AIM, or AOL Instant Messenger, was a popular instant messaging service launched by AOL in 1997. It allowed users to send real-time messages, share files, and create personalized profiles. AIM became widely used in the late 1990s and early 2000s, especially among teenagers and young adults, as a way to communicate online. The service featured unique elements like buddy lists, away messages, and chat rooms, which contributed to its popularity. However, with the rise of social media and other messaging platforms, AIM's usage declined. AOL officially discontinued AIM in December 2017, marking the end of an era in online communication.