Elon Musk called Instagram a ‘thirst trap’: Here’s why his reported new account is drawing attention before SpaceX IPO

Billionaire Elon Musk has consistently expressed discomfort with social media platforms owned by Meta Platforms, including Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Over the years, Musk has openly criticised these platforms, citing concerns ranging from general dislike to alleged privacy issues, particularly with WhatsApp messaging.

In earlier interviews, Musk confirmed that he deleted official accounts for Tesla Inc. and SpaceX on Facebook, along with his personal Instagram account. His remarks on Facebook were direct, stating that he simply did not like the platform.

Despite this stance, there have been recent shifts. Tesla has begun advertising on Facebook, marking a notable change given Musk’s earlier criticism of Meta-owned services. This shift suggests a more pragmatic approach to platform usage, even if personal views remain unchanged.

Musk’s views on Instagram have been particularly pointed. He previously described the platform as a “thirst trap,” explaining that it encouraged behavior focused on selfies and seeking validation through likes. He noted that while using Instagram, he found himself taking more selfies than intended and questioned the purpose behind it.

He also indicated that he preferred using a single platform for communication. At the time, he referenced Twitter now rebranded as X as sufficient for sharing messages. According to Musk, anything he needed to communicate could be posted there.

In 2023, he reinforced his criticism, stating that Instagram contributes to users feeling “depressed.” These remarks align with his broader skepticism toward certain social media dynamics and user engagement patterns.

Musk also revealed in a past interview that he maintained a private or “secret” Instagram account, primarily used to access links rather than engage publicly.

A report by The New York Times highlighted the appearance of a verified Instagram account under the handle “@elonmusk.” The account has not posted any content but carries the same profile image as Musk’s account on X, where he has 237.9 million followers.

The Instagram account is private, has approximately 18,000 followers, and includes a link to his X profile in its bio. While it has not been officially confirmed by Musk, the report suggests it is likely his account. Requests for comment were reportedly sent to Musk and Tesla.

In parallel, an account under the same handle has appeared on TikTok. Unlike Instagram, this account has posted a video a montage featuring highlights from Tesla and SpaceX which has garnered 2.3 million views. The TikTok account has 114,700 followers and only one video so far.

In recent years, Musk and Tesla have increased their activity across social media platforms, including advertising around key developments. These include campaigns tied to Musk’s compensation package vote and promotions for Tesla’s Full Self-Driving (FSD) technology, which plays a role in the company’s future growth strategy.

The emergence of accounts on Instagram and TikTok has led to speculation about a broader outreach effort. The New York Times report suggests this could be linked to the anticipated SpaceX IPO.

While SpaceX already receives significant attention and positive coverage, expanding presence beyond X could help reach new audiences. Existing followers on X are already familiar with Musk’s ventures, including SpaceX and xAI. However, users on other platforms may represent untapped potential investors.

To achieve a reported valuation target of $2 trillion, attracting new participants beyond Musk’s current follower base could be necessary. A multi-platform presence may therefore serve as a strategic move to widen visibility and engagement ahead of any major financial event.