Instagram Suggested Posts Test: Keep You Scrolling?

Instagram Feed Changes: More Suggested Posts on the Horizon

The traditional Instagram experience, where users scroll to the end of content from followed accounts, may soon be altered. Following the introduction of algorithmic suggestions last year, Instagram is currently evaluating a modification to its feed that integrates more recommended posts from accounts users do not currently follow.

Expansion of “Suggested Posts”

Within the coming days, the company will initiate testing of an expanded “Suggested Posts” feature. This will involve interspersing recommended content throughout the primary feed. Currently, these suggestions appear only after users have viewed all posts from followed accounts and encounter the “You’re all caught up” notification, implemented in 2018.

The frequency with which users encounter the “You’re all caught up” message, and therefore Instagram’s recommendations, varies depending on the number of accounts they follow. It’s possible some users rarely see these suggestions at all.

User Control and Feedback

Alongside the increased prominence of Suggested Posts, Instagram will also test a “snooze” option. This will allow users to temporarily remove these recommendations from their feed for a period of 30 days.

During the test, users will be able to provide feedback on specific posts that do not align with their interests. However, a permanent option to disable Suggested Posts entirely is not anticipated.

Managing Interests

Instagram will also introduce a feature enabling users to refine the content they see by managing their interests. Users can specify topics such as cats, makeup, or basketball.

If a user is no longer interested in a particular topic, they can disable it or indicate to Instagram that they do not wish to see content related to it in the future.

Facebook’s Perspective

A representative from Facebook characterized the expansion of Suggested Posts as a natural “extension” of the Instagram feed. The proportion of algorithmic recommendations to posts from followed accounts will be adjusted based on individual user activity.

Limited Rollout

The initial test will be conducted with a limited number of users in English-speaking countries. The precise number of accounts involved in the test has not been disclosed by the company.

Shift in Strategy

While the experiment may not be implemented as a permanent feature, the direction of Facebook’s strategy appears clear. Instagram, facing competition from TikTok’s highly effective algorithmic feed, is adapting its approach.

The company is prioritizing a shift in identity to compete with emerging platforms, rather than maintaining its current course or exploring entirely new avenues.

The integration of algorithmic suggestions into the main feed represents a significant change to the app’s core functionality. Previously, users seeking an endless stream of content could utilize the Explore tab or scroll past the “caught up” message.

However, the new test will make it more difficult to curate an Instagram experience focused solely on accounts of personal interest. Instagram aims to introduce more content it deems relevant, even if the user hasn’t actively sought it out.

The impact of these changes may be less noticeable for users who follow a large number of accounts. However, it represents a further departure from the original vision of Instagram, while simultaneously providing the platform with a means to increase user engagement and ad revenue.