Instagram updates algorithm to hide copycats and reward original creators

Instagram announced changes to its algorithm that aim to prioritize original content and diminish the reach of 'copycat' aggregators.

The new update affects both the 'Reels' and main Instagram content feed, and it is designed to boost original content creators who can now expect higher visibility visibility.

Content aggregators, accounts that frequently share unoriginal content without significant modification, will now be excluded from the social network's recommendation algorithm.

It is framed as being part of Instagram's effort to create a more equitable environment for smaller creators, allowing them to compete more effectively against larger, established accounts.

Meta-owned Instagram guided that the full implementation of the changes will come over the next few months.

Explore Bias:

Media outlets mainly frame the algorithm update positively, highlighting its potential to benefit original content creators and penalize content aggregators - promoting the concept of fairness across the platform.

This perhaps makes an assumption that the changes will actually curb the advantages of larger, longer established accounts.

The reports potentially also minimise the potential technical challenges, such as the platform's ability to accurately identifying content as 'original' content, as well as overlooking the potential impact on 'curation' which may be distinct from both copying and original content creation.

Explore More Stories:

• "Instagram's New Algorithm Will Reward Original Content, Penalize Copycats" — ZDNET
  
• "Instagram Algorithm Will Focus More on Original Content, Straying Away From Reposted Videos, Photos" — Tech Times
  
• "Instagram is Updating its Algorithm to Surface More Content from Smaller, Original Creators" — TechCrunch
  
• "Instagram Reels Algorithm to Prioritize ‘Original Content’" — Hypebeast
  
• "Instagram’s Updated Algorithm Prioritizes Original Content Instead of Rip-Offs" — The Verge
  
• "Instagram's Algorithm Overhaul Will Reward ‘Original Content’ and Penalize Aggregators" — Engadget