Instagram’s founders created the photo-sharing app Burbn before pivoting to Instagram.
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger launched Burbn as a location-based mobile service with several features, including check-ins, plans, and photo sharing. They found that users were especially interested in the photos.
The founders simplified the product, removed most of its features, and focused on fast mobile photo sharing. They named the redesigned application Instagram, combining ideas associated with instant communication and telegrams.
Instagram launched in October 2010 for Apple’s iOS devices. Facebook announced an agreement to acquire Instagram in 2012. Burbn is therefore the earlier product behind Instagram, not an alternative name that the photo app used after launch.