Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is an American multinational technology company headquartered in Menlo Park, California. The company’s primary business centers around social networking products and services, including Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. Meta leverages these platforms to connect users, facilitate content sharing, and enable real-time communication through text, audio and video services. Revenues are principally generated through digital advertising, wherein businesses target audiences based on user demographics, interests and behavior across Meta’s family of apps.
In addition to its core social media offerings, Meta has invested heavily in virtual and augmented reality through its Reality Labs division. This segment develops hardware and software for immersive experiences, including the Meta Quest lineup of headsets and associated virtual reality applications. Meta’s vision for the “metaverse” involves creating interconnected digital environments where users can interact, play, work and consume media in three-dimensional spaces.
Originally founded in 2004 by Mark Zuckerberg and fellow Harvard University students as TheFacebook, the company rebranded to Meta Platforms in late 2021 to reflect its expanded focus beyond traditional social media. Mark Zuckerberg continues to serve as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, overseeing both the social networking businesses and emerging reality technologies. Under his leadership, Meta has pursued strategic acquisitions, including Instagram in 2012 and WhatsApp in 2014, to broaden its user base and product portfolio.
Meta’s services reach over three billion users around the world, with significant operations in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and other regions. The company maintains data centers and offices across multiple continents to support platform reliability, content moderation and research initiatives. Looking ahead, Meta aims to balance advancements in artificial intelligence, virtual reality and user privacy to drive innovation and sustainable growth in the global digital economy.
