The long-requested “view only followed accounts” feature by Instagram users doesn’t seem to be implemented anytime soon. Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri clarified this issue during a Q&A session last week, disappointing users.
Mosseri: “This Feature Reduces Instagram Usage”
Mosseri stated that the company has tested this feature multiple times, but the results were not as expected. “In every attempt, while a small group was happy, the majority began using Instagram less over time,” he said. Mosseri claimed that users were more dissatisfied with their Instagram experience after this feature was added.
Instagram’s current algorithm presents users with 50% of the content they see through AI-based recommendations. This approach has been adopted based on TikTok’s success, which analyzes user behavior to highlight the most engaging content, thereby encouraging users to spend more time on the app.
Instagram has announced that it will be implementing new restrictions for users under 18, introducing a feature called "Teen Accounts."
While Mosseri acknowledged the need for quick access to content from followed accounts, he mentioned that they are not considering any changes for now. The CEO of the social media platform stated, “We created a feed of followed accounts, offered the option to snooze recommendations for a month, and added the Favorites feature. However, I’m sure we can do more in this area, and we will continue to explore.”
Social media platforms aim to keep users on the app longer to show more ads and increase their revenue. Therefore, it seems unlikely that the current algorithmic approach will change in the near future.
