[Facebook](https://doctorparadox.net/category/technology/facebook/), founded by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates on February 4, 2004, began as a Harvard-only social network before expanding to other Ivy League universities and eventually to the general public. Originally named "TheFacebook," it rapidly evolved into a global social networking behemoth, redefining how people connect and communicate online. Through continuous innovation and strategic acquisitions like Instagram and WhatsApp, Facebook has played a pivotal role in shaping the digital landscape even beyond [social media](https://doctorparadox.net/tag/social-media/), impacting everything from individual social interactions to global politics and business. Over the years, Facebook has introduced a plethora of features that have significantly influenced online culture and behavior, including the News Feed, Timeline, and the universally recognized "Like" button. The platform's expansion into advertising, virtual reality, and [[artificial intelligence (AI)]] further underscores its ambition to lead in technological advancements. Despite facing numerous challenges, including privacy scandals and regulatory scrutiny, Facebook's rebranding to Meta Platforms Inc. in 2021 marks its ambitious pivot towards building the "metaverse," aiming to create interconnected virtual experiences using VR and AR technologies. This timeline captures the major milestones and transformations that highlight Facebook's journey from a college networking site to a dominant tech giant that blankets well over half the planet. | Year | Event | | ---- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | | 2004 | Mark Zuckerberg launches Facebook on February 4, originally as "TheFacebook," from his Harvard dorm room. | | 2004 | [Peter Thiel](https://doctorparadox.net/people-data/peter-thiel-faq/) becomes Facebook’s first outside investor, providing $500,000 in seed funding in exchange for a 10.2% stake and a seat on the board. | | 2005 | Thiel officially begins board tenure at Facebook. | | 2005 | Facebook introduces the 'Photos' feature, without any tagging or privacy settings initially. | | 2006 | Facebook opens to anyone aged 13 and over with a valid email address on September 26. | | 2007 | Facebook introduces the News Feed, radically changing how content is distributed and consumed on the platform. | | 2008 | Sheryl Sandberg joins Facebook as Chief Operating Officer. Facebook also introduces the Facebook Chat feature. | | 2009 | Facebook introduces the "Like" button, significantly influencing user interaction on the platform. | | 2010 | The Social Network, a film about Facebook’s founding, is released. Facebook also launches Facebook Places to compete with Foursquare. | | 2011 | Facebook introduces the Timeline feature, a major redesign of the user profile. | | 2012 | Facebook holds its initial public offering (IPO) on May 18, one of the biggest in technology history During the IPO, Thiel sells most of his Facebook stake for over $1 billion. Facebook acquires Instagram for approximately $1 billion in April. | | 2013 | Facebook introduces Graph Search, allowing users to search within their social graphs for content. | | 2014 | Facebook acquires WhatsApp for $19 billion in February, its largest acquisition to date. Facebook also launches Facebook Audience Network, extending its advertising capabilities. | | 2015 | Facebook hits 1 billion users in a single day on August 24. | | 2016 | Controversy arises over Thiel’s funding of the lawsuit that led to the bankruptcy of Gawker Media; Facebook chooses to retain Thiel on its board despite media criticism. Facebook hits 1 billion users on Messenger. Facebook also introduces Facebook Live. | | 2017 | Facebook reaches 2 billion monthly active users in June. | | 2018 | The Cambridge Analytica scandal breaks, raising serious concerns about privacy and data usage. Reports surface of political tensions between Peter Thiel and other board members over his support for Donald Trump. | | 2019 | Peter Thiel is reported to have argued in favor of Facebook allowing politicians to lie in political ads, sparking renewed controversy over his role. Facebook announces plans for Libra, a cryptocurrency initiative, which later gets renamed to Diem. | | 2020 | Facebook launches Facebook Shops to integrate e-commerce directly into the platform. It also introduces Facebook Rooms as a response to the surge in video conferencing demand. | | 2021 | Facebook rebrands as Meta Platforms Inc., signaling a shift towards building the metaverse. The company also launches Horizon Workrooms, a virtual reality meeting space. | | 2022 | Thiel announces he will step down from the Meta Board after 17 years, effective after the annual shareholders’ meeting to pursue political activities supporting pro-Trump candidates. | | 2024 | Meta records a historic 91% stock surge after Orion AR reveal and invests heavily in AI and metaverse technology. | | 2025 | Meta unveils major AI-driven metaverse innovations at its Connect conference. It launches generative AI video editing tools, new content monetization programs, the Hypernova smart glasses project, and WhatsApp Business enhancements. Meta’s market capitalization is between $1.84 trillion and $1.87 trillion by late 202.5 |