What were the major turning points in Instagram's growth?

Instagram experienced several major turning points in its growth trajectory:

1. **Launch and Early Adoption (2010-2011)**:
   - Instagram was launched in October 2010, initially only available on iOS. Its simple design and focus on photo sharing with filters attracted a significant user base quickly. By December 2010, it had gained over 1 million users.

2. **Android Launch (2012)**:
   - Instagram's launch on Android in April 2012 was a crucial turning point. It significantly broadened its user base, as Android devices represented a larger segment of the smartphone market. This move helped Instagram grow from 27 million users to over 100 million within a year.

3. **Acquisition by Facebook (2012)**:
   - In April 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram for approximately $1 billion. This acquisition provided Instagram with substantial resources and infrastructure to scale its operations. The backing of Facebook also helped Instagram integrate more seamlessly with the social media giant's platform.

4. **Introduction of Key Features (2013-2016)**:
   - Instagram introduced several major features during this period, including video sharing (2013), Stories (2016), and IGTV (2018). The introduction of Stories, which was a response to the success of Snapchat's similar feature, was particularly transformative. Stories quickly became a central part of the Instagram experience, driving higher engagement.

5. **Monetization and Advertising (2015-2016)**:
   - Instagram began to roll out its advertising platform more broadly, allowing businesses to create ads and promoted posts. This move was crucial for Instagram's revenue generation and attracted more advertisers, contributing significantly to its financial growth.

6. **Expansion of E-Commerce Features (2018-2020)**:
   - Instagram enhanced its e-commerce capabilities with features like Shoppable posts and Instagram Checkout, allowing users to purchase products directly within the app. This shift positioned Instagram as a major player in social commerce, benefiting both users and businesses.

7. **Reels Launch (2020)**:
   - In response to TikTok's growing popularity, Instagram launched Reels in August 2020. This feature allowed users to create and share short-form videos, helping Instagram maintain its relevance in the competitive social media landscape.

These turning points collectively contributed to Instagram's transformation from a simple photo-sharing app to a major social media platform with diverse functionalities and significant commercial impact.