Instagram: The True Founding Story and How to Become a Polymath

Instagram: The True Founding Story and How to Become a Polymath

In today's interconnected world, where social media has become an integral part of our lives, Instagram stands out as one of the most popular platforms. But have you ever wondered about its true founding story? How did it become so successful? The answer lies in its user experience (UX) and the unique approach taken by its founders, Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger.

With their UX skills, Krieger and Systrom refined Instagram to require as few actions as possible. Unlike the original version of Path, another social media platform, Instagram didn't force users to add tags about people or places to their photos. This simplicity and ease of use made Instagram instantly appealing to users.

Mirroring Twitter, Systrom and Krieger made Instagram public by default. This meant that users didn't have to go through the hassle of adjusting privacy settings or worrying about who could see their posts. This decision played a crucial role in Instagram's rapid growth and popularity.

Launched at just the right time, Instagram had 25,000 users on its very first day! This incredible response from users validated the founders' belief in the power of visual storytelling and the need for a platform that could facilitate real connections through images.

New financing gave Systrom and Krieger the opportunity to hire more people, but they chose to keep the company lean with barely a dozen employees. This decision helped maintain the company's agility and allowed them to focus on improving the user experience rather than getting bogged down by bureaucracy.

In April 2012, Facebook made an offer to purchase Instagram for about $1 billion in cash and stock. This acquisition was a turning point for Instagram. However, the key provision in the deal was that the company would remain independently managed. This strategic move allowed Instagram to retain its unique identity and continue to innovate under the guidance of its founders.

The astounding rise of Instagram's popularity proves that people believe in real connections rather than those based on only words. In a world where social media platforms often prioritize quantity over quality, Instagram stands out by focusing on visual storytelling and genuine connections.

Now, let's shift gears and explore the concept of becoming a polymath. A polymath is someone who possesses knowledge and expertise in multiple fields. It may seem daunting to acquire a diverse skill set, but it's not as difficult as it may seem.

Step 1: Creating an atypical combination of two or more skills that you're competent in can lead to a world-class skill set. Start by becoming the best at one specific thing. This could be anything from coding to painting to playing a musical instrument. Once you have mastered one skill, move on to becoming very good (top 25%) at two or more things.

Step 2: Creative breakthroughs come via making atypical combinations of skills. Don't be afraid to explore new territories and combine seemingly unrelated skills. By thinking outside the box, you can uncover unique insights and approaches that can set you apart from others.

Step 3: Become competent in a new skill. In today's world, access to knowledge has never been easier. The quality of knowledge in every domain is improving, and there is an abundance of free or affordable content from the world's top experts in every medium you can think of. Embrace online learning platforms, workshops, and books to expand your skill set.

Step 4: Pioneer a new field, industry, or skill set. While the explosion of knowledge may make it impossible to know everything, it has also made it easier to find one big, atypical combination of fields or skills. Embrace the opportunities that arise from combining old and new fields, and be at the forefront of innovation.

Step 5: Future-proof your career. As Charles Darwin famously said, "It is not the strongest or the most intelligent who will survive but those who can best manage change." By becoming a polymath, you can adapt to changing trends and market demands, ensuring that your career remains relevant and successful.

Step 6: Solve more complex problems. The ability to draw from multiple disciplines allows polymaths to approach problems from different angles. This interdisciplinary approach often leads to more innovative and comprehensive solutions.

Step 7: Stand out and compete in the global economy. In a world where competition is fierce, standing out is crucial. By embracing a polymathic mindset, you can differentiate yourself from the crowd. As Howard Marks, the founder of Oaktree Capital, said, "In order to get into the top of the performance distribution, you have to escape from the crowd."

During my research on polymaths, I've discovered that mental models play a significant role in their success. Mental models are the invisible links that connect disciplines together. As Peter Thiel, the founder of PayPal, said, "The best projects are likely to be overlooked, not trumpeted by a crowd; the best problems to work on are often the ones nobody else even tries to solve."

In conclusion, the founding story of Instagram and the concept of becoming a polymath may seem unrelated at first glance. However, they both share a common theme - the power of unique ideas and approaches. Whether it's creating a user-friendly platform or acquiring diverse skills, embracing innovation and thinking outside the box can lead to remarkable success.

Actionable Advice:

1. Embrace simplicity and ease of use in your projects or products. By removing unnecessary complexities, you can create a seamless user experience that resonates with your audience.
2. Continuously expand your skill set by exploring new fields and combining seemingly unrelated disciplines. This will not only make you a more well-rounded individual but also open up new opportunities for innovation.
3. Foster a mindset of constant learning and adaptability. In a rapidly changing world, the ability to learn new skills and adapt to new challenges is crucial for long-term success.

Remember, success often lies in the intersection of unique ideas, skills, and approaches. Embrace creativity, think outside the box, and pave your own path to success.