Photo filter and sharing service Instagram really came into its own in 2012. Its entry onto the Google Play store gave its user numbers a massive boost as Android users around the world looked to see what their iOS counterparts were fussing about. Being bought out by Facebook for US$715-million meanwhile gave it serious kudos as a company.
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But Instagram is also where we turned to document some of 2012’s biggest events. We’ve gathered photos from some of them in a bid to give you glimpse of the year that was. Compiling this list was by no means easy. We have however tried to give the list as global a feel as possible. Many of these events are acknowledged by Instagram as being among the biggest, as evidenced by their place on the Instagram blog.
January — Costa Concordia (fancyantonia)
On 14 January, the luxury cruise liner Costa Concordia capsized off the Italian coast. Captain Francesco Schettino had deviated from the ship’s computer-programmed route to treat people on Isola del Giglio to the spectacle of a close sail-past or near-shore salute. Thirty people are known to have died in the disaster while two others are missing, presumed dead.
February — Europe freezes (throwingmarbles)
Europe had one of the coldest winters in recent history, with February being particularly biting. Here a table and chair lie frozen in an Amsterdam canal.
March — Kony
For a while, a campaign by non-profit organisation Invisible Children to bring down Ugandan war lord Joseph Kony caught the world’s attention. Invisible Children founder Scott Johnson then had what appeared to be a nervous breakdown and the campaign lost momentum.
April — Space Shuttle Discovery’s final journey (thelos78)
In April, the Space Shuttle Discovery made its final journey. Unfortunately it wasn’t taking anyone to space this time. Instead it was hitching a ride to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, DC.
May — Egypt Votes (benfrancisallen)
After a turbulent 2011, in which it overthrew long-time dictator Hosni Mubarak, the Egyptian population got to vote in a fair and democratic election in May this year. It was just the second election in Egypt’s history with more than one candidate.
June — Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee (fizzgig)
2012 marked Queen Elizabeth II’s 60th year on the British throne. After a tough 2011 which included widespread rioting Britain pulled itself together again with people all over the country celebrating the longevity of their monarch’s rein.
July — The London 2012 Olympics (djskee)
Towards the end of July, London put on its best frock for the Olympic opening ceremony. Some loved Slumdog Millionaire Danny Boyle’s trip through British history, others weren’t so sure. One thing’s for sure, there were some awesome pyrotechnics.
August — Typhoon Saola hits South East Asia (punkyporca)
Large parts of South East Asia experienced serious flooding as Typhoon Saola hit the Philippines Taiwan and China. As the storm made landfall in Taiwan, almost the entire island suspended services as high winds and rains triggered flooding in several locations. Almost 70 inches of rain fell in some areas, ranking Saola within the top five wettest cyclones to ever hit the island.
September — The 11th Anniversary of 9/11 (bcujo)
When two planes struck the World Trade Centre 11 years ago, the world stopped for a moment. For the many who lost colleagues, friends and family in the disaster the pain they felt all those years ago is all too fresh.
October — Superstorm Sandy (its_cp)
Superstorm Sandy, which devestated the US East Coast, was one of the biggest moments on Instagram this year. Even Time used the service to cover the storm and the devastation it left in its wake.
November — US Election (Traedawg)
In November, the world’s attention turned to the US as Barack Obama and Mitt Romney squared off for the presidency. In the end, Obama won fairly comfortably. Oh, and marijuana was also legalized in Colorado and Washington. The unlikely hero of the election meanwhile was a math geek called Nate Silver, who accurately called which way all 50 states would vote.
December — Nobel Peace Prize (herokun)
On 10 December every year, the Nobel committee awards its peace prize. This year’s went to the European Union — apparently for the fact that its member states had managed to avoid starting a world war for over sixty years. The award ceremonies for Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, Literature take place in Stockholm, Sweden at the Konserthuset. The Peace Prize, meanwhile is granted at the Oslo City Hall (Oslo Rådhus) in Norway.
