It’s the End of Instagram as We Know It, and Users Don’t Feel Fine
With more than 400 million users, Instagram is one of the
fastest-growing social networks around, but the photo sharing app may be
in dire straits resulting from a recent algorithm update that users
aren’t taking too kindly to. This makes us wonder – is this the end of
Instagram as we know it?
One of the biggest things that users love about Instagram (other than the fantastic brunch filters) is its chronological timeline. However, Instagram recently announced that it will soon convert its coveted chronological timeline into an algorithm-dictated timeline.
“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,”Instagram wrote in the announcement. “As we begin, we’re focusing on optimizing the order – all the posts will still be there, just in a different order.”
The straw that breaks the camel’s back?
The switch to an algorithm-dictated timeline could be in response to dwindling follower growth and engagement rates. According to Social Media Today stats, last month, follower growth was at just 0.2%, marking a near 46% drop from January and a 93% decline since mid-2015. Meanwhile, Instagram’s engagement rate in February was just 0.84% of its total audience – the lowest mark in the last year.
Although Instagram promises the update will drastically improve user experience, many users are displeased. When other social networking sites announced similar changes in the past – including Facebook and Twitter – numerous users were up in arms.
One of the biggest things that users love about Instagram (other than the fantastic brunch filters) is its chronological timeline. However, Instagram recently announced that it will soon convert its coveted chronological timeline into an algorithm-dictated timeline.
“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,”Instagram wrote in the announcement. “As we begin, we’re focusing on optimizing the order – all the posts will still be there, just in a different order.”
The straw that breaks the camel’s back?
The switch to an algorithm-dictated timeline could be in response to dwindling follower growth and engagement rates. According to Social Media Today stats, last month, follower growth was at just 0.2%, marking a near 46% drop from January and a 93% decline since mid-2015. Meanwhile, Instagram’s engagement rate in February was just 0.84% of its total audience – the lowest mark in the last year.
Although Instagram promises the update will drastically improve user experience, many users are displeased. When other social networking sites announced similar changes in the past – including Facebook and Twitter – numerous users were up in arms.
