Instagram’s recent approach to adjusting video quality based on post popularity has triggered a backlash from content creators worldwide.
As revealed by platform head Adam Mosseri, the platform is now prioritizing the display quality of more popular videos, an update that has raised concerns about fairness and transparency in how content is ranked and presented.
Mosseri explained that Instagram’s quality adjustment intends to improve user experience by promoting high-engagement content. This update has prompted some creators to explore strategies like buying reels shares to boost visibility and align with Instagram’s engagement-focused algorithms.
However, creators argue that the approach unfairly punishes posts with lower initial engagement, perpetuating a “popularity bias” that can make it harder for less visible creators to reach their audience effectively. Many claim this policy exacerbates existing challenges faced by emerging creators who lack a strong follower base, describing the adjustment as a “vicious cycle” of low visibility
