Instagram is finally rolling out the option to switch to a chronological feed and avoid the default content-driven algorithms on the social media app.
Instagram today introduced two new content feeds—called Favorites and Following—that will display posts in chronological order. However, the algorithm-driven feed is sticking around as the default experience.
"Our research shows that people are more satisfied with a ranked feed, so we are not defaulting people into a chronological feed experience,” a Meta spokesperson tells PCMag.
Once it rolls out to your account, the two new chronological feeds can be accessed by tapping the Instagram logo in the top-left corner of the homepage.
The Following feed will show you posts from accounts you follow in the order they were published. Meanwhile, the Favorites feed will only serve up content from a select list of accounts you've curated, which could include your best friends or favorite creators.
Users will be able to add up to 50 accounts to their Favorite list. “People are not notified when they are added or removed,” Instagram added. “Posts from accounts on your favorites list will also show up higher in your home feed, as shown by a star icon."
Instagram originally phased out the chronological feed in 2016 in favor of computer algorithms that try to serve up content you’ll be interested in. However, the default home feed has faced criticism for promoting content that can be allegedly toxic to the mental health of teenage girls. Last year, The Wall Street JournalThe Wall Street Journal reported that Instagram’s own research showed the algorithms often promoted content about perfect bodies, which led to stress, anxiety, and suicidal thoughts among affected teens.
In December, Instagram Head Adam Mosseri told Congress the platform was working on a chronological feed after lawmakers questioned if Instagram’s algorithms can “manipulate” user behavior.
“We want you to be able to shape Instagram into the best possible experience, and giving you ways to quickly see what you’re most interested in is an important step in that direction,” Mosseri said in Wednesday’s announcement.
Mosseri added: “We'll continue to build features like Favorites and Following to give you more choice and control over what you see, and help make the time you spend on the app feel more intentional.”