Instagram recently announced that it would be rolling back on its plans to implement a TikTok-style change to its feed. The platform has received negative feedback from users since suggesting the new changes.
Since TikTok is one of the fastest-growing and most popular social media platforms, it’s not surprising that competitors would try to emulate its success. Meta’s Instagram is the latest company to attempt to capture some of the magic of TikTok. Understandably, a shake-up is necessary for the Zuckerberg-led company, given its struggles to maintain its growth rate. Users, however, reacted strongly to Instagram’s move with a great deal of backlash from users.
The main change Instagram was testing was a full-screen feed similar to TikTok. This update was designed to make photos and videos more attractive and engaging. This TikTok-like update may have been made to boost audience engagement and retention.
In response to the changes, many users complained that Instagram had copied TikTok. Although not a direct copy, TikTok was clearly a major inspiration for the changes. Even big Instagram influencers Kim Kardashian and Kyle Jenner have posted requests to “make Instagram Instagram again”.
As a result of the massive amount of backlash, Instagram scrapped the changes and reverted back to its roots. Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, spoke on the Changes recently, stating that “we definitely need to take a big step back and regroup.” and “If we’re not failing every once in a while, we’re not thinking big enough or bold enough,”
The short-form video style has taken over the web – even YouTube introduced YouTube shorts – so it’s no surprise that Instagram would want in on the trend. Luckily the company has realised that the rush to turn away from what made the platform so popular in the first place would be a huge mistake.
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