Instagram Founders Net Worth (Updated 2025).
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger, the masterminds behind Instagram, didn’t just wake up one day and decide to create a global phenomenon. Their journey began in the tech hub of Silicon Valley, where they both worked at Google. Systrom, a Stanford graduate, started as an intern and climbed the ranks to become a product manager, while Krieger, also a Stanford alumnus, joined as an engineer.
Their big break came when they left Google to join the startup Odeo, which later became Twitter. It was here that they first collaborated, working on the platform’s infrastructure. However, they soon realized that their passion lay not in microblogging, but in photo sharing. This insight led them to create Burbn, a precursor to Instagram, which combined features of Foursquare with photo sharing. Although Burbn didn’t take off, it laid the groundwork for what was to come.
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Kevin Systrom’s Current Net Worth (2025)
As of 2025, Kevin Systrom, co-founder of Instagram, has an estimated net worth of $1.5 billion. This significant wealth accumulation is primarily due to his successful tenure at Instagram, which was acquired by Facebook in 2012 for $1 billion in cash and stock.
Kevin Systrom’s Career
Before Instagram, Systrom worked at Google and then Odnoklassniki, a Russian social network. In 2010, he launched Instagram with Mike Krieger, initially as a check-in app called Burbn. They later pivoted to focus on photo-sharing, leading to Instagram’s massive success.
Other Ventures
After leaving Instagram in 2018, Systrom has been investing in and advising startups. He’s also a partner at the venture capital firm Bond. In 2021, he launched a new app, Letterboxd, focused on film reviews and recommendations.
Assets
Systrom’s assets include a significant stake in Facebook (now Meta) stock, real estate in California, and a collection of vintage cameras. He’s also an avid art collector, with pieces from artists like David Hockney and Ed Ruscha.
Annual Income
Systrom’s annual income is not publicly disclosed. However, as of 2012, he was reportedly earning a salary of around $1 million per year from Instagram. Post-acquisition, his income likely comes from his Facebook stock, investments, and his new ventures.
Frequently Asked Questions about Instagram Founders
**Frequently Asked Questions: Instagram Founders Net Worth**
1. Who are the founders of Instagram?
The founders of Instagram are Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger. They launched the photo-sharing app in October 2010.
2. When was Instagram acquired by Facebook?
Instagram was acquired by Facebook in April 2012 for approximately $1 billion in cash and stock.
3. What is Kevin Systrom’s net worth?
As of the latest estimates, Kevin Systrom’s net worth is around $1.5 billion.
4. How did Mike Krieger become involved with Instagram?
Mike Krieger met Kevin Systrom while they were both working at Google. Systrom later recruited Krieger to join him at Odeo (which later became Twitter). When Systrom started working on an app called Burbn, Krieger joined him to help develop it into what we now know as Instagram.
5. What was the inspiration behind Instagram?
Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger were inspired by other photo-sharing apps like Hipstamatic and PicPlz. They wanted to create a simpler, more user-friendly version that focused on sharing moments with friends and applying filters to photos.
6. How old were the founders when they started Instagram?
Kevin Systrom was 27 and Mike Krieger was 24 when they launched Instagram.
7. What is Mike Krieger’s net worth?
As of the latest estimates, Mike Krieger’s net worth is around $1 billion.
8. Why did the founders leave Instagram in 2018?
In September 2018, both Kevin Systrom and Mike Krieger announced they were leaving Instagram and Facebook. They cited personal reasons and a desire to explore their entrepreneurial instincts again.
9. What have the founders done since leaving Instagram?
After leaving Instagram, Kevin Systrom has focused on investing in and advising startups, while Mike Krieger has been working on a new startup called Wishbone, a social decision-making app.
10. How did the founders become so successful?
The founders’ success can be attributed to their innovative idea, strong execution, and timely entry into the market. They also had the foresight to join forces with Facebook when they saw the potential for Instagram to grow even further.
