Instagram's video quality decline is impacting content creators. Learn how this change is affecting the platform and what creators can do to mitigate the impact.
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| Instagram's Video Quality Decline; A Threat to Creators. Credit: Meta |
Menlo Park, California, USA --- November 2, 2024:
Instagram users have been expressing widespread frustration over a recent decline in video quality. Many have noticed that videos, particularly Reels and Stories, appear blurry and pixelated, diminishing the overall viewing experience.
Adam Mosseri, Instagram's CEO, has shed light on the underlying reason for this issue. The platform's algorithm, designed to optimize user experience, prioritizes content that garners significant viewership. As a result, older videos, especially those with lower engagement, are subject to automatic downgrades, leading to a noticeable reduction in quality.
This algorithmic decision has drawn criticism from content creators, particularly those with smaller followings. By prioritizing popular content, Instagram creates a challenging environment for emerging creators to gain traction. Their highlights and Reels, often crucial for building an audience, are negatively impacted by the reduced quality. This can hinder their ability to attract new followers and grow their brand.
The impact of this change is particularly significant for creators who rely heavily on visual content to engage their audience. For example, artists, photographers, and videographers often use Instagram to showcase their work. However, the reduced video quality can diminish the impact of their creative efforts.
While Instagram's goal is to provide users with a seamless and enjoyable experience, it's crucial to strike a balance between prioritizing popular content and supporting the diverse community of content creators. By implementing more nuanced algorithms and providing greater control to creators, Instagram can mitigate the negative impact of these quality downgrades.
As the platform continues to evolve, it's essential to consider the broader implications of algorithmic decisions. By understanding the concerns of content creators and taking steps to address them, Instagram can maintain its position as a leading social media platform.