Episode
#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
2:52:38
Published: Tue Nov 23 2021
Description
Kevin Systrom is the co-founder and former CEO of Instagram. Please support this podcast by checking out our sponsors: - Theragun: https://therabody.com/lex to get 30 day trial - NI: https://www.ni.com/perspectives - GiveWell: https://www.givewell.org/ and use code LEX to get donation matched up to $1k - Blinkist: https://blinkist.com/lex and use code LEX to get 25% off premium - Fundrise: https://fundrise.com/lex EPISODE LINKS: Kevin's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kevin/ Kevin's Twitter: https://twitter.com/kevin Kevin's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinsystrom PODCAST INFO: Podcast website: https://lexfridman.com/podcast Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/2lwqZIr Spotify: https://spoti.fi/2nEwCF8 RSS: https://lexfridman.com/feed/podcast/ YouTube Full Episodes: https://youtube.com/lexfridman YouTube Clips: https://youtube.com/lexclips SUPPORT & CONNECT: - Check out the sponsors above, it's the best way to support this podcast - Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/lexfridman - Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexfridman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexfridman - LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lexfridman - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexfridman - Medium: https://medium.com/@lexfridman OUTLINE: Here's the timestamps for the episode. On some podcast players you should be able to click the timestamp to jump to that time. (00:00) - Introduction (08:26) - Origin of Instagram (50:33) - New social networks (1:09:38) - Selling Instagram to Facebook (1:32:40) - Features (1:36:47) - Facebook (2:13:28) - Whistleblower (2:24:47) - Machine learning (2:34:45) - Advice for startups (2:40:37) - Money (2:46:37) - Love (2:48:54) - Meaning of life
Chapters
GiveWell helps donors choose the most impactful charities by evaluating their track record and providing evidence-backed recommendations for charitable giving.
00:00 - 05:13 (05:13)
Summary
GiveWell helps donors choose the most impactful charities by evaluating their track record and providing evidence-backed recommendations for charitable giving. The episode also mentions a product advertisement for Theragun, a handheld percussive therapy device.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The founder of Instagram explains how they replaced check-in apps by making their service a "check-in via a photo," which became the most popular aspect of the app among users.
05:13 - 14:42 (09:28)
Summary
The founder of Instagram explains how they replaced check-in apps by making their service a "check-in via a photo," which became the most popular aspect of the app among users.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the use of Gantt charts for planning, specifically in the context of preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
14:42 - 18:08 (03:25)
Summary
The speaker discusses the use of Gantt charts for planning, specifically in the context of preparing Thanksgiving dinner.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of measuring user engagement with apps through various metrics such as moments of happiness and length of usage, and how this data can provide insights for creating better user experiences.
18:08 - 22:20 (04:11)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of measuring user engagement with apps through various metrics such as moments of happiness and length of usage, and how this data can provide insights for creating better user experiences.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker reflects on using the first mobile phones with cameras and the challenges they had in sharing pictures across different apps, as well as how they turned the poor quality of the images into an artistic choice.
22:20 - 26:57 (04:36)
Summary
The speaker reflects on using the first mobile phones with cameras and the challenges they had in sharing pictures across different apps, as well as how they turned the poor quality of the images into an artistic choice.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses optimizing image loading by preparing the image on the server and iterating over fewer pixels.
26:57 - 31:51 (04:53)
Summary
The speaker discusses optimizing image loading by preparing the image on the server and iterating over fewer pixels. He also shares an example from his work on the Gmail team about the high likelihood of a user signing in after entering their email address.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Providing a polished, fast and optimal experience for users is the most important factor in building a successful product.
31:51 - 37:10 (05:19)
Summary
Providing a polished, fast and optimal experience for users is the most important factor in building a successful product.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The tendency of many startups to over-engineer their solutions can be avoided by using simple and easily scalable technology solutions like Postgres and Python.
37:10 - 43:56 (06:45)
Summary
The tendency of many startups to over-engineer their solutions can be avoided by using simple and easily scalable technology solutions like Postgres and Python. This can ensure flexibility and room for growth, while the incorporation of additional features can facilitate the development of new and useful applications, as demonstrated by the example of adding a photo trove feature to an existing system.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A lot of founders get obsessed with user targets, but it's more important to focus on retaining the users you already have and creating a product they love.
43:56 - 48:36 (04:40)
Summary
A lot of founders get obsessed with user targets, but it's more important to focus on retaining the users you already have and creating a product they love. Once you have a strong user base, hiring experienced scaling experts can help you navigate the challenges of growth.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The amount of time users spend on different social media platforms is fundamentally different, with each platform requiring a unique product market fit or out-competing other platforms to create something new.
48:36 - 56:53 (08:16)
Summary
The amount of time users spend on different social media platforms is fundamentally different, with each platform requiring a unique product market fit or out-competing other platforms to create something new.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The future of social networks may be making them less social to lessen the problem of divisive content.
56:53 - 1:02:06 (05:13)
Summary
The future of social networks may be making them less social to lessen the problem of divisive content. The key will be focusing on content quality rather than people manipulating distribution.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The podcast discusses the idea of measuring utility in a way that captures someone's happiness using reinforcement learning and value functions.
1:02:06 - 1:09:31 (07:25)
Summary
The podcast discusses the idea of measuring utility in a way that captures someone's happiness using reinforcement learning and value functions. They also touch on how products can enhance one's life and make them a better human being.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses their experience with selling a company for hundreds of millions of dollars and working in corporate development at Google, as well as the unexpected challenges that came with success.
