How did Instagram's founders communicate with their user base?

Instagram's founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, communicated with their user base in various ways throughout the platform's history. Here are some examples:

1. Product updates and announcements: Instagram's founders would often communicate with users through product updates and announcements, sharing new features, improvements, and changes to the platform. They would typically share these updates through the Instagram blog, email newsletters, and social media channels.

2. In-app notifications: Instagram would use in-app notifications to communicate with users about new features, updates, or changes to the platform. These notifications would appear as alerts within the app, encouraging users to check out the new features and provide feedback.

3. User surveys and feedback: Instagram's founders would often solicit user feedback through surveys, focus groups, and other feedback mechanisms. They would use this feedback to inform product development and improve the user experience.

4. Community events and meetups: Instagram's founders would host community events and meetups, bringing together users, creators, and influencers to connect, share ideas, and provide feedback on the platform. These events would often be held in various cities around the world, providing users with opportunities to engage with the Instagram team and other members of the community.

5. Social media engagement: Instagram's founders would engage with users on social media, responding to comments, questions, and feedback. They would often use social media channels like Twitter and Instagram to share updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the company's operations.

6. Support and help resources: Instagram would provide users with support and help resources, such as FAQs, tutorials, and troubleshooting guides. These resources would help users to better understand the platform and its features, as well as provide guidance on how to resolve common issues.

7. Public speaking and media appearances: Instagram's founders would often speak at conferences, events, and media appearances, sharing their insights and perspectives on the platform, the tech industry, and the future of social media. These appearances would often provide opportunities for users to engage with the founders and provide feedback on the platform.

It's important to note that since Instagram was acquired by Facebook in 2012, communication with users has become more centralized and formalized, with the Instagram team working closely with Facebook's communications and PR teams to ensure consistent messaging and branding.