Facebook History Timeline and Biographies | History Timeline Generator

The Launch of Facebook

Facebook was launched on February 4, 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg along with his college roommates Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes. Initially designed for Harvard students, it quickly expanded to other Ivy League universities and then to colleges across the United States and Canada.

Introduction of the News Feed

In 2005, Facebook introduced the News Feed feature, allowing users to see updates from their friends in real-time. This innovation significantly changed how users interacted with the platform, making it more dynamic and engaging.

Opening to the Public

In September 2006, Facebook opened its doors to the general public, allowing anyone aged 13 and older with a valid email address to join. This marked a significant shift, expanding Facebook's user base dramatically.

Introduction of Facebook Pages

Facebook launched Pages in 2007, allowing businesses, celebrities, and organizations to create profiles to connect with fans and customers. This feature played a crucial role in Facebook's growth as a marketing platform.

Facebook Becomes the Most Popular Social Network

By 2008, Facebook surpassed MySpace to become the most popular social networking site in the world. This achievement solidified Facebook's dominance in the social media landscape.

The Launch of the Open Graph API

In 2010, Facebook introduced the Open Graph API, enabling developers to integrate their applications with Facebook. This move allowed for a broader range of functionalities and enhanced user engagement on the platform.

Facebook's Initial Public Offering (IPO)

Facebook went public on May 18, 2012, with an initial public offering (IPO) that valued the company at over $100 billion. This event marked a significant milestone in Facebook's history and growth trajectory.

Acquisition of WhatsApp

In February 2014, Facebook announced its acquisition of WhatsApp for approximately $19 billion. This strategic move expanded Facebook's portfolio in the messaging space and increased its global reach.

Introduction of Facebook Live

Facebook Live was launched in 2016, allowing users to broadcast live videos to their friends and followers. This feature transformed how users interacted with content, promoting real-time engagement.

Cambridge Analytica Scandal

In 2018, Facebook faced a major scandal involving Cambridge Analytica, which improperly accessed the data of millions of users without consent. This incident raised significant concerns about privacy and data protection on social media platforms.

Facebook's Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

In 2020, Facebook implemented various features to support users during the COVID-19 pandemic, including a COVID-19 information center and tools for businesses to connect with customers. This demonstrated Facebook's adaptability in times of crisis.

Rebranding to Meta Platforms, Inc.

In October 2021, Facebook announced a rebranding to Meta Platforms, Inc., reflecting its focus on building the metaverse and expanding beyond social media into virtual and augmented reality experiences.

Launch of Facebook's Metaverse Initiatives

In 2022, Facebook began launching various initiatives aimed at developing the metaverse, including virtual reality experiences and social interactions in immersive environments, furthering its vision of a connected digital world.

Enhanced Privacy Features and User Control

In 2023, Facebook introduced enhanced privacy features, giving users more control over their data and how it is shared. This was part of an ongoing effort to rebuild trust with users following previous controversies.

Expansion of Facebook's Marketplace and E-commerce Features

In 2024, Facebook expanded its Marketplace and e-commerce features, allowing users to buy and sell products directly within the platform, further integrating social media with online shopping experiences.