Facebook and Instagram losing users, with signs pointing to low-quality feeds

Source: 9to5Mac

Growing dissatisfaction with Facebook and Instagram feeds

Anecdotal reports have long suggested that users of both Facebook and Instagram are becoming increasingly dissatisfied with the quality of their feeds. Recent data now supports these claims.

Meta has confirmed that its daily active users fell by 20 million this quarter. The company is taking steps to improve feed quality on both platforms.

Reported user decline

Meta’s own metrics for “Family daily active people” — a term that includes users of Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, and Messenger — show a decline of 20 million users compared with the previous three months.

The company attributes part of the drop to internet disruptions in Iran and WhatsApp restrictions in Russia, but analysts at The Verge question this explanation, noting the lack of detailed breakdowns.

“Meta has taken its userbase for granted, and the recent decline is a wake‑up call.” — The Verge
Source

Changes to Instagram’s recommendation algorithm

According to Engadget, Meta is revamping Instagram’s recommendation algorithm to prioritize original content for photo and carousel posts. The updated guidelines state that accounts which primarily reshare photos or carousels without material edits may see their reach throttled.

“If your account primarily posts unoriginal reels, photos, or carousels you didn’t create or edit in a material way, your account may not be seen in recommendations to new audiences.” — Meta

The same approach is reportedly being applied to Facebook, though it remains to be seen whether these measures will have a measurable impact on user engagement.

Photo credit

Photo by BoliviaInteligente on Unsplash