Overview:
| Type of site | Social networking service |
|---|---|
| Available in | 112 languages |
| Founded | February 4, 2004; 21 years ago in Cambridge, Massachusetts, US |
| Area served | Worldwide, except blocking countries |
| Owner | Meta Platforms |
| Founder(s) | Mark Zuckerberg, Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes, Andrew McCollum, Eduardo Saverin |
| CEO | Mark Zuckerberg |
| URL | facebook.com |
| Registration | Required (to do any activity) |
| Users | 3.04 billion monthly active users (as of 5 June 2025) |
| Launched | February 4, 2004; 21 years ago |
| Current status | Active |
| Written in | C++, Hack (as HHVM), PHP |
Introduction: How Facebook Changed the World
When Facebook was launched on February 4, 2004, by Mark Zuckerberg and his college roommates at Harvard University, it was a small-scale project known as "TheFacebook." Intended solely for Harvard students, it quickly spread to other Ivy League schools and then exploded onto the global stage. Over the course of two decades, Facebook transformed from a simple college social network into a massive global platform that reshaped communication, advertising, social behavior, and digital culture worldwide.
By 2025, Facebook has solidified its place as the largest social networking platform on the planet, boasting over 3.04 billion monthly active users. Owned by Meta Platforms, it continues to be a cornerstone of the internet, alongside other Meta products like Instagram and WhatsApp.
The Founding and Early Growth of Facebook
Facebook’s origin story is now tech industry legend. It began as a project developed by Mark Zuckerberg along with fellow Harvard students Dustin Moskovitz, Chris Hughes, Andrew McCollum, and Eduardo Saverin. Initially designed as an exclusive directory for Harvard students to connect and share information, its success was immediate and undeniable. Within months, it expanded to other universities, and by the end of 2004, Facebook had hundreds of thousands of users across multiple campuses.
Zuckerberg dropped out of Harvard to focus on the venture full-time. With early investments from figures like Peter Thiel, Facebook established its headquarters in California, laying the groundwork for its global dominance.
Facebook's Rise to Power (2004-2012)
Throughout the late 2000s, Facebook introduced features that fundamentally altered how people interacted online. The introduction of the News Feed in 2006 was revolutionary, shifting the internet toward algorithm-driven content discovery. Facebook Pages, introduced for businesses and public figures, allowed brands to engage directly with users. Groups, Events, and the Like button all followed, creating a more interconnected and engaging experience.
By 2012, Facebook had surpassed 1 billion users and held one of the most anticipated IPOs in tech history. Its valuation crossed $100 billion, and it officially entered the ranks of tech giants alongside Google and Apple.
Meta Platforms and the Expansion Beyond Facebook
In 2021, Facebook underwent one of the most significant rebrands in corporate history, changing its parent company’s name to Meta Platforms. This shift reflected Zuckerberg’s vision of the future — focusing not just on social networking but on building the “metaverse,” a digital world where augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) would redefine human interaction.
Meta’s acquisition strategy played a key role in Facebook’s growth. The acquisitions of Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014) allowed Meta to dominate the social networking and messaging landscape further. Oculus VR (now Meta Quest) positioned the company at the forefront of the VR industry.
Despite controversies surrounding privacy, data usage, and misinformation, Facebook remained the flagship platform, evolving with time while integrating features like Stories (borrowed from Snapchat) and Reels (competing with TikTok).
The Scale of Facebook in 2025
As of June 5, 2025, Facebook boasts 3.04 billion monthly active users. This figure represents nearly 40% of the global population, making Facebook the most widely used social media platform in history.
Facebook is available in 112 languages, serving users worldwide except in countries where access is restricted or blocked. From small villages to global cities, Facebook connects people across continents, cultures, and age groups.
Key user demographics have shifted over the years. While younger audiences now favor platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or newer entrants, Facebook remains extremely popular among users aged 30+, making it a key platform for family connections, local communities, and professional networking.
Core Features of Facebook in 2025
- News Feed: Continues to be algorithm-driven, personalized to user behavior, and optimized for engagement.
- Marketplace: A leading platform for local buying and selling, rivalling dedicated platforms like eBay or Craigslist.
- Groups: A vibrant ecosystem of niche communities, supporting hobbies, education, activism, and local communities.
- Facebook Watch: Competes with YouTube for video content, offering both short and long-form videos.
- Reels: Short video content aimed at competing with TikTok and Instagram Reels.
- Messenger: Integrated tightly with Facebook, serving both as a chat app and a customer service tool for businesses.
- Meta Business Suite: Tools for managing Pages, advertising campaigns, insights, and scheduling posts.
The Technology Behind Facebook
Facebook’s backend is built on powerful technologies including:
- C++: Core backend operations.
- Hack: A programming language developed by Facebook, running on the HHVM (HipHop Virtual Machine).
- PHP: Early development language, still in use for parts of the infrastructure.
Facebook’s architecture supports millions of simultaneous users and complex, data-intensive applications like AI-powered feeds, ad targeting, and virtual reality integrations.
Challenges and Criticisms
Throughout its history, Facebook has faced intense scrutiny over:
- Privacy Issues: Notably the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
- Data Security Breaches: Multiple instances of user data leaks.
- Misinformation: Struggles to combat fake news and harmful content.
- Monopoly Concerns: Criticism over Meta’s market dominance.
- Mental Health Impacts: Concerns about addiction, self-esteem issues, and social polarization.
Despite these controversies, Facebook’s user base and revenues have continued to grow, largely because it remains deeply embedded in how people connect and communicate.
The Future of Facebook
Looking ahead, Facebook’s future seems intertwined with Meta’s broader ambitions for the metaverse. While adoption of virtual and augmented reality technologies remains gradual, Facebook is positioned to integrate these experiences into its platform more deeply over time.
AI integration will also play a larger role. Facebook already uses AI to manage content moderation, improve ad targeting, and suggest connections. In the future, AI could drive more immersive, personalized user experiences, from shopping to entertainment.
Moreover, Facebook’s focus on commerce through Marketplace and direct payment systems could transform it further into a hybrid of social network, marketplace, and media platform.
Conclusion
Facebook’s journey from a Harvard dorm room to a global tech titan is unparalleled. It has connected billions, shaped political discourse, redefined advertising, and left an indelible mark on how society communicates. As it steps deeper into the metaverse and AI-driven future, Facebook remains not just a social network, but a central hub of the digital universe.
Its 3.04 billion active users are a testament to its enduring relevance — and a reminder that, despite emerging trends and platforms, Facebook continues to evolve, adapt, and dominate the global digital landscape.