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Thomas Dimson

Thomas Dimson

Technical Staff at OpenAI, ex-Instagram Algorithm Architect

thomas-dimson
San Francisco, California
Joined June 2026

Summary

Thomas Dimson is a highly influential figure in the field of social media algorithms and artificial intelligence, notably as the original author of Instagram's core content ranking algorithms, which shaped how users interact with non-chronological feeds, stories, and the explore page. His work at Instagram also includes the invention of widely used features like the stories polling sticker and the Hyperlapse app, demonstrating his blend of technical expertise and product innovation in scaling user engagement. thomasdimson+4
Transitioning from consumer social platforms, Dimson co-founded Global Illumination, Inc., an AI design studio that developed the open-source MMORPG 'Biomes.' This venture showcases his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to leveraging AI for creative tools and digital experiences, culminating in the company's acquisition by OpenAI, where he now contributes to cutting-edge projects like the Sora video generation model and custom GPTs. thomasdimson+4
Academically, Dimson holds a Master's degree in Computer Science with a focus on Artificial Intelligence from Stanford University, complementing his foundational Bachelor of Mathematics from the University of Waterloo, where he specialized in Applied Mathematics, Computer Science, and Pure Mathematics. His research interests have consistently revolved around light simulation, artificial intelligence, and algorithm design, underpinning his practical contributions to complex software systems and innovative AI-driven products. stanford+2
Beyond his professional and academic pursuits, Dimson engages in several notable side projects that highlight his creative and experimental approach to AI. These include 'This Word Does Not Exist,' an AI-generated dictionary, and 'This Fucked Up Homer Does Not Exist,' an artistic exploration of AI-generated imagery. These projects demonstrate his passion for 'hacking away at his own ideas' and exploring the unconventional applications of artificial intelligence. thomasdimson+2

Work

Education

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Hobbies

Enjoys film, music, and hacking away at his own ideas, which aligns with his development of creative AI side projects. uwaterloo+1