Instagram’s ‘Following’ Feed Unlikely to Succeed
Instagram’s latest attempt to revitalize its “Following” feed may struggle to gain traction, primarily due to the platform’s evolving algorithm and shifting user behavior trends.
The “Following” feed is designed to display posts exclusively from accounts that users follow, aiming to create a more chronological and personalized experience. This setup contrasts sharply with Instagram’s current algorithm-driven feed that prioritizes content based on engagement rather than recency.
While the concept of a chronological feed appeals to those who want more control over their timeline, it poses several challenges in the context of modern social media consumption habits.
Challenges Facing the “Following” Feed
1. Algorithm Dynamics
Instagram’s algorithm heavily favors content that generates higher engagement—such as likes, shares, and comments—over simply showing posts in chronological order. Even if users switch to the “Following” feed, there’s no guarantee that they will see all posts from the accounts they follow. Posts that are less engaging, even though fresh, may be pushed down, making the chronological approach less effective.
2. User Behavior
Many users have already adapted to Instagram’s algorithmic feed, which prioritizes high-engagement content from both followed and suggested accounts. The discovery of popular content, including from accounts users do not follow, has led to a shift in user preferences. Now, many people enjoy seeing trending posts that may be more exciting or relevant, rather than content strictly from those they follow.
This has shifted the social media feed preferences of users, making it unlikely for a “Following” feed to become a popular choice if it doesn’t consistently deliver the most engaging content.
3. Limited Visibility
Due to Instagram’s current algorithm, only about 10% of a user’s followers typically see their posts organically. Even with the “Following” feed, users may struggle to engage with all the content from their followed accounts because of how posts are weighted for visibility. This low reach poses a challenge to brands and influencers relying on organic content to drive engagement.
Implications for Content Creators
1. Content Strategy
For influencers, brands, and marketers, this shift means creating content that is not only high quality but also highly engaging is crucial. Simply producing more content won’t work if the content doesn’t encourage interaction. Whether using photos, Stories, or Reels, creators must strategically develop posts that promote likes, shares, and comments to increase their visibility in any feed, including the “Following” feed.
2. Engagement Focus
Direct messaging (DMs) is becoming an increasingly important tool for content creators. According to Instagram’s algorithm, shares via direct messages are a significant factor in boosting a post’s reach. Content creators should motivate followers to share their posts through DMs as it can drastically improve their visibility in both the algorithm-driven and “Following” feeds.
Encouraging engagement across Instagram’s various formats, such as live streams, Reels, and Stories, also helps creators ensure that they remain visible to their audience regardless of the feed.
Conclusion
While the idea of Instagram’s “Following” feed offers a more traditional approach to social media, it may struggle to achieve widespread success. Given user behavior and the platform’s algorithmic changes, users may find it less appealing if it doesn’t deliver engaging content consistently. Instagram’s “Following” feed is still in its experimental stage, but its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. Digilogy Can Help You Maximize Your Instagram Strategy
As social media platforms evolve, so must your digital marketing strategy. At Digilogy, we specialize in crafting custom social media strategies that help brands maximize their visibility and engagement. Whether it’s navigating algorithm changes or optimizing content for better performance, Digilogy can help you stay ahead in the fast-paced world of digital marketing.
Contact Digilogy today to learn more about how our data-driven approach can boost your brand’s success.
