Instagram has historically displayed content in chronological order, with the most recent posts at the top of a user’s feed. But, recently Instagram has been testing out a new algorithm which could change the order in which posts appear in a user’s feed. This algorithm gives Instagram control over what a user sees and what you don’t see. Instagram announced earlier this month that user’s fees will soon be ordered to show the moments they believe you care about most. This algorithm change will base the order of photos/ videos in your feed on the likelihood you’ll be interested in that content, your relationship with the person posting, and the timeliness of the post.
Algorithmic filter is nothing new, Facebook does this type of filtering on their news feeds, sorting posts using data calculations based on which updates and post it thinks are more relevant to users. Twitter also uses this in the “while you were away” section of its timeline.
The update has many people fearing that their posts will no longer be seen by users. And after Instagram’s announcement earlier this month the mobile app makers have experienced some backlash from many of its users. But Instagram has assured users that nothing is changing about their feed ….yet. They even went as far as tweeting “we promise to let you know when changes roll out broadly”. In the meantime, many avid Instagram influencers are urging followers to turn on their notifications so they are updated each time they post.