In a move that marks a dramatic shift from its long-standing strategy, Instagram is fundamentally changing how its feed works. The platform is officially rolling out two new ways for users to view their feeds chronologically, putting control back into the hands of its community.
Taking Back Control: The New Feed Options
The update introduces two distinct viewing modes. The first, called 'Following', presents a simple, straightforward chronological list of posts from accounts you follow. The second, 'Favourites', allows you to create a curated list of up to 50 close friends and family, whose posts will then appear in a separate, chronological feed, ensuring you never miss their updates.
This change directly addresses years of user feedback criticising the algorithmic feed for hiding important posts and prioritising content it thinks you want to see, rather than what you actually asked to see by following an account.
A Response to Growing Pressure
The shift comes amidst increasing scrutiny from lawmakers and regulators concerning the power and opacity of social media algorithms. By offering a chronological alternative, Instagram's parent company, Meta, appears to be preemptively adapting to a potential future where users demand more transparency and control over their digital experiences.
This isn't just a small test; the features are now available to all users globally. To access them, simply tap the Instagram logo at the top of your home screen and select your preferred viewing mode.
What This Means for Users and Creators
For everyday users, this is a significant win. It means less scrolling to find a friend's post from yesterday and a more predictable, linear browsing experience reminiscent of early social media.
For creators, the change is double-edged. While it may mean their content is seen by a higher percentage of their own followers who opt for the chronological view, it also removes the algorithmic boost that could push their content to new audiences. This will place a greater emphasis on consistent, engaging content that followers actively want to seek out.
This major update signals a pivotal moment for one of the world's largest social networks, acknowledging that sometimes, the best algorithm is no algorithm at all.
