be behind the said accounts. Systtom adds that they will ensure that these accounts will not be bots, spam, or fake.
Instagram users are also about to enjoy a spam-free IG as Systrom's team will be continuously removing fake IG accounts, which should create a better online experience for users. He promises that there would not be any adverse impact on authentic users because their accounts won't be affected.
Owners of allegedly fake accounts, however, will be directed to an in-app notice, which will ask them to provide more details.
Instagram's relationship with Facebook has allowed it to see and work on mistakes. It has also opened doors for better and safer online socializing.
Systrom launched Instagram along with Mike Krieger in October 2010. They gained a following of approximately 100 million users two years after it was launched, Facebook bought Instagram the same year.
