My sources say the Instagram founders are leaving after increased tension with Mark Zuckerberg over the direction of the product. IG culture/priorities very different from FB. See my April story for background: bloomberg.com/news/features/…
Still no information at all from FB after @MikeIsaac scoop on their departure. The most likely new leader of Instagram is Adam Mosseri, who formerly ran news feed at Facebook.
Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom was just on paternity leave, likely had time to reflect on Instagram's current trajectory. I'm hearing it's quite a big deal that Kevin and Mike leaving at the same time. FB just took back Marne Levine, who was helpful at FB/IG harmony when IG COO.
First official statement -- on taking time off to be creative again: instagram-press.com/blog/2018/09/2…
Without the founders around, Instagram is likely to become more tightly integrated with Facebook, making it more of a product division than a company within Facebook, sources say bloomberg.com/news/articles/…
For years, founders were able to lean on FB for resources and talent while amicably resisting some product initiatives. A new leader may not be able to keep the right balance/ may be more willing to make changes that help FB at the expense of some of Instagram’s unique qualities.
