Instagram is joining the likes of Facebook and Twitter by planning to make the posts you see in the popular photo-sharing app displayed by relevance, opposed to the chronological order you see now.
In a blog post, Instagram said the move, which is set to happen in the “coming months,” was made so users can see the moments they care about first.
“The order of photos and videos in your feed will be based on the likelihood you’ll be interested in the content, your relationship with the person posting and the timeliness of the post. As we begin, we’re focusing on optimizing the order — all the posts will still be there, just in a different order.”
Instagram said people miss on average 70 percent of posts in their feeds, and according to them their new algorithm should give people what they want to see.
The news is great for big accounts like musicians, celebrities, and brands but not so good for users with a small number of followers, as they’ll be pushed lower down feeds. As a casual Instagram user myself, when the change goes into effect, I’ll almost definitely be unfollowing big users so that my feed doesn’t become cluttered.
#RIPInstagram was trending on Twitter as many Instagram users spoke out against the proposed change.
Dear @instagram – I am a big girl and can figure out what I want to see on my feed. I don't need you to tell me. #RIPInstagram
— Bobbie Seacrist (@thecraftfoodie) March 16, 2016
I follow people because I want their updates, in chronological order. I don't want you to choose who I see first, @instagram. #RIPInstagram
— Sarah Dolislager (@sarahdolislager) March 16, 2016
https://twitter.com/kyskav/status/709969625996509184
Mashable ran a poll, and an overwhelming majority thought the change would be bad.
How would you feel about Instagram switching to an algorithmic feed?
— FutureShift (@futureshift) March 15, 2016
The change isn’t surprising as many social apps are going the way of algorithms, but Instagram is alienating a large part of its users by doing so. Given the overwhelming negative publicity against the change, I wonder if Instagram will reconsider.
[CNET]
