Instagram is changing its algorithim

The feature is now in testing with a small number of Instagram users, so there is no way to know if and when it will be rolled out to everyone.

“Instagram’s feed ranking is powered by machine learning, which is constantly adapting and improving based on new data”, Madway said.

Now Instagram is adding the ability to include hashtags right inside your bio, giving users the ability to showcase the things they like right in their profile. It replaces the current system, where the feed could refresh automatically and fling users back to the top without warning.

According to Kevin Weil, VP of product at Instagram, the change is “focused on making the feed fresher”.

Less than two years after implementing its arguably most-hated algorithm yet, Instagram is making its way back to the chronological news feed. Instagram confirmed to the publication that it is indeed working on such a feature and that it is now being tested with a small subset of users.

In addition, Instagram will be tweaking its feed algorithm to push more recent content to the top.

The firm is testing a “New Posts” button that lets users choose when they want to refresh the app.

“Instagram’s announcement says that the change makes it “more likely” for newest posts to appear first in feed, and the Facebook mothership has continued to give brands “reach-pocalypse” heartburn over time”, she says. Today, Instagram says this is changing, meaning we could be seeing a chronological feed again! “But this is a nice change that people should notice“.

Now, what if someone you don’t care for links to your profile in their bio? Here, you can add a hashtag or tag someone. Meanwhile, the company expanded its shopping on Instagram efforts to eight additional countries, including Canada, Brazil and the UK.

From the company’s perspective, this deliberate product decision makes ideal sense: If Instagram can temporarily suspend time in your mind, then maybe it can get you to keep scrolling for longer. TechCrunch explained how the feature worked in its reports.