If you’re fatigued from the constant changes every time you open Instagram, you’re not alone. From Notes to 20-photo carousels to the death of the classic square grid display, it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
With all these changes, we’ve been wondering…has Instagram lost its authenticity at this point? Is the platform catering to the success of influencers and content creators too heavily? Let’s dive into how Instagram’s platform and user sentiment have changed over time – and what it means for the future of social media.
In 2010, Instagram was born as a humble photo-sharing app. Remember the good old days when the app was just about capturing everyday moments and sharing them with a close-knit circle of friends?
Think of it as a digital scrapbook where filters were a fun add-on rather than a necessity for polished content.
In the early days, users shared spontaneous snapshots of their coffee or sunsets, accompanied by quirky captions. There was a charm in the simplicity.
Users interacted in a genuine way, not worried about engagement or algorithmic ranking. This was before Stories, before IGTV, and definitely before Reels. It was a time when the platform’s core value was personal connection, not performance metrics.
For example, consider the early success of Instagram’s “Rise” filter, which became iconic for enhancing photos with a warm glow, adding a touch of magic to everyday images. It was straightforward, fun, and completely in tune with the platform’s original spirit of sharing real-life moments.
As Instagram grew, so did its features – and with that, the complexity.
The shift began with the introduction of algorithm-driven feeds. No longer were posts shown in chronological order; instead, algorithms started prioritizing posts based on engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares.
Enter the era of Stories, IGTV, and Reels. These features were designed to keep users engaged and maximize screen time, but they also transformed the platform’s essence.
Now, Instagram was not just a place to share life’s moments but a battleground for attention. Influencers and brands jumped on the bandwagon, eager to leverage these new tools for visibility and revenue.
Another instance: the rollout of Instagram’s Explore page, which uses an algorithm to recommend posts based on user behavior.
While it helped users discover new content, it also meant that visibility became less about genuine connections and more about mastering the algorithm’s whims.
Even today, it’s forcing social media managers and influencers to question: “What does the algorithm want today?” We’re all just tip-toeing around this beast that is the algorithm, hoping we’re feeding it the right thing to succeed.
This shift has led to a platform that feels more like a marketing funnel than a community space. This might be great for the brands and creators at the very top who see the big money, but what about the rest of us just trying to make an impact and connect genuinely with our communities?
The changes have had tangible effects on regular users.
The introduction of algorithmic changes and monetization features often means that personal posts get less visibility compared to sponsored content. This shift can leave everyday users feeling like their authentic posts are lost in a sea of professional content.
Just check out the comments on many of Adam Mosseri’s (the head of Instagram) posts.
Users are becoming frustrated with the amount of changes and the often contradictory advice coming from Mosseri. One user even claims, “this man killed Instagram.”
Despite the changes, there are still ways to navigate Instagram authentically.
For brands and influencers, the key is to maintain a genuine connection with your audience by focusing on meaningful content that resonates with your followers. This means sharing behind-the-scenes moments, engaging directly with your audience, and staying true to your brand’s voice.
For everyday users, embracing the platform’s new features while staying true to your personal style can help you maintain authenticity. Use Stories and Reels to share genuine moments, and don’t feel pressured to conform to trends if they don’t align with your personal expression.
We have to admit, Instagram isn’t the sole “bad guy” here. Perhaps these changes are all just a sign of the times in the world of social media and digital marketing. People are starting to have highly lucrative, full-time social media careers. Of course the social platforms themselves want a piece of the pie. And unfortunately, that means changes for everyone who uses the (yes, still free) platforms.
We’re here to keep an eye on the updates that are always happening across social media and help you make sense of them. We’re all in this together, after all. Let’s chat about how we can help!
