The INSANE Story of Instagram | How Kevin Systrom & Mike Krieger Built A BILLION DOLLAR Company.

The story of Instagram is one of my favorite examples of lean startup principles in action...
Imagine you created a company, and in 3 years you sold it for 1 BILLION dollars.
That's the story of Instagram - and in this video we take a look at how ONE decision led Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger to create the company that we all know today as Instagram.
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This is one of those rare startup stories that can be quite motivational to some entrepreneurs out there. But most importantly, there is one huge lesson that can be taken away from the insane story of Instagram:
KEVIN SYSTROM.
Kevin Systrom (one of the founders who created Instagram) was born on the 30th December 1983. As a child he worked at a vinyl record store, and was a big fan of the game Doom II (he was also an avid book reader, and still is to this day!). From Doom 2, Kevin found a love for computer programming.
During his time at Stanford, he briefly met with Mike Krieger where they spoke about his experience on the Mayfield Fellows Program. Whilst on the program Kevin had worked at a tech company called Odeo, a company that later went on to become Twitter. You can find a lot of this information scattered throughout Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger interviews.
A MEETING WITH MIKE KRIEGER.
After finishing college and working for a few years at several companies, Kevin has a meeting with Mike Krieger (who was also in the area) at a café. In that café they discuss the ideas for creating their first ever app. But it wasn’t Instagram…
BURBN.
Burbn was a check-in app, much like Foursquare. This was the original idea that Kevin and Mike came up with before creating Instagram.
Burbn received a large sum of capital from investors like Steve Anderson, and the venture capitalist company called Andreessen Horowitz. In total Kevin Systrom and Mike Kreiger had raised half a million dollars towards Burbn. But no matter how much investors throw at your company, it won’t change the fact that the market may still not like your product or service.
The sad truth was that Burbn was not getting much attraction. Mike and Kevin recognised this and realised they needed to change ideas.
THE PIVOT.
The Lean Startup by Eric Reiss popularised the term ‘pivoting’ for startups, and this is exactly what Mike & Kevin did with Burbn. They realised that most of their customers were interested in the photo sharing aspects of their app, and had little to no interest in the check in features. So they stripped away all of that stuff, and created an app that was all about photo sharing - some may have called this their minimum viable product (another popularised startup term from Eric Reiss’ The Lean Startup).
INSTAGRAM.
Kevin Systrom also went on a vacation around this time with his (now) wife Nicole Systrom. On that vacation Nicole told him that she would likely not use the app because she didn’t think she could take good enough photos. Kevin saw that she was trying to compare her own photo-taking abilities to her friends who would use filters on their photos. Kevin identified a problem immediately, and created the first ever filter on Instagram the X Pro II.
You can still find the first ever photo on Instagram to this day on Kevin Systrom’s official Instagram account.
SELLING FOR ONE BILLION.
Instagram was sold to Facebook for 1 billion dollars. The company is now valued at around 100 billion, and it can be argued that Kevin and Mike’s decision to sell Instagram was a clever one at the end of the day, allowing their company to grow at the hands of Mark Zuckerberg.
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All materials in these videos are used for educational purposes and fall within the guidelines of fair use. No copyright infringement is intended. If you are or represent the copyright owner of materials used in this video and have a problem with the use of said material, please contact me via my email in the "about" page on my channel.
AFFILIATE DISCLOSURE: there may be a few links in this description that, at no cost to you, will earn me a commission if you choose to click them and make a purchase 🙂
Don’t worry - I only ever promote things that have genuinely helped me.
Copyright © James Jani 2020

[@JamesJani]

To Pivot... or To Persevere? Follow me for behind the scenes, teasers, and anything in-between 😉: 📸 IG: james.v.j // bit.ly/31gIVci 🐦 Twitter: @jamesvjani // ​bit.ly/2Z8vRTT ✨ Patreon: bit.ly/3i6srte

[@zk9494]

Does this apply to careers as well? I am applying to 2 (possibly 3) different paths in healthcare bit my loved ones keep saying that me making a different choice in the healthcare industry is "giving up" whereas I, after spending countless hours consuming forums, official websites, upcoming changes in the training process of the jobs in question and their demands, I feel like I'm just making a rational choice. It's even worse for me bc my younger brother of 1.5 years got into a good school for pharmacy but everyone who knows how stupidly difficult it is to get a decent job afterwards due to oversaturation understand that his decision wasn't exactly that smart.. unless he branches into consulting or big pharma, which is a viable option. I'm literally just just gonna chuck the predicted failure letters at their face and do the " I told you so" once I choose my first choice and come out of it with a decent 1st year job almost waiting for me, especially these days. I wish families wouldn't hinder their growing kids to pivot when that's actually the wise choice.

