Instagram, which originated as a photo-sharing platform in 2010, has come a long way, with its latest update being seen by many users as a potentially controversial move. However, in 2022, it is transforming into a video-focused app, which has received widespread criticism.
From the start of May, the recent update has gradually been introduced to users. It showcases images and videos in a fresh TikTok-style layout that occupies your entire screen and compels you to swipe between each post.
The opposition against the new update is growing, with Instagram accusing TikTok of trying to be the “new Instagram” in a recent post. Just four days ago, the post titled “Make Instagram TikTok again” had over 1.6 million likes. It has also been re-shared by both Kim Kardashian and Kylie Jenner.
A related petition that was also created four days ago now has nearly 150,000 signatures.
On May 3rd, Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, announced the app’s move to a bigger place where video is a more immersive and content takes up more screen space, enhancing the home experience.
On TikTok, you will notice the identical larger 9:16 proportion where content is displayed in a fresh full-screen stream, indicating in actuality.
Instead of seeing posts from accounts you don’t follow, the ones you do see are more likely to be small scrolls between each post, similar to TikTok, rather than continuously scrolling through your entire feed.
“Items we believe you may enjoy but are possibly unfamiliar with at this point” in your curated collection of additional “suggestions” is explained by Adam Mosseri.
Regardless of user preferences, it is evident from the most recent Instagram update that the platform is actively promoting its Reels format. Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, revealed in February 2022 that Reels is the company’s “most rapidly expanding content format”.
In the previous year, Instagram experienced a growth rate twice as fast as that of TikTok and achieved a user base of over a billion in September. TikTok is the primary competitor that Instagram strives to compete with, as all videos will now be displayed in a Reels format on Instagram.
What is the reason behind the dislike for the Instagram update?
The new update of Instagram has been accused of turning into a TikTok clone, with almost 150,000 people signing a petition created by Bruening Tati on calls to return to its original roots.
The petition also requests that the algorithm prioritize photos in order to prevent it from turning into another version of TikTok.
The petition contends, “What is groundbreaking and distinct about outdated and monotonous material? We have TikTok for a purpose, and let’s be honest, the only Reels posted are repurposed TikToks and content that the world has already witnessed.”
Influencers have waded into the debate as they fear losing engagement to the new algorithm, which increasingly appears to promote content from users’ accounts. The update isn’t just angering everyday users.
Once again, I am trying to stop using Instagram and TikTok, as I just want to see cute photos of my friends. Sincerely, everyone who reads the simple black and white graphic story shared by Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian on their @illumitati post.
Will Instagram heed the criticism?
Instagram launched following the success of Snapchat Stories in 2016. In 2013, Instagram introduced videos as the first app to compete against Vine. Instagram has consistently updated the direction of the app to ensure they stay on top of the latest trends and are not overtaken by competitors.
It seems that TikTok is taking the next step in its ongoing battle with competition by introducing a new direction for the app in 2022, which includes promoting Reels and featuring a full-size feed.
It is important not to underestimate the power of Kylie Jenner. After all, she has 360 million followers on Instagram, making her the second most followed person on the platform. In 2018, she tweeted an announcement on Snapchat, which was met with disapproval. It is clear that her actions can have ripple effects on Instagram.
In just one day, Snap, the parent company of Snapchat, experienced a significant decrease of around $1.3 billion in its stock price.
Mosseri Adam has quickly responded to the growing confusion and anger surrounding Kylie Jenner’s story, providing an update with ease in less than a day.
“He said that we are currently experimenting with changing various numbers on the app, and there is a lot of ongoing activity on Instagram.”
If you are seeing a new full-screen version of a feed or hearing about it, it’s a test. It’s an idea that photos might be more engaging and fun, but videos may not be the only experience that is full-screen. There are only a few people out there to test it.
If we’re going to ship it to the rest of the Instagram community, we’re going to have to find a good place to get it. I also want it to be clear, but it’s not yet good.
I know there are a lot of photos of you there. I love photos. It’s a part of our heritage. I want to make it clear that we are continuing to support photos. The second thing I’m hearing is a lot of concerns about how we are shifting to videos and photos.
As time passes, I increasingly believe that video content on Instagram is becoming more and more prevalent, and I feel the need to be honest about it.