How did Instagram's co-founders prioritize features and updates?

Instagram's co-founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, initially focused on simplicity and user experience. When they launched Instagram in 2010, their approach to prioritizing features and updates was quite deliberate:

1. **Core Experience First**: They concentrated on delivering a high-quality photo-sharing experience with a clean, intuitive interface. This focus on core functionality helped Instagram gain traction quickly.

2. **User Feedback**: Systrom and Krieger paid close attention to user feedback to understand what features resonated most with their audience. They used this feedback to guide their feature prioritization, ensuring updates aligned with user needs and preferences.

3. **Data-Driven Decisions**: They leveraged data to make informed decisions about what features to develop next. This involved analyzing user behavior and engagement metrics to prioritize updates that would enhance the overall experience.

4. **Gradual Rollout**: Instead of overloading the app with numerous features at once, they preferred to roll out updates gradually. This approach allowed them to test new features and gather feedback before making broader changes.

5. **Community and Culture**: They were also keen on fostering a positive and engaging community. Features that promoted user interaction, such as filters and easy sharing options, were prioritized to build a vibrant user base.

Overall, the co-founders' strategy was to start with a strong foundation, listen to their users, and make data-driven decisions, which helped Instagram evolve while maintaining a focus on its core strengths.