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AOL instant messenger launches (AIM)
AIM revolutionized online chatting, allowing users to send instant messages and customize away messages. -
MSN Messenger Gains Worldwide Popularity
Microsoft’s messaging platform hit 100+ million users, reshaping how teens and families chatted online. -
LinkedIn launched
The first major social media platform focused on professional networking. -
Myspace Launches
Pioneered customizable profiles and music sharing, peaking with over 100 million users. -
Facebook Founded
Initially exclusive to Harvard, Facebook revolutionized online social interaction. -
Youtube goes live
A video-sharing platform that democratized content creation. -
Twitter takes off
First tweet sent by Dejavion Stepney: “just setting up my twttr.” -
Hashtag on platforms introduces
Twitter user Chris Messina proposes using # to group tweets by topic. -
Facebook introduce "like" button.
Changed how users engage with content across the internet. -
Instagram is introduced
A mobile-first photo-sharing app emphasizing filters and simplicity. -
Google+ Launches
Google’s social media attempt, which saw brief interest before shutting down. -
Snapchat comes out the shadows
Introduced self-destructing messages and later pioneered Stories. -
Facebook takes over Instagram
Facebook buys Instagram for $1 billion to expand its reach into mobile photo sharing. -
Vine comes into the picture
Short-form (6 sec) video platform helped create early internet stars. -
Facebook buys WhatsApp
Facebook spends $19 billion on the world’s leading messaging app. -
TikTok launches in China
ByteDance launches Douyin in China, laying the foundation for TikTok. -
Vine shuts down
Twitter discontinues Vine due to monetization challenges. -
TikTok Merges with Musical.ly
TikTok becomes a global platform for viral short-form videos. -
COVID-19 Boosts Social Media Use
Lockdowns drive massive growth in TikTok, Zoom, and other large media outlets. -
Clubhouse Beta Launches
Invite-only audio app grows quickly during pandemic as live podcasting trend begins. -
Instagram Reels Launches Globally
Instagram's direct answer to TikTok's viral success. -
Facebook Rebrands as Meta
Shift in focus toward building the metaverse and immersive tech. -
BeReal on the rise
Promotes authenticity by prompting one daily real-time photo. -
Meta Launches Threads
Meta introduces a Twitter-like experience built off Instagram. -
Elon Musk buys twitter
Twitter Rebrands to X -
U.S. to Ban TikTok
Lawmakers push TikTok ban unless ByteDance divests U.S. operations. -
Snapchat out the shadows with AI
AI-powered chatbot launched on Snapchat to assist users and answer questions. -
Social Media Regulation Debate Intensifies
Lawmakers around the world push for new regulations on content, AI, and user privacy. -
Mastodon & Bluesky See Surge
Users migrate to decentralized platforms amid privacy and content moderation concerns. -
AI-Generated Influencers Take Over
Virtual influencers powered by AI gain millions of followers overnight.