Instagram’s switch to an algorithm-based feed created an outcry for the old chronological feed among many photographers, because the algorithm limits the reach of their content. Finally, Instagram appears to be taking steps to address those concerns. On Wednesday, March 23, Instagram added two new feeds, Favorites and Following, and both of them display posts in chronological order.

The Following feed shows posts from all the users that you follow. Unlike the home feed, Following will use reverse chronological order rather than relying on algorithms. The most recent posts will appear at the top.

The Favorites feed takes a similar approach, but with a bit less clutter for users following a large number of accounts. Favorites only lists post from a pre-selected list of users. Instagrammers can create a list of up to 50 favorite accounts. Those posts will then show up in reverse chronological order in the Favorites feed.

Instagram says that users will not be notified when they are added or removed from the Favorites list. Along with creating a separate feed, Favorited accounts will also receive greater priority in the home feed.

“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,” Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, wrote in a blog post.

The algorithm-based home feed won’t be going anywhere. Instead, the Instagram logo on the upper left of the mobile app is now a drop-down menu. Tapping on the Instagram logo allows users to choose whether to view the Favorites or Following feed.

Mosseri teased the ability to see posts in chronological order earlier this year, noting that Meta had started testing three different views for the home screen. Instagram switched from a chronological feed to one based on algorithms back in 2016. The algorithms are designed to prioritize posts based on a user’s activity and how others are responding to posts. However, creating posts that are prioritized by algorithms can be difficult for users to do.

Some supporters of the chronological feed suggest that the algorithm-based feed can promote the wrong posts. Last year, whistleblower Frances Haugen suggested that Facebook move to a chronological order. Haugen said that research indicated that ranking posts based on engagement could quickly lead from interacting with healthy recipes to “anorexia promoting content.”

Related Stories

Related Courses