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Companies Encyclopedia Entry 1778494641

** Meta Platforms, Inc., commonly known as Meta, is a multinational technology and online social media company that operates several popular platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. ## Overview Meta Platforms, Inc. is a leading technology company that has revolutionized the way people connect, communicate, and share information online. Founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg, along with his college roommates and fellow Harvard University students Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes, the company has grown exponentially over the years to become one of the world's most valuable and influential technology companies. Meta's mission is to give people the power to build community and bring the world closer together. Meta's journey began with the launch of Facebook, a social networking platform that quickly gained popularity among college students and eventually spread to the general public. Over the years, the company has expanded its offerings to include Instagram, a photo and video-sharing platform, and WhatsApp, a messaging app. Today, Meta's platforms have over 3.5 billion monthly active users, making it one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world. ## History/Background Meta's history dates back to 2003 when Mark Zuckerberg, then a sophomore at Harvard, created a website called "Facemash" that allowed users to compare the photos of two students and vote on which one was more attractive. The site became popular, but also generated controversy and was eventually shut down by the university. Undeterred, Zuckerberg and his friends created a new website called "Thefacebook" in 2004, which was initially intended for Harvard students only. The site quickly gained popularity, and within a month, it had over 50,000 users. In 2005, the company dropped "The" from its name and became simply "Facebook." The site expanded to other colleges and universities, and eventually to the general public. In 2012, Facebook acquired Instagram for $1 billion, and in 2014, it acquired WhatsApp for $19 billion. Today, Meta's platforms are used by people all over the world to connect with friends and family, share information, and access a wide range of online services. ## Key Information * **Revenue:** Meta's revenue has grown significantly over the years, from $1.97 billion in 2012 to over $117 billion in 2021. * **User Base:** Meta's platforms have over 3.5 billion monthly active users, making it one of the largest and most influential technology companies in the world. * **Acquisitions:** Meta has acquired several companies over the years, including Instagram, WhatsApp, and Giphy. * **Products:** Meta offers a wide range of products and services, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Oculus VR. * **Headquarters:** Meta's headquarters is located in Menlo Park, California. ## Significance Meta's significance extends far beyond its financial success and user base. The company has played a major role in shaping the way people connect and communicate online. Its platforms have enabled people to share information, access online services, and connect with others across the globe. Meta's impact on society is multifaceted, and its influence can be seen in many areas, including: * **Social Media:** Meta's platforms have revolutionized the way people interact with each other online, creating new opportunities for connection and community-building. * **E-commerce:** Meta's platforms have enabled businesses to reach a wider audience and sell their products and services online. * **Digital Payments:** Meta's platforms have enabled people to make payments and transactions online, making it easier to access financial services. INFOBOX: - **Name:** Meta Platforms, Inc. - **Type:** Technology and Online Social Media Company - **Date:** Founded in 2004 - **Location:** Menlo Park, California - **Known For:** Creating popular online platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. TAGS: Technology, Social Media, Online Platforms, E-commerce, Digital Payments, Mark Zuckerberg, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Meta Platforms.