Imgur
Imgur is an online image hosting and sharing service founded in 2009 by Alan Schaaf, a student at Ohio University, initially developed as a simple alternative to existing platforms that he found inadequate for quick image uploads, particularly for Reddit users.[1][2]
The platform rapidly evolved from a basic uploader into a community-driven site for memes, GIFs, and visual content, featuring tools like galleries for curation and mobile apps that facilitated billions of monthly views.[1][3]
By the late 2010s, Imgur had grown to serve over 300 million monthly users, ranking among the top websites in the United States and earning recognition such as Webby Awards for its cultural impact on internet humor and visual storytelling.[1][4]
Despite its success, Imgur has faced challenges including tensions with Reddit over content hosting and perceptions of declining engagement on its front page, though it remains a key repository for user-generated internet media.[5][6]