What was the reaction of Instagram's co-founders to the platform's growth under Facebook?

Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger had mixed reactions to Instagram's growth and evolution under Facebook. Their perspectives reflected a combination of satisfaction with the platform's success and concerns about the changes that came with being part of a larger corporation. Here's a closer look at their reactions:

### **1. **Positive Reactions:**
   - **Growth and Success**: Systrom and Krieger were generally pleased with Instagram's rapid growth and the opportunities that came with being part of Facebook. The platform saw significant increases in user engagement, and the acquisition provided Instagram with resources and infrastructure that facilitated its expansion.
   - **Product Innovation**: They were proud of the innovations introduced during Facebook's ownership, such as the introduction of Stories, new features, and improvements in user experience. The growth in Instagram's capabilities and its ability to scale rapidly were seen as positive outcomes of the acquisition.

### **2. **Concerns and Tensions:**
   - **Autonomy and Vision**: Over time, Systrom and Krieger experienced tensions with Facebook's leadership regarding Instagram's direction and level of autonomy. They wanted to maintain Instagram's unique identity and culture, but there were challenges in balancing this with Facebook's broader strategic goals.
   - **Corporate Pressure**: The pressures and dynamics of operating within a larger corporate structure led to concerns about the preservation of Instagram's original vision and the impact of corporate priorities on product development.

### **3. **Public Statements and Departures:**
   - **Resignation Announcement**: In their resignation announcement in September 2018, Systrom and Krieger cited a desire for more independence and the need to pursue new challenges as reasons for their departure. They acknowledged the growth and success of Instagram but also hinted at their frustration with the constraints imposed by Facebook.
   - **Focus on New Ventures**: After leaving Instagram, they expressed interest in exploring new projects and opportunities. Their departure allowed them to refocus on their original entrepreneurial goals and pursue ventures that aligned more closely with their personal vision and values.

### **4. **Legacy and Impact:**
   - **Continued Influence**: Despite their departure, the influence of Systrom and Krieger's vision continued to be felt at Instagram. The platform's success under Facebook reflected the strong foundation they built, and their contributions were recognized as key to Instagram's growth and innovation.
   - **Reflection on Achievements**: In interviews and public statements, both Systrom and Krieger have reflected positively on their achievements with Instagram, despite the challenges. They recognized the platform's impact and the opportunities that arose from their time with Facebook.

In summary, while Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger appreciated the growth and resources Instagram gained under Facebook, they also faced challenges related to maintaining their vision and autonomy. Their reactions to the platform's development were nuanced, reflecting both pride in Instagram's success and the complexities of operating within a larger corporate environment.