AOL's Instant Messenger: A Look Back

The Rise of AIM

AOL Instant Messenger (AIM) was an instant messaging and presence computer program created by AOL, short for America Online. Launched in 1997, AIM quickly gained popularity as a way for people to communicate online in real time.

At its peak in the early 2000s, AIM was the most commonly used chat client in North America. Its popularity was driven by its ease of use, its cross-platform compatibility, and its large user base.

The Killer App of 1997

AIM was considered the "killer app" of 1997, a software program that was so popular that it helped drive the adoption of a new technology. In this case, AIM helped to popularize instant messaging and make it a mainstream form of communication.

AIM's success also helped to boost AOL's own popularity. At the time, AOL was the leading internet service provider in the United States, and AIM helped to keep users connected to the AOL network.

The 2000s and Beyond

The 2000s brought soaring popularity for AIM, with its user base growing to more than 61 million and its staff increasing to over 100 employees. However, the rise of other instant messaging services, such as MSN Messenger and Yahoo! Messenger, began to chip away at AIM's market share.

Despite facing competition, AIM remained a popular way for people to communicate throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s. It helped to shape the way people interacted online and remains a part of internet history.

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