Today marks Instagram's sixth anniversary, and the photo-sharing app is celebrating in a big way. The 400-plus Instagram team just moved into some new digs of its own down the street from parent company Facebook's offices in Menlo Park, CA. The office is, as you would expect, totally Instagram-worthy.
"What we tried to do was bring in the elements of our community into the space," Instagram COO Marne Levine told Refinery29. "We wanted to create a 3-D visual representation to be inside of the app."
With that in mind, the space is, for the most part, minimalist and simple. You'll see lots of white, lots of neutrals, and lots of sunlight from the building's big windows.
The office was much needed — when Facebook first acquired the app, it had only 12 employees. Instagram needed a space that both accommodated and reflected its creative company culture, and allowed room for future growth.
For a peek inside what it's like to work at Instagram, read on.
Instagram's lobby greets you with a rotating selection of community-sourced, digital images on the walls. Looking at the changing selection of gorgeous photos sure beats twiddling your thumbs while you wait for a meeting to start.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Once security buzzes you in, you come upon three vibrant alcoves inspired by the color gradient in Instagram's logo. The three sets, created by a Hollywood set designer, transition from day to night. The leftmost set features clouds; the middle one has an illuminated sun and moon globe (press a button to go from day to night lighting in the space); and the far right alcove is an inky night with flickering "stars" on the walls.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Once inside, Instagram's ground floor features a Blue Bottle Coffee shop, plus this wall outfitted with photos shot by employees and guests. Two Fujifilm Instax cameras shoot the Polaroid-style pics, which you can then stick on the wall.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Blue Bottle Coffee is a Bay Area favorite. The space has ample seating for those looking to work somewhere besides their desks.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
But it's not like the desks are dreary. The building has lots of windows for natural light. Plus, it looks like everyone has their own adjustable desk — these desks can go from seated to standing depending on where you're at in your stand goals for the day.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Throughout the space, you'll find modern styled living areas where you can relax, take a phone call, or have a one-on-one meeting with a colleague. Typically, the colors are neutrals.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
The second and third floors each include a "micro kitchen," although by our apartment kitchen standards, they're more like giant kitchens. They each include ample counter space for mixing drinks or preparing lunches, and a place to sit and enjoy a meal or a chat with a colleague.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
This is basically our dream living room.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Pops of color punctuate the mostly white space — when you first walk in from the lobby (pictured), for instance, or if you head to the restroom.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Each conference room and private office has a quirky name that's often a play on words, such as "Are You Afraid Of The Darkroom" — darkroom, being a staple in film photography, mashed with Are You Afraid Of The Dark?, our favorite "scary" Snick show. COO Marne Levine's conference room is called #NoFilter.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
The library (a.k.a. #Bookstagram) was another space we wished we could live in. It's a large airy room with a couple of nooks, tables, chairs, and a couch where you can get some quiet thinking done.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
The room's conference table is perfect for a quick sketching session.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
On the walls, a creativity-inspiring mix of books, knickknacks, and tools, including a wide assortment of colored pencils.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
Here's a closer look at said pencils, neatly organized by color.
Photographed by Christina Bonnington.
The shelves of the library are filled with curiosities and inspiration. We could have spent all day there.
Photographed by Christina Bonnington.
Along the hallways, Instagram showcases art from its community. Each hallway or grouping of photos follows a particular theme.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
This one is perhaps my favorite: the fluffy wall.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
The photographs on the walls are beautiful and often surprising. Here, the theme seems to be heights and the outdoors.
Photographed by Christina Bonnington.
The second floor "micro kitchen" is outfitted with tons of food, beverages, and even some adult beverage options.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
The conference rooms are relatively standard — lots of white, big tables, and screens for teleconferencing in guests or playing slideshows.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
For the most part, Instagram’s office reflects its mobile app: lots of white and neutrals, with color provided by art from its community, and its employees.
Photo: Courtesy Instagram.
And naturally, I had to take a photo before I left Instagram to document the occasion. "Woah, I'm floating in space!" is what's happening here, in case that wasn't obvious.
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