Popular social media apps such as Instagram and Twitter have recently updated their platforms, but users aren’t too fond of the new features. This may be a problem for these major companies, being that they are losing their uniqueness and are in competition with each other as well as other major networks.
Instagram has changed its app completely. Originally, the app was used to help users communicate through photo sharing on a platform where they can edit, like, and comment on pictures taken on one’s phone. As time went on, the app has developed many features and became one of the most-used apps to date.
Now, Instagram has altered the layout of its homepage and timeline. They’ve moved the notifications and direct messages tab to the top right corner of the screen where the new post’ button is located. This is now used for you to post your stories, reels and live videos. The bottom of the screen is for watching Instagram Reels and a shopping shortcut button. They have changed the functionality of getting notifications and creating content for Instagram. Users used to be able to access notifications while staying on your timeline, visiting one’s profile or being on the explore page. Now, in order to receive notifications or create posts, you have to return to your home screen on Instagram.
A lot of people are not happy with the fact that Instagram has changed its function as an app. It has switched to be geared more towards the business and ecommerce side of the platform, while also competing with video-based apps such as TikTok by adding “reels”. Reels differ from TikTok videos because they have fewer video and editing tools and it has no community of its own. TikTokers are posting their original TikToks on Instagram Reels for more support, but most are not creating new original Instagram Reels.
On his Instagram story, Influencer James Charles said:
“People are saying that their posts are not being seen; that their ‘explore page’ is broken, that their notifications are not going out, that they’re not growing, and most importantly, that people are not seeing posts on their own timeline from their best friends and family that they press a follow button on. Instead of making those changes and fixing the app, Instagram keeps making changes that literally nobody is asking for.”
The Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, took to Twitter to explain how Instagram’s Reels and new shopping feature is important and that adapting to the changing times will keep them relevant. In response to this, social media specialist, Alfie Green (@itsalfiegreen) tweeted:
“A lot of respect Adam for your transparency and value of this type of content, but for me your comment above is the key issue for a lot of users. You’re so busy racing to the next ‘change’ you forget the reason so many of us visit your app. To use it for the core functions.”
When it comes to Twitter, their new update is a feature called “Fleets.”This is extremely similar to Snapchat, Instagram and Facebook ‘Stories’. Fleets allow users to share content that expires in twenty four hours. According to Twitter, “Fleets are disappearing posts that make it easier than ever to share your fleeting thoughts with others. A way for users to create posts with less permanence.” You can make fleets by uploading text/words, photos, videos, and take an existing tweet and fleet it.
Twitter does not seem to be concerned about what users think. Twitter’s Head of Experience Research Team Nikkia Reveillac said, “Hostility is just part of the cycle of accepting changes in social media. When we changed our like icon from a star to a heart, people protested. As we changed our timeline to be ranked not reverse chronological, #RIPTwitter trended.”
Twitter used to be a place where you can tweet what’s on your mind and go. If people agreed, they agreed. If not, they’ll either mind their business or tweet in response. This was a great platform to just be yourself and let your personality and thoughts shine through. Now, it might just turn into another photo sharing platform. Hopefully these companies seek what users actually like and want, and maybe this will be a positive turnaround for all parties involved.