1:09:31 - 1:15:14 (05:42)
Summary
The speaker discusses their experience with selling a company for hundreds of millions of dollars and working in corporate development at Google, as well as the unexpected challenges that came with success.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the concept of defining success in startups and highlights the importance of choosing the right game to play.
1:15:14 - 1:21:22 (06:08)
Summary
The speaker discusses the concept of defining success in startups and highlights the importance of choosing the right game to play.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The host discusses the possibility of partnering with Facebook to grow his company and talks about the challenges that come with making big decisions, including a $1 billion deal with Mark Zuckerberg.
1:21:22 - 1:25:49 (04:26)
Summary
The host discusses the possibility of partnering with Facebook to grow his company and talks about the challenges that come with making big decisions, including a $1 billion deal with Mark Zuckerberg. He also reflects on the benefits of learning about machine learning.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A discussion on the battle between our rational and emotional brains, especially when it comes to making decisions regarding startups and investments.
1:25:49 - 1:32:39 (06:50)
Summary
A discussion on the battle between our rational and emotional brains, especially when it comes to making decisions regarding startups and investments.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The challenge Facebook faces is not fully appreciating the main job to be done of each product they introduce, as each product must serve a distinct purpose to be effectively hired as "employees."
1:32:39 - 1:37:26 (04:46)
Summary
The challenge Facebook faces is not fully appreciating the main job to be done of each product they introduce, as each product must serve a distinct purpose to be effectively hired as "employees."
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The lack of consistent product innovation can result in a decline for even the most successful founder-led companies, as seen with Facebook.
1:37:25 - 1:45:39 (08:13)
Summary
The lack of consistent product innovation can result in a decline for even the most successful founder-led companies, as seen with Facebook. A series of innovative product launches can keep a company relevant and competitive.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The spread of misinformation is difficult to control because it is a combination of human nature and algorithms.
1:45:39 - 1:54:38 (08:59)
Summary
The spread of misinformation is difficult to control because it is a combination of human nature and algorithms. Additionally, some public figures, like Steve Jobs or Elon Musk, draw people to them even when flawed because they deliver products people like or have a childlike wonder to their personalities, making them more trustworthy.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker shares their perspective on the value of hard work and how it can mold individuals' creativity and work ethic.
1:54:38 - 2:00:05 (05:26)
Summary
The speaker shares their perspective on the value of hard work and how it can mold individuals' creativity and work ethic.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
In this podcast, the speaker discusses how some people in the tech industry prioritize pay over hard work and the importance of understanding the value of working hard.
2:00:05 - 2:04:56 (04:50)
Summary
In this podcast, the speaker discusses how some people in the tech industry prioritize pay over hard work and the importance of understanding the value of working hard. They also touch upon how certain successful people have put their family priorities on hold to attain success in their careers.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The speaker discusses the importance of having a sense of humility in communication and how it can lead to success.
2:04:56 - 2:12:28 (07:32)
Summary
The speaker discusses the importance of having a sense of humility in communication and how it can lead to success. He also touches on spreading valuable ideas and imagining counterfactual scenarios.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
A lot of people, including those who work at Facebook, are upset about the deep flaws in human nature being amplified by social media, as highlighted by the whistleblower and the popular documentary 'The Social Dilemma'.
2:12:28 - 2:23:03 (10:34)
Summary
A lot of people, including those who work at Facebook, are upset about the deep flaws in human nature being amplified by social media, as highlighted by the whistleblower and the popular documentary 'The Social Dilemma'. There is a need to address issues such as hate and bullying, and more focus is needed on the people who actually understand the fundamentals of machine learning rather than those who make philosophical statements for clickbait.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The development of self-driving cars is being propelled by the advancements in machine learning and reinforcement learning.
2:23:03 - 2:27:40 (04:37)
Summary
The development of self-driving cars is being propelled by the advancements in machine learning and reinforcement learning. Optimizing the way we operate and minimizing energy consumption can help combat climate change.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The use of reinforcement learning in simulations, such as modeling pedestrians for self-driving cars, is fascinating and showcases the potential for future advancements.
2:27:40 - 2:34:54 (07:13)
Summary
The use of reinforcement learning in simulations, such as modeling pedestrians for self-driving cars, is fascinating and showcases the potential for future advancements. Despite some executives still treating it as a buzzword, the development of reinforcement learning technology is set to become increasingly prevalent in the next decade.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The importance of finding the balance between passion, skill, and market demand.
2:34:54 - 2:39:26 (04:32)
Summary
The importance of finding the balance between passion, skill, and market demand. Many people are delusional and don't realize there may not be a big market for their ideas, and it's essential to evaluate those circles and find where they overlap.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The market, skills and passion are the three key elements for a successful entrepreneurial venture.
2:39:26 - 2:42:41 (03:15)
Summary
The market, skills and passion are the three key elements for a successful entrepreneurial venture. Raising money should be viewed as hiring someone for the team and not just taking capital if it's available.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
Operating a company is one of the hardest things on Earth and requires hard work and honesty among partners.
2:42:41 - 2:48:51 (06:09)
Summary
Operating a company is one of the hardest things on Earth and requires hard work and honesty among partners. Many people have convinced themselves that they work hard, but ultimately end up not working hard enough to succeed.
Episode#243 – Kevin Systrom: Instagram
PodcastLex Fridman Podcast
The meaning of life is not about money, fame, and success, but rather opting into the game you love playing and plotting a course every day.
2:48:51 - 2:52:29 (03:38)
Summary
The meaning of life is not about money, fame, and success, but rather opting into the game you love playing and plotting a course every day. There is an awakening when you get to the edge and realize there is more to life than chasing materialistic things.