Several years after Instagram switched to an algorithm-based Feed, IG users will be happy to hear that the social media platform is bringing back the chronological Feed.
"You should be able to shape Instagram into the experience that you want – you know what's best for you," said head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri. "And to that end, today we're launching two new Feeds."
The highly requested update will split the app’s traditional news Feed into three: Home, Following and Favourites.
Following shows posts from the people you follow, in chronological order.
"We've gotten a lot of feedback, and we think it's important, that people have access to a deterministic chronological Feed, just from the accounts that they've decided to follow," said Mosseri.
"If you've seen my DMs, we've gotten that request a lot, and so we're excited to announce that today."
Favourites shows you the latest posts from a list of up to 50 specific accounts that you choose, in chronological order. Note, people are not notified when they are added or removed.
"Favourites is a way to makes sure you don't miss anything from the accounts that you care about most," explained Mosseri.
"And we'll show photos and videos from your favourites at the top of the main Feed, and you can also get to a chronological Feed of photos or videos from your favourites as well."
Home is what Instagram is calling the Feed you have now. It will remain a mix of content that you see today, including ranked content from people you follow, recommended content you may like, and more. Home will be sorted algorithmically.
Mosseri wanted to be clean about what the Home Feed will look like.
"The main Feed on Instagram is going to continue to be ranked, it's going to continue to be personalised," he said.
"We find that when we help try and connect people with content that they're most interested in, not only do they say they're happy with Instagram overall, we also see that the average account reaches 50 per cent more followers than in a chronological Feed world."
It's also important to note, Home will be the default view, and also be the Feed that shows Stories along the top bar, so whenever you open IG this is the page you will continue to see.
"We want people to have meaningful control over their experience on Instagram and the content they see," Instagram said via a statement.
The updates are rolling out from March 24, and you can view the new Feed channels via a drop-down list, accessed through the top left hand Instagram logo on your main Feed.
