Last Updated on November 12, 2024 by Val Razo
Instagram recently introduced new feed sorting options to give users more control over what they see on the platform. With features like posts in chronological order, the ability to prioritize favorite accounts, and the classic algorithmic feed, users now have multiple ways to organize their content. Whether you’re looking to reset your feed, tap into a more chronological experience, or sort by top posts and accounts you follow, this update provides a more flexible and personalized Instagram experience. In this guide, we’ll explore how to use these options, from accessing the dropdown menu to choosing between the “Following” and “Favorites” views, ensuring you get the most out of every Instagram post and can tailor your feed to your preferences.
Understanding Instagram’s New Feed Sorting Options
With its recent update, Instagram has empowered users to have more control over their feeds, allowing them to decide what type of content they want to see and in what order. For years, Instagram users have requested a more straightforward way to view posts, often expressing frustration with the algorithmic feed. Instagram responded by introducing three primary options: the Following feed, which shows posts in chronological order; the Favorites feed, which highlights posts from accounts marked as favorites; and the traditional algorithm-based feed.
Here’s how you can access and use these features:
- Open the Instagram app and head to the home screen.
- Tap the Instagram logo at the top left to access the dropdown menu.
- Select “Following” to view posts in chronological order or “Favorites” to see prioritized posts from your chosen accounts.
Exploring the “Following” and “Favorites” Options
The “Following” option arranges posts from accounts that you follow by the time they were posted, offering a simple chronological feed that many users missed. In contrast, the “Favorites” view is designed for those who want to prioritize updates from specific accounts, like family, close friends, or favorite creators. By tapping the menu and choosing this option, Instagram users can manually select accounts they wish to prioritize, creating a customized viewing experience.
After Instagram introduced the chronological feed option, I quickly switched my settings to ‘Following’ so I could keep up with friends and family in real-time. It was refreshing to see posts in the order they were shared, especially updates from people close to me. I no longer felt like I was missing out on important moments or seeing outdated content.
Benefits of Sorting by “Top Posts” vs. “Recent Posts”
Sorting your feed by Top Posts or Recent Posts provides distinct experiences for different types of content consumption. Viewing recent posts first helps users stay updated with the latest content from the people they follow, while Top Posts curates content based on user engagement and algorithmic preferences. This balance offers the best of both worlds: you can either dive into recent activity or focus on what’s popular across the platform.
How to Set Your Feed in Chronological Order
For those who prefer to view Instagram posts in real-time, setting up a chronological feed is straightforward. This feature lets you see recent posts first, which can be especially helpful for users who want to stay updated without the influence of Instagram’s algorithm. Here’s how to switch your feed to chronological order:
- Tap on the Instagram logo at the top left of the home screen.
- A dropdown menu will appear, giving you the option to select “Following.”
- Choose “Following” to arrange posts chronologically from the accounts you follow, with the most recent content at the top.
Customizing the Feed with “Following” and “Favorite” Options
The “Following” and “Favorites” features are ideal for users who want to balance recent updates with prioritized content. You can toggle between them anytime, making it easy to switch between a chronological view and a curated feed of posts from your top accounts. If you ever want to reset your feed preferences, simply return to the Insta logo menu and select the desired option.
For even more personalization, Instagram allows you to choose specific accounts to favorite. By using the “Favorites” tab, you’ll ensure these accounts appear at the top of your feed whenever they post, giving you instant access to the people you care about most.
A survey by Social Media Today (link) found that 62% of Instagram users preferred the flexibility of switching between chronological and algorithmic feeds. This adaptability led to a 20% higher satisfaction rate among users who used both the “Following” and “Favorites” sorting options compared to those who only used the algorithm-based feed.
Customizing Your Instagram Feed by Account and Username
Instagram’s new feed options don’t just stop at general sorting—they allow users to prioritize accounts and organize content by specific usernames. With this update, you can make sure that posts from certain accounts you follow are given more prominence in your feed, making it easier to stay connected with those who matter most to you.
How to Prioritize Accounts in Your Feed
To customize your feed with posts from your favorite accounts, you can use the Favorites feature to ensure these posts stand out. Here’s how:
- Tap the Instagram logo at the top left of your home screen.
- Select “Favorites” from the dropdown menu.
- Instagram will prompt you to select accounts to add to your Favorites list. Tap the usernames you want to prioritize.
- Once you’ve added them, their posts will appear at the top of your feed whenever they post new content.
With this feature, you can manage your Instagram account and keep a closer eye on accounts you don’t want to miss updates from. This is a great way to stay updated with friends, family, or your favorite creators without manually searching for their profiles.
Using “Favorites” to Manage Instagram Posts
Selecting accounts as favorites is easy and flexible—you can add or remove usernames at any time, allowing you to keep your feed dynamic. This method of feed customization can help many users reduce feed clutter and stay engaged with posts from accounts they value the most.
By leveraging both the “Following” and “Favorites” views, Instagram users can tailor their feed to suit personal preferences, whether they prefer a steady stream of updates or a more curated experience focused on top accounts.
Resetting Your Instagram Feed Preferences
One of the convenient aspects of Instagram’s new sorting options is the ability to reset your feed preferences easily. Whether you’ve experimented with different views or added numerous accounts to your Favorites list, resetting your feed is a quick way to return to the default settings or make fresh adjustments.
