Is Instagram’s new update just a test? That’s the billion dollar question as the social media app soft-launches a new user interface, continuing its Tik-Tokification that started with Reels.
Many users already received the update and the response has been full of uproar and dismay. Critics feel the new UI makes it difficult for users to see pictures shared by friends and family. Instead, it focuses on full-screen videos that prioritize discovery (and even ads) from accounts you don’t follow.
On Monday, Kylie Jenner and Kim Kardashian shared a “Make Instagram Instagram again” post to their stories. The plea, which garnered over 1.1 million likes, calls for Instagram to ditch the new UI. Many are reporting it as a red herring. When Kylie Jenner told the public she no longer uses Snapchat, Snap’s shares plummeted, costing the company $1.3 billion. A nail in the coffin? Maybe not.
It doesn’t look like the pressure will make Instagram crack. Adam Mosserri (Head of Instagram) and his team addressed user feedback in a video Tuesday morning, noting that the update is “not yet good.” Mosseri claims that the full-screen UI is a test for a “few percent” of users. And if you’re most upset by Instagram’s prioritization of videos — we’ve got bad news. While photos will continue to be supported, Mosseri said that the team won’t stop leaning into data indicating videos are the future of the platform.
For those of you who are “evolving” with Mosseri, here are 5 tools to help you lean into video:
- FineCam enhances your iPhone and Windows cameras with unlimited filters, effects, and backgrounds.
- Canva Video Suite has seamless editing tools and customizable video templates.
- Make your videos more accessible with an Auto Subtitle Generator tool.
- Turn long videos into optimized short-form content with Snackable AI.
- This Caption Generator helps brainstorm cool captions for your Instagram posts.
If you’re not feeling Instagram’s video transformation, Glass is an interesting new member-supported photography platform and community.
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The maker behind Wood Elf Wine mixed his passion for wine, Dungeons & Dragons, and Lord of the Rings to create a four-month wine subscription that takes you on a digital quest.
“You’ll have to solve the mystery of what caused the queen of the fictional kingdom of Galaden to get petrified into a tree on the night of a full moon. The experience is part episodic series and part playable RPG game (yes, there's an actual game you'll be able to play),” he explains.
If you’re the first one to solve it, you’ll get limited edition wine and a $1,000 prize.