Instagram Finally Listened to What You Hate About the Algorithm

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(Image credit: The Style Stalker)

Changes are about to come to your Instagram feed. Today the platform made an announcement that could potentially solve the problem Instagram users have been complaining about: the dreaded algorithm. Now, Instagram is testing strategies to ensure that you will see more new posts—and less two-day-old content—at the top of your feed. 

"Today we're introducing changes to give you more control over your feed and ensure the posts you see are timely," Instagram's announcement reads. "We've heard it can feel unexpected when your feed refreshes and automatically bumps you to the top. So today we're testing a 'New Posts' button that lets you choose when you want to refresh, rather than it happening automatically. Tap the button and you'll be taken to new posts at the top of feed — don't tap, and you’ll stay where you are. We hope this makes browsing Instagram much more enjoyable."

The announcement went on to explain another change to the algorithm: "Based on your feedback, we're also making changes to ensure that newer posts are more likely to appear first in feed. With these changes, your feed will feel more fresh, and you won't miss the moments you care about."

Instagram also revealed that it will be making further improvements to your feed "over the next few months," so you can bet we'll be anxiously awaiting the next announcement. 

Erin Fitzpatrick
Senior News Editor

Erin got her start as a Who What Wear intern over 12 years ago—back when the site only published a single story per day. (Who What Wear has since increased that number twentyfold.) She graduated magna cum laude from USC, which is how she ended up moving to Los Angeles from her hometown of San Diego. In college, she also interned at Refinery29, where she was promoted to editorial assistant and then assistant editor. After nearly three years at R29, she came back to WWW in 2016, where she currently holds the title of senior news editor (as well as the unofficial title of resident royal expert—in case you haven't noticed her numerous Meghan Markle and Kate Middleton stories). She spends her days trying to incorporate her idols, Anna Wintour and Roger Federer, into as many stories as possible. Outside of work, she loves tennis, classic rock, traveling, and smothering her dog with affection.