Instagram’s revelation that it lowers the quality of older, less popular videos has sparked controversy among creators and users alike. The social media platform’s head, Adam Mosseri, explained that Instagram biases towards higher quality for more popular content, leading to concerns about the impact on the reach and visibility of videos.
Some creators have expressed frustration, with one person stating that it is wrong to adjust the quality of a video based on its performance. This move has raised questions about Instagram’s focus on metrics and engagement, potentially disadvantaging newer creators trying to build their following.
The decision to reduce the quality of videos that have not been watched for a long time is seen as a cost-saving measure, as higher resolution videos require more computing power and storage space. While some understand the rationale behind this decision, many feel that it devalues the effort put into creating high-quality content.
In response to the backlash, Instagram clarified that the quality adjustments are made in an aggregate way and on a sliding scale, with the goal of showing users the highest quality content possible. Despite this explanation, concerns remain about the impact on smaller creators and the overall user experience.
This revelation comes after Instagram faced backlash in 2022 for attempting to shift towards a TikTok-style focus on short-form video content, prompting a reversal of those plans. The platform’s efforts to prioritize video content have been met with mixed reactions from users and creators, highlighting the ongoing challenges of balancing quality, engagement, and user experience on social media platforms.
