Instagram Favorites: Never Miss Important Posts

Instagram's Upcoming "Favorites" Feature

Instagram has officially acknowledged the development of a new functionality called “Favorites.” This addition will empower users to prioritize content from specific accounts within their feed. A comparable feature is currently available on Facebook, granting users increased influence over the News Feed algorithm.

On Facebook, users have the capacity to designate up to 30 friends or Facebook Pages whose posts are given higher visibility in their News Feed. The maximum number of accounts that can be added to an Instagram Favorites list remains undetermined.

Discovery and Details of the Feature

The Instagram Favorites feature was initially detected during development by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi. He identified a new pushpin icon within the Instagram Settings menu, alongside other details concerning the feature’s potential operation.

Paluzzi shared screenshots on Twitter illustrating that users will be able to search through their existing followed accounts to curate a list of Favorites. This list is fully editable, and Instagram confirms that users will not receive notifications when added to another user’s Favorites list.

Privacy and Similar Features

This level of privacy mirrors that of Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature, which has been available for several years. “Close Friends” allows users to share more personal Instagram Stories with a chosen, limited group of followers.

Paluzzi successfully added contacts to the Favorites list, but observed no immediate alterations to the Instagram feed. This suggests the feature is still under construction and a public launch is not imminent.

Instagram's Official Statement

An Instagram spokesperson confirmed to TechCrunch that the feature is an internal prototype currently in development and is not undergoing external testing. They refrained from providing further specifics regarding the functionality.

Potential Integration with Creator Tools

A Favorites feature could align with Instagram’s broader strategy to solidify its position as a platform for creator content. Paluzzi also uncovered evidence of “Fan Subscriptions” being developed, which would enable users to pay for enhanced access to creator content.

This could include exclusive live videos or Stories. Subscribers may also receive a unique badge displayed alongside their name when they comment, send direct messages, or view the creator’s Stories.

Considering that paying users would likely want to stay informed about their favorite creators, providing them with tools to designate those creators as “Favorites” – and thus prioritize their posts – would be logical.

Benefits for Returning Users

The Favorites feature could also benefit users returning to Instagram after a period of inactivity. They could quickly catch up on important posts from their preferred accounts, rather than being presented with the most recent or algorithmically determined updates from all followed accounts.

Furthermore, the feature may address user concerns regarding the algorithmic feed.

Addressing Algorithmic Feed Concerns

Many users still desire the option to view Instagram posts in chronological order, preferring not to have content re-ordered by an algorithm they cannot control. While Favorites won’t reinstate a purely chronological feed (although Instagram has previously tested this option), it will allow users to ensure they don’t miss updates from accounts they value most.

Despite Instagram’s confirmation of development, the feature’s eventual public release is not guaranteed. Large companies like Instagram frequently prototype new ideas, but not all of these tests ultimately result in a widespread launch.