[@RY-fe3rt]

Or pirouette...?

[@maulikgurjar3661]

To a billion dollar!

[@manenderchaudhary9405]

No, you tell me 10 million subs or 100M ? You will get one soon

[@MOS_SKK]

This is the third video i watched. And i must say, each of them was captivating, entertaining and thought provoking.. i thoroughly enjoyed and felt that my time was well spent. Subscribed and hungry for more. You are awesome.

[@automerisio2673]

I feel I just stepped into a youtube hidden treasure😍

[@fellowpedestrian8508]

That's cuz you did

[@mmitja]

Not gonna be hidden for long, this channel is bound to explode.

[@ishadev01]

Same here too.

[@kennethcollinsokoye9151]

@Automeris.....And i never want to leave

[@faiz181]

Agreed. Very impressed with the style of videos, editing, and content. Very engaging - well done dude.

[@jowaness]

Videos full of bollocks are getting billion views, us over here, we're rooting for James! That self help, hustle culture, fake gurus, toxic positivity video blew me away! James, keep going against the grain. We hear you. New sub from Africa, Kenya. We are waking up.

[@hassernmohamed4085]

Kenyaaaa

[@ruthkoech7964]

Kenyaa🤗

[@frmarchaloldschoollounge7764]

I couldn't agree more. I love his way of thinking. Keep up the good work

[@user-jc6tj2xt1p]

Scammer.

[@mohamedaloufi2021]

Tz

[@endomorphfitness2420]

Very Interesting, you have great storytelling skills!!!

[@JamesJani]

Thank you, Kosta! 🙏

[@mohamedalsharweni1974]

I agree

[@TheFeroz080]

I agree too!!!

[@user-ge1ch5zt7u]

You should be a narrator as a side job of cause. Great voice! Your channel is great! And I decided to give a feedback of how you look on the "other side of the screen"-real, self you. I sense you as a good, honest, simple person. Stay true to yourself and don't change your values once you become very popular( and you will)

[@NeiltheNotSoBrave]

I agree three!

[@oladiranolalekano.6764]

Now I'm on dopamine on this channel. Great work James.

[@alphacoder3822]

This dude and this channal is literally a goldmine. Not a single video ever disappoint me.

[@MichaelOblitey]

I know right! I couldn’t agree more! He inspires me so much with my channel!

[@nickrich56]

@@MichaelOblitey again?

[@MickeyAgyei]

You know the content is good when you've made it to the end. Then went on to read the comments. You are a genius and I'm a 37 year old man looking to reach the video making and storytelling standards of a 20 year old. Nothing wrong with that right?

[@ugandandev]

HHAHAHA

[@MiniGunnR]

LESSON: Pivot if your idea isn't working; Ask your existing users why they use your service to get an idea of which direction to pivot to.

[@streetfashiontv9149]

I never seen a channel grow so quick in a short space of time. When you study acting one of the major components you learn is 'voice'. Whilst James may not have achieved his acting dreams it is clear that his voice is a major part of why his channel is a success. The sound, the timing and the delivery make his documentaries really engaging.

[@shivinunitholi2493]

10 years from now, people would come back to this one and say - "This is how James Jani began his journey.."

[@fullmetaltheorist]

i am leaving a comment so people will know that i was here from the beginning.

[@MohitSharma-mz7qo]

@@fullmetaltheorist So i am

[@modelka222]

Just want to let you know that your content has reached Africa,Tanzania to be precise. Keep them coming please

[@Fac31ess]

Botswana too

[@gladysngigi2323]

Kenya too

[@SRNacademy]

And Punjab, India

[@banele2340]

South Africa too.😁

[@nagan2273]

South part of India

[@IgnaceAleya1]

Great content James!

[@thuthukahadebe4266]

Dude I didn't want the video to end. Talking 'bout "If you made it till the end". Dope content.

[@MrGogs90]

Pal you are going places.... this is by far one of the best channels I’ve seen recently. Keep going. Great storytelling and great editing!!!

[@JamesJani]

Thank you so much, Goran - that means so much, you honestly can’t imagine 🙏🙏 Glad you found the channel 😀

[@peterkyambadde4917]

I cant agree more. This channel is diamond am hooked

[@flyingfig12]

@@peterkyambadde4917 Agreed! just be mindful of the music you choose as some can be distracting =)

[@areohdee4562]

True

[@92lassie54]

James, I am over double your age and you are by far the most inspirational youtuber I have come across in a very, very long time...Keep doing what you do and I really look forward to seeing your next video...Thank you for opening my eyes :)

[@mallorydurrick]

I am completely hooked. James Jani, you are on the precipice of greatness! You found your voice and we're listening!!!

