When did Facebook start? I admit it, that’s a question I asked myself very often. The social media giant, now known as Meta, began as a college project in 2004. For example, Mark Zuckerberg and his Harvard roommates launched “TheFacebook” on February 4, 2004, connecting students across campuses. Today, with over 3 billion monthly active users, it’s a cornerstone of online communication, gaming communities, and digital marketing. Who would ever think that? This guide explores Facebook’s start date, its evolution, and its impact on tech and gaming in 2025.
Key Takeaways
- Facebook started on February 4, 2004, as “TheFacebook” at Harvard.
- Mark Zuckerberg and co-founders built it for college networking.
- It grew to 1 million users by 2004 and 3 billion by 2025.
- Renamed Meta in 2021, it now focuses on AI and the metaverse.
- Facebook powers gaming communities like Minecraft fan groups.
How Facebook Grew from a College Project
Facebook’s journey is a very fascinating story:
- 2004-2005: By December 2004, TheFacebook hit 1 million users across U.S. colleges. It dropped “The” in 2005, becoming Facebook, and secured $12.7 million from Accel Partners.
- 2006: Facebook opened to anyone with an email, surging to 12 million users. It introduced the News Feed, a game-changer for real-time updates.
- 2008-2012: With 100 million users by 2008, Facebook went public in 2012 at a $104 billion valuation, the largest tech IPO then. It acquired Instagram (2012) and WhatsApp (2014).
- 2021-Present: Renamed Meta in 2021, it now focuses on AI, VR, and the metaverse. By 2025, it boasts 3.07 billion monthly active users, per Meta’s Q1 2025 report.
Facebook’s Impact on Tech and Gaming in 2025
In 2025, Facebook shapes tech and gaming in big ways. For instance:
- Gaming Communities: Facebook hosts millions of groups for games like Minecraft, Fortnite, and Marvel Rivals. Players share mods, tips, and livestreams via Facebook Gaming, competing with Twitch, which is fantastic.
- Social Media Marketing: Businesses use Facebook Ads to reach gamers, promoting accessories like the PS5 DualSense Cosmic Red.
- Metaverse and VR: Meta’s Horizon Worlds integrates gaming and social VR, letting users play titles like Beat Saber in virtual spaces.
- AI Integration: AI-driven features, like personalized feeds and chatbots, enhance user engagement on gaming pages, per TechCrunch (2024).
- Connectivity: With 3 billion users, Facebook connects developers and players globally, fostering indie game growth.
Key Milestones in Facebook’s Evolution
Here are pivotal moments in Facebook’s history:
- February 4, 2004: TheFacebook launches at Harvard.
- September 2006: Opens to public, introduces News Feed.
- April 2012: Acquires Instagram for $1 billion.
- May 2012: Goes public at $38/share, valued at $104 billion.
- October 2021: Rebrands to Meta, focusing on metaverse.
- 2025: Hits 3.07 billion users, leads in AI and VR, per Meta.
FAQs About Facebook’s Start and Growth
Q: When did Facebook start officially?
A: February 4, 2004, as TheFacebook at Harvard, per official records.
Q: Who founded Facebook?
A: Mark Zuckerberg, Eduardo Saverin, Andrew McCollum, Dustin Moskovitz, and Chris Hughes.
Q: When did Facebook become Meta?
A: October 28, 2021, reflecting its metaverse focus.
Q: Does Facebook still matter for gaming in 2025?
A: Yes, its groups and livestreaming support Minecraft and Fortnite communities.
Conclusion
So, when did Facebook start? On February 4, 2004, as a Harvard project called TheFacebook. Interestingly enough, growing to 3 billion users by 2025, Meta now drives gaming communities, VR, and AI innovation. From Minecraft fan groups to Beat Saber in Horizon Worlds, Facebook remains a hub for gamers and tech enthusiasts.
I hope this was useful, and I’ll see you later!
