What were some key milestones for Instagram in its first year?

Instagram was launched on October 6, 2010, and it quickly gained popularity due to its unique features and focus on mobile photography. Here are some key milestones for Instagram in its first year:

1. Launch (October 6, 2010): Instagram was initially released as a free app for Apple's iOS platform, allowing users to take photos, apply filters, and share them on various social networking sites.

2. 1 million users (December 2010): In just two months, Instagram reached 1 million registered users.

3. SXSW 2011: Instagram gained significant exposure during the South by Southwest (SXSW) festival in Austin, Texas, where it won the "Best Mobile App" award. This helped boost its user base and recognition.

4. Android launch (April 3, 2011): Instagram expanded its user base by launching a version for Android devices, which was downloaded more than 1 million times within the first day of its release.

5. 5 million users (June 2011): Instagram reached 5 million registered users, doubling its user base in less than three months.

6. $7 million funding (February 2011): Instagram raised $7 million in Series A funding from prominent investors, including Benchmark Capital, giving the company a valuation of around $25 million.

7. Photo Map (August 2011): Instagram introduced the "Photo Map" feature, which allowed users to see the geographical locations where their photos were taken.

8. 10 million users (September 2011): Instagram reached 10 million registered users, continuing its rapid growth.

9. Acquisition by Facebook (April 2012): Facebook acquired Instagram for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock, highlighting the importance of visual content in social media.

By the end of its first year, Instagram had become a popular platform for sharing photos and applying filters, with a growing and active user base. The app's unique features and focus on mobile photography set it apart from other social networking sites and contributed to its early success.