[@Vee-fr4rl]

I'm so in love with this guy. To pivot or to persevere? It's a very tough decision with so much uncertainty. We've been flooded with a lot of messages telling us not to give up, to fight on blah blah blah but sometimes you've just got to admit to yourself when something isn't working after doing it over and over and over again...perhaps it's time to try to pivot? Good one James...love it!!! Thank you.

[@kylepereyra4398]

yes

[@memyselfi5077]

I stumbled upon your videos only today. Almost 1M subscribers with only 17 videos. It’s the power of great content! 👍🏻

[@businessandpoliticsinswede3138]

This young chap is smart beyond his years - it seems...

[@boobaetv4478]

One word keep going I'm from Kenya and I'm following your work as I seek to find a niche.Kudos

[@Ojuolape]

This is my sign to pivot on something I’d be confused about for the longest time.

[@Commissiemachine]

Investing in your channel would be like: “investing low”. A diamond that’s yet to find! Keep it up bro

[@zamfiroctavvicentziu]

Well there is a problem hen? Maybe the next idea to be resolved.. Invest in channel that you think they will grow well, just saying...

[@Commissiemachine]

zamfir octav I didn’t even think about that xD I’m gonna try to do something with it

[@qonitabadegestm9989]

How to invest in YT channels? They’re not publicly traded 😅

[@flowinbinary8787]

Joined your channel yesterday and I’m already learning a lot as an entrepreneur in South Africa. Thank you very much.

[@qeazit]

Hi fellow Saffa! 😊

[@CatVo1971]

Not only I watched the video to the end, I did that 3 times this morning. One when still in bed, one during morning excersise and one during breakfast. Awesome videos. Tks

[@subtlecode418]

This is one of the content you wish to listen to every morning when you wake up! 👊🏽✌🏽 you’re lit 🔥

[@Damnedindenial]

Holy shit. I looked back on my life, I pivoted from some bad choices and that caused me to personally blow up in other ways dude you have gold in your videos

[@ryansigler]

Great channel. In this case, please don’t pivot but choose to persevere instead and keep making great content like this.

[@dwightcurtis5463]

Dude, I could listen to you talk for hours. The good content is an added bonus.

[@riturana8904]

Your videos give the energy of your honest work you put behind the camera

[@melitariver5999]

Successful people don't become that way overnight. What most people see at a glance-wealth, a great career, purpose is the result of hard work and hustle over time

[@susanwalker4189]

Yeah! I agree with you Bambi j

[@susanwalker4189]

If you want to be successful have the mindset of the rich spend less and invest more. Don't give up your dream.

[@lucyalfredo8171]

Learn and get the knowledge first before investing

[@alisonkelley1323]

People wants to do what the 99%does but wants to get results that are fit for the 1% but it, doesn't work that way

[@alisonkelley1323]

But where are the more credible sources to learn about forex trading

[@GuruJamz]

Your story telling is unreal bro, would love to see more breakdowns like these of other success stories. It's crazy how relatable they can be and so many lessons can be learnt. Keep it up!

[@randomness8455]

It's the fact that I binge watched his channel like it was a Netflix series. Patiently waiting for his new content

[@grantmccotter8779]

Just so you know I watch your videos because they are honest, humble, no flashy bullshit like "this is the most important video I will ever make" and you aren't trying to upsell me into anything.

[@enochleffingwell842]

I found your video tonight and couldn't stop until i watched every video you posted! I'm excited for new content!

[@bllacksalt]

"James Jani" will soon be a brand💯🔥

[@springbateenterprises796]

watching from Africa, Zimbabwe 🇿🇼.i love your content!

[@Always_learning444]

Where have you been all my life? Binging on your videos now and I am amazed at how each video you produced are thoughts I’ve had been wondering about coming into KZbin video life. Thank you!

[@ksen333]

Love vids like this where I learn something new. Not an insta user but now I know its story. Love your voice man! Waiting for part 2 of LOA!!!

[@testimonieskingsely3755]

Loved this and am enlightened. its my 2nd video from u i have listened to and just started today. i would love to hear more of ur videos. Thnx James. from Zimbabwe

[@emilylee1117]

I've been binge watching your videos since I first watched it. All the videos give me so fresh insights.

[@Player-ix7rx]

This is the best example of "think outside the box"!

[@bhavyawadhwa3315]

A great message, the authenticity behind you is a huge responsibility you're carrying out and I'm glad I'm being a part of that journey.

[@hocinedemmouni6497]

You've got an amazing storytelling style, James. Can't be denied your channel is a treasure indeed

[@mycityonlens]

Honestly, you should, and deserve, to have more than 1.69m subscribers. I appreciate your work. It’s premium content all-round.

[@kamaalhasan763]

What a great video! This is the second video I’m watching after finding this channel right now. Your videos are great, I’m new Subscriber from Somalia 🇸🇴.

[@bigshotmeshach]

He actually has 2 photos BEFORE that dog photo. Good video James! This is a gem

[@SIXCODM]

Your storytelling is awesome and your editing skills makes me to keep my eyes on the screen because the words that you put on your screen are something to remember and i just watched all of your videos which already changed my mindset alot. TYSM for doing your work soo passionately...❤😇🙌🏻

[@BenjaminTJames]

I’ve been getting through all your videos over the last few weeks, and it’s amazing to see how much they've developed. The storytelling element is already there, which is at the heart of what makes your videos engaging, but the production quality in relation to the transitions, b-roll and effects of your later videos shows how far you’ve progressed. Even the way you deliver stories has improved. All in all, it’s a pleasure to witness your journey - not to mention inspiring!

[@mariola4505]

Thank you, James ✨ You're genius ✨

[@maisarashafiq9322]

I'm not sure if this comment will be noticed but, I just wanted to say thank you for your content. Your amazing editing skills and calm voice always draws me into the topic. Please keep up the amazing content and work!

[@lordastrubal]

Your eye- and minopening videos are really something, you´re really someone, James. Thank you for that. Regards from Germany

[@thisisnotanofficialemail-7872]

His voice is so calm

[@arminf.a3633]

Keep up... because you're going completely right and you're close to your true destination!👌🎯🏆

[@luzzaro4158]

You do some really amazing editing and story telling. That's the reason why I don't hesitate to subscribe to your channel. Rather I waiting to watch more of your videos. Really love it.

[@ORflycaster]

I just found your channel today. There's a very good reason that you've already got 230K subscribers with only half a dozen videos. You're INCREDIBLE! Keep up the fantastic job James.

[@gilbertjamesguzman7021]

Pivot! All the way from Philippines

[@waheedkhanpresents]

Made it to the end - Well done bruv

[@harshitmishra2945]

The efforts behind these videos is so visible. Honestly you connect with the audience

[@waynechua1992]

Your channel is rising faster than the stock market!!! Keep it up! I was here when you were at 4K a few days ago and now you're almost at 30k!

[@LightHouse31073]

Today it's at 551k

[@Laurielism]

Made it to the end.... of my fourth James Jani video in a row. GREAT content. A lot of work and care and passion has gone into these videos. Thank you.

[@josef.garcia1805]

Love, love, love your videos. The deliverance, the supporting research. You are the man! Congrats, keep up the good work.

[@mustafabaris9681]

This channel is way too underrated... But that will change soon ... 😉😉

[@mustafabaris9681]

@@aarumalla5191 wholly smoke ..! Man o man .. It sure did ..! I haven’t visited a while , but he’s got more than half a million subs now ..! Good for him ..

[@arham.h]

can't thank you enough for helping me on this harsh world of self help keep going your channel will be a blast

[@CREATE-yc2if]

I am from south Africa. Current writing two books and all your videos are amazing. Thank you James. I hope to meet you one day.

[@kamalchaudhary9011]

I never commented ever on any video..this is the 1st one and I have to say it's best ever..lake of Gems.. ❤️ From India

[@emmanuelsalako7370]

You have excellent story telling skills, and chronological step by step break down of a story turning it into a whole documentary, you hit the nail on the head while still taking us on a journey in history, great Job.

[@TheNomadDevCraft]

Man I just found out your channel and it's brilliant and I'm stuck with it because your storytelling is amazing. KEEP it up!

[@kiankian1588]

You truly are an amazing person. I've watched some of your videos and I'm constantly amazed at depth and simplicity of your presentations. Go, go, go .

[@anishiagopi5219]

You have absolutely brilliant story narration and video making ability!Great and insightful perspective on each topic...Keep up the good work!

[@SteveSmith-jc7pc]

I absolutely love the succinct analysis this guy does. Well done James. Thanks.

[@JoshWithoutLeave]

I don't know where you appeared from sir, but from your fake guru video, to you Multi Level Marketing video, to the hidden truth of money to here. You are spitting some solid gold here. I'm hooked. Wish you the best!

[@pedrogama948]

I've just wached four of your videos and I am amazed about the quality of the topics chosen, script, editing, just excelent!

[@pushpendrasharma8189]

You are creating amazing content James. It's just one day I got to know about your channel and I have watched 5 videos out of 7. Keep doing this creative and amazing work.

[@glenndpagaduan7612]

Inspiring and informative.

[@MichaelOblitey]

Definitely inspiring! Crazy story! James did a very good job with this video! I get so much inspiration from him on my channel!

[@nickrich56]

@@MichaelOblitey out of the 1000+ comments you've made how many conclude with "my channel"?

[@MichaelOblitey]

@@nickrich56 lol ya caught me, however it is the truth, he does inspire my channel, just thought I’d throw it out there and see what happens

[@neanglinda]

Wow! Amazing video content and story telling that keeps me engaged all the way to the end. Two years later and your video is still making a genuine connection. Keep it up!

[@SAHMLIFEWITHBECKY]

you are amazing, i would love to see more content on growing on youtube. You are the first person to finally give real valuable information. Every course or video I have found in the past has wanted thousands for way less info. Thank you for finally providing something worth watching!

[@erica2696]

I love this channel! I watch every ad, I like before the video even starts, and I make sure to click on the links, I even have the notification bell on.♡

[@Nashid_Towhid]

Hi James, please keep posting stories like that that has a takeaway lesson. Thanks so much for your videos.

[@MichaelOblitey]

His videos are fire 🔥 I get so much inspiration from him with my channel!

[@oluseunadeniyi5648]

Entertainment and information in a mix

[@qualityeloho9053]

Wow. Can't believe am still here. Your content is captivating.

[@Saeroye]

Made it to the end!! This was very insightful and learnt something..lovin your content and you have talent brother. Keep it up! 🥰

[@brianfernando5757]

THIS THE BEST CHANNEL ON KZbin PLEASE KEEP RELEASING CONTENT

[@yogananthanramannathan778]

Thank James. Always look forward for your valuable videos. You're probably the very few honest KZbinr around.

[@toocooltanvi]

i'm so glad i found your channel. genuine advice that i haven't heard from other people.

[@raweceeker2141]

Another banger of a video!

[@JamesJani]

❤❤

[@thesilentelitemember2611]

@@JamesJani I am sorry that I am persistence. I am a minister and I like your writing or somebody that you have hired. I wish I could deliver stories (sermons) like you do. My e-mail is [e-mail] If ever decide to tell me who writes go ahead. I also believe that religion is a business that makes money like any other business. That why my church's money is to help the orphanage and old's folks home in mexico. May God be with you.

[@royaloak7518]

No doubt this channel will skyrocket to 1 Million subscribers soon. You deserve every bit of your success.

[@tundraxd2768]

James, you literally make the best educational/motivating content on KZbin. Please keep it up.

[@vanchristian1]

Keep it going James. You are doing great work.

[@Seivancho]

An interesting story with a great message! Good vid , thank you

[@JamesJani]

Glad you enjoyed it ❤️

[@marcotrujillojr.]

Thank you man for telling us the story of Instagram. I had a presentation on Kevin Systrom and this video help out a lot on giving me the ideas on what to wrote down. Also the Pivot or Persevere let me thinking on never giving up on any ideas. Thanks a lot you are great!

[@josephsampa8131]

All I can say is that am glad I found this channel. It has opened my eyes

[@abiartstudio8065]

One of the best documentary type channel I ever stumbled upon. I'm here to stay!! I look forward to your videos.

[@flyryde]

I’ve been in the middle of a pivot for the past 5 months. This was great motivation bro 🙏

[@marksolon1874]

amazing content always man!!!

[@StoryTime333]

Truly amazing video. The irony that while these videos are meant to give relevant and informative information, but are shot in the “get rich quick” style is absolutely brilliant.

[@1by110]

Finding your channel is 1 of the best things to happen to me And this video was more effective then 10 different online book summaries. Huge Thanks for such quality.

[@Just_Samson]

Wow, that was a ride. Amazing vid James. Keep’m come’n

[@frandavis7727]

I’m so glad I discovered your channel a few days ago. This is top quality documentary work.

[@nickrich56]

When the Megachurch video was fed to me last week I felt the same. Subbed afterwards then discovered the list of videos was small yet he has a million plus others that have agreed he's a diamond in the rough. Truly an upstanding young man that deserves applause for his integrity.

[@demolaokeowo]

Just came across your channel and I'm binge watching. Great work. Don't stop creating.

[@sarangkhetre9488]

We want more of this kind of videos, this is one of the best videos on entrepreneurship I have watch till date