Instagram, the beloved photo and video-sharing platform under the Meta umbrella, is making a decisive move away from actively suggesting political content to its users. This significant shift reflects a growing sentiment within the company that excessive political content may dampen the user experience.
In a recent blog post penned by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the platform announced its decision to cease the proactive recommendation of political content from accounts not already followed by users. This policy extends to Threads, a companion app launched by Instagram last summer. The aim, according to the post, is to ensure that Instagram and Threads remain enjoyable for all users.
“We want Instagram and Threads to be a great experience for everyone,” the post reads. “If you decide to follow accounts that post political content, we don’t want to get between you and their posts, but we also don’t want to proactively recommend political content from accounts you don’t follow.”
Henceforth, Instagram and Threads will refrain from promoting political content unless users explicitly choose to engage with it. This decision is rooted in a desire to maintain user autonomy while respecting individual preferences regarding political engagement. Instagram defines political content broadly, encompassing topics such as laws, elections, and social issues.
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has been gradually deprioritizing political content across its suite of social apps, including Facebook. This strategic shift comes in response to user feedback indicating a desire for less political content in their feeds. Meta acknowledges this sentiment and has been refining its approach to minimize the presence of political content across various features and sections of its platforms.
Professional accounts on Instagram have been provided with tools to gauge their eligibility for content recommendations, particularly in light of the platform’s updated stance on political content. Accounts can review their status and take corrective actions if their posts have been deemed ineligible for recommendations due to political content. Instagram offers options for users to edit or remove recent political posts to regain eligibility or request a review if they contest Instagram’s decision.
In essence, Instagram’s decision to dial back on recommending political content underscores its commitment to enhancing the user experience. By prioritizing user satisfaction and autonomy, Instagram aims to foster a more enjoyable and engaging environment for its diverse user base. This move aligns with Meta’s broader efforts to strike a balance between providing relevant content and respecting users’ preferences regarding political engagement.
