Instagram is updating its Account Status feature to better inform business and creator accounts why some of their posts are being removed, as it aims for more transparency with users.
These accounts will now know which of their posts are "eligible to be recommended" by the Instagram algorithm to non-followers in other sections of the platform. This includes places like the explore page, reels, and recommendations in the feed. On the other hand, Instagram will also inform accounts why their content is not recommended by explaining how, for example, it violates community guidelines, according to the announcement (opens in a new tab). This information can also be found on the Instagram creators page - opens in a new tab; it's