Instagram has announced they’re testing new feed changes so that users will have more control over how posts appear on the platform.
Currently, Instagram’s feed is based on an algorithm that ranks and recommends posts based on a user’s activity and assumed interests. Instagram plans to keep this viewing option, called “Home,” while also introducing “Favorites” and “Following” options that will show content in chronological order.
“It’s important to me that people feel good about the time that they spend in the app,” says Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, in a recent post. “I think giving people ways to shape Instagram into what’s best for them is one of the best ways to pursue that goal.”
The new “Favorites” option will let users curate a list of favorite accounts, making it hard to miss any new content from these users. Mosseri, for instance, says he uses this option to keep up with posts from siblings, best friends and some of his favorite creators.
The “Following” option will bring back the old chronological feed and help ensure users can stay on top of the latest posts from the accounts they follow.
Mosseri said these tests are already out for some users or will be out in the next few weeks. Instagram plans to fully launch the three viewing options in the first half of the year.
These changes come on the heels of Mosseri’s testimony with the Senate Commerce Committee’s Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety and Data Security in early December. When questioned on the app’s use of algorithms and how those algorithms might manipulate consumers, Mosseri had announced the platform would bring back a chronological feed to give users more flexibility in how they interact with the app.
Testing Feed Changes 👀
We’re starting to test the ability to switch between three different views on your home screen (two of which would give you the option to see posts in chronological order):
– Home
– Favorites
– FollowingWe hope to launch these soon. More to come. ✌🏼 pic.twitter.com/9zvB85aPSp
— Adam Mosseri (@mosseri) January 5, 2022
