Truly, this is the Age of the Algorithm

Now, Instagram is getting in on the act.

Last year Instagram’s interaction rate was down nearly 40 percent. But like with its owners Facebook, Instagram appears to want to keep you interested as long as it can so, yes, it can serve you up ads.

The company has determined that showing you what it thinks you care about most (based on your past interactions with the app) will keep you around longer in the same vein of Facebook’s algorithm called EdgeRank.

Make no mistake, this a significant shift. Right now, Instagram just shows you the latest post, which feels natural. By using an algorithm, the company  controls what you see.

Instagram didn’t say exactly when these changes will roll out to your feed, but you’ll probably start to see photos and videos shift out of order in the coming months.

Not everyone is over-joyed. “Can you please, PLEASE not do this. Ot at least make it opt in?” said one user recently.

Unlikely. Algorithms represent a huge opportunity to make a lot of money out of other people’s content. Facebook and Instagram won’t turn their backs on that – unless users revolt. Which they won’t. Yet.

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Posted in: Digital Training, Infographic of the day, Strategy