Instagram's $66.9 Billion Annual Revenue Underscores Meta's Acquisition Success Amidst Ongoing Antitrust Trial

A recent social media post by user Liz4SF questioned the outcomes of Meta's significant acquisitions, stating, "Well, Meta also bought these companies and what has happened to them?? Instagram: $1 billion. WhatsApp: $19 billion. Oculus VR: $2 billion." These multi-billion dollar purchases, made years ago, have evolved into core components of Meta Platforms, Inc.'s vast digital ecosystem, generating substantial revenue and user growth while simultaneously attracting intense regulatory scrutiny.

Instagram, acquired for approximately $1 billion in 2012, has emerged as a monumental success for Meta. The photo and video-sharing platform now boasts 2 billion monthly active users and is projected to generate an estimated $66.9 billion in annual revenue. This represents a staggering return on investment, solidifying Instagram's position as a primary driver of Meta's advertising income.

WhatsApp, initially acquired for $19 billion in 2014, with the final deal value reaching $21.8 billion due to stock price fluctuations, has become a global communication powerhouse. The messaging service serves over 2 billion monthly active users and was approaching 3 billion users by March 2025. Its strategic importance lies in its widespread adoption in developing markets, expanding Meta's reach into critical regions.

Oculus VR, purchased for approximately $2 billion in 2014, was Meta's foundational investment in virtual reality. Now operating under Meta's Reality Labs division, it is central to the company's ambitious metaverse vision. Despite generating significant operating losses exceeding $60 billion since 2020, Reality Labs represents Meta's long-term bet on the next computing platform, aiming to lead the immersive technology market.

These acquisitions, while highly successful in expanding Meta's market dominance and revenue streams, are now at the heart of a landmark antitrust trial initiated by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). The FTC alleges that Meta illegally monopolized the social media market by acquiring Instagram and WhatsApp to eliminate potential threats. Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has defended the acquisitions, asserting they fostered innovation and enhanced user experience rather than stifling competition. The trial, which began in April 2025, could potentially force Meta to divest these key assets, profoundly reshaping the company's future.