This archive report was first published on 20 July 2021.
Instagram's recent transformation has left many users bewildered. The platform, once a simple photo-sharing app, has evolved into a complex ecosystem with various features and formats.
According to Instagram, the company is no longer focused on being a photo-sharing app. Instead, it aims to become a platform for Creators, Video content, Shopping, and Messaging. This shift has led to a multitude of changes, including the introduction of new features and formats.
One of the most significant changes is the introduction of multiple video formats, including IGTV videos, Reels, and Stories. These formats can be confusing, especially for users who are not familiar with them.
Additionally, Instagram has introduced a new messaging system, which is divided into three parts: Primary, General, and Requests. The Primary and General tabs are further divided into Inbox, Unread, and Flagged, while the Requests tab is divided into Top and All Requests.
These changes have left many users, including celebrities, confused. The app's complexity has made it difficult for users to navigate and find the features they need.
For many users, the app has become annoyingly confusing. Clicking on something by mistake can lead to a series of tasks to find one's way back to where they were. The app's complexity has also led to issues with video playback, with some videos playing automatically while others require a click to watch.
Instagram's approach to incorporating multiple features and formats into one app may not be the best strategy. The app's complexity may drive users away, and the company may find itself losing its user base to other platforms, such as TikTok.