How to Reset Feed Preferences in the Instagram App
To reset your feed preferences, follow these simple steps:
- Open the Instagram app and navigate to your home feed.
- Tap the Instagram logo in the top left corner to open the dropdown menu.
- From here, select either the “Following” view to see posts chronologically or the “Favorites” view, depending on how you want to reset your Instagram feed experience.
This straightforward reset process allows Instagram users to manage their feed without deleting settings or making any permanent changes. You can reset as often as needed, so if you feel like your feed needs a fresh perspective, a few taps will put you back in control.
Troubleshooting Feed Sorting Issues
Occasionally, users may encounter issues with their Instagram feed, such as seeing posts out of order or not receiving updates from certain accounts. If this happens, try the following troubleshooting steps:
- Log out and back in to your Instagram account. This often helps resolve temporary issues with feed sorting.
- Check your app version to ensure it’s up-to-date. Sometimes updates include bug fixes that improve feed functionality.
- Clear your cache if you’re experiencing delays in seeing recent posts from accounts you follow.
- Visit Settings in the app and reset feed preferences as a last resort.
With these tips, Instagram users can better control and manage their feed, ensuring they see content from accounts they care about.
Tips for Managing and Optimizing Your Feed Experience
Instagram’s customizable feed options allow users to create a more personalized experience on the platform, but optimizing your feed can further enhance how you interact with content. By understanding how these tools work, you can make the most out of each session on Instagram.
Finding and Engaging with “Top Posts”
If you prefer discovering popular content, use Instagram’s Top Posts feature. These posts, curated by the algorithm, highlight high-engagement content from both accounts you follow and trending topics. Engaging with Top Posts by liking and commenting can help boost your visibility on the platform and connect you with other Instagram users with shared interests.
According to a 2023 study by Sprout Social, users who switched to the chronological feed reported a 15% increase in engagement with posts from people they follow, as they were more likely to see recent updates and engage with timely content.
Leveraging Feed Options for a Personalized Experience
Instagram’s feed sorting options are designed to help you get the most out of your time on the platform. Here are a few additional ways to optimize your Instagram feed:
- Use the Favorites tab to highlight posts from close friends, family, or creators you don’t want to miss.
- Experiment with hashtags to find new content that aligns with your interests.
- Regularly check your inbox for important messages and updates from Instagram.
- If you’re using Instagram via a browser, be aware that some features may not be fully supported compared to the mobile app.
Keeping Privacy and Security in Mind
As Instagram continues to improve user experience, it’s important to remember their privacy policy and consider how your engagement and content preferences influence the feed. For example, frequently interacting with a particular account can prioritize its content in your feed. If there are accounts or topics you’d rather not see, consider managing your profile settings and reviewing Instagram’s options for content preferences.
Conclusion
Instagram’s new feed sorting options offer users an enhanced way to interact with content, whether they prefer a chronological feed or a curated view of top posts and favorites. By leveraging features like “Following” and “Favorites,” Instagram users can customize their feed to align with their unique preferences, prioritizing specific accounts and managing how they engage with posts. Whether you want to keep up with the latest updates from friends, explore trending content, or reset your feed for a fresh perspective, these options ensure you get the most out of your Instagram experience. Take control of your feed and enjoy a browsing experience that’s tailored just for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I change my Instagram feed to chronological order permanently?
Instagram currently allows users to view posts in chronological order by selecting the “Following” option through the dropdown menu under the Instagram icon. However, the setting isn’t permanent; you’ll need to select this view each time you open the app. This design aligns with how Instagram’s algorithm works to highlight popular content. For now, there are no announcements suggesting a permanent chronological option will be available.
How can I use hashtags to improve my feed experience?
Hashtags are a great way to find content related to specific interests. Simply use the search function, type in a hashtag, and scroll through posts associated with it. Instagram will track your interactions with these posts, which may influence what appears in your algorithm-based feed. To engage further, you can follow the hashtag itself, helping to bring related content into your feed.
Why does my feed feel “empty” or show irrelevant posts?
If your feed feels “empty” or lacks the content you want, there could be several reasons. First, check that you’re following enough accounts or using the “Favorites” option for key accounts you follow. Another reason could be temporary glitches; try logging out, clearing your cache, and logging back in with the email address associated with your account. Instagram’s algorithm can also affect what you see, prioritizing posts with high engagement. In the near future, we may see more updates addressing these issues.
How does the “Favorites” feature impact my feed?
The “Favorites” option allows users to view posts from selected accounts more prominently. By using three dots next to a post, you can add specific accounts to your Favorites list, ensuring these accounts show up at the top when you switch to this view. This customization tool allows people to curate their feeds without being fully influenced by the algorithm.
What is Adam Mosseri’s role in Instagram updates?
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, frequently announces new features and responds to user feedback. For example, he led the rollout of Instagram’s chronological feed options in response to user demand for more control. Mosseri regularly provides insights into how the algorithm works, what changes to expect, and how the platform is addressing user concerns about privacy and harmful content. Following Mosseri on Instagram is a good way to stay updated on future feed sorting options and enhancements.
Author Bio
Val Razo
Val Razo is a skilled professional in the field of Instagram Marketing. With over five years of experience as a freelance Social Media Marketing consultant, Val has assisted numerous small and medium-sized businesses in achieving their goals.
