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Library/App & software/Gmail invite-only launch
Grade B21 sourcesHIS-01460

Gmail invite-only launch

App & software · 2004 · Niche

29Editable slideCertificate

Gmail invitations traded for $393,027 in one eBay study.

Gmail's expanded conversation view in April 2004, posted by its interface designer Kevin Fox.
Kevin Fox / Google
Gmail Coming Soon
TIME

Spread Score

How it works
ReachNo data yetContagionNo data yetBreadth40Velocity15LongevityNo data yet29

Numbers

Seed to peak proxy
3 months
Apr 1 ’04 to Jun 22 ’04
Platforms
2
Started on Open web
Origin
Seeded
Technology

Mechanics

  • Scarcity dropPrimary
  • Identity badge
  • Resale market
  • Press loop
  • Controversy

How it spread

Trace the origin

Google announced Gmail's free gigabyte. Readers debated whether it was a prank; invitations then spread through blogs, barter and eBay. A study recorded $393,027 in invitation trades. Google opened worldwide sign-ups in 2007.

Proxy date; not a directly measured attention peak.

Feb ’04MayJulOctMay ’05AugApr ’06NovOct ’07Oct ’08Aug ’09Open webPress
Open webPress

13 more events on this chart

Join free to see them

Timeline (16)

  1. April 2004

    Google seed · Apr 1 ’04

    Google released a limited Gmail preview with 1 GB of free storage.[1][2]

    Gmail Coming Soon
    Open the first post ↗

  2. Associated Press press · Apr 1 ’04

    AP reported Gmail, then received calls and emails saying it had fallen for a prank.[3]

  3. Kevin Fox owner response · Apr 2 ’04

    Gmail's interface designer confirmed the service was real and linked his screenshots.[4]

  1. backlash · Apr 6 ’04

  2. platform jump · Apr 29 ’04

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Why it worked

Do this

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3

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Origin
Seeded
Sector
Technology
Region
US
Reported figure
—
Evidence
Grade B

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