Instagram is
updating the way its algorithm works, to improve ranking of posts containing original
work of creators. The company wants creators to get more credit for their
original content than reshared posts.
“We’re
going to do more to try and value original content more, particularly compared
to reposted content,” said Instagram chief Adam Mosseri.
Mosseri further assured that content edited outside of Instagram will be considered as original content. This, however, does not include watermarked content, which is what the company has been downranking; especially TikTok videos shared on Reels.
One of the ways
that Instagram plans to detect accounts that reshare original content without providing
credit to the owner, is by identifying “aggregator” accounts. This means
that accounts that regularly re-share a lot of posts from original accounts
will be targeted for decline in their reach.
However, since there is no perfect way of knowing if content
posted is original or not, some accounts will likely be subjected to unjust
penalties. In the meantime, Instagram plans to enhance its detection processes.
We can not say for sure how big or small the impact of such
an approach would be, however, it is nice to see the platform making an effort
to highlight content creators and give them their just credit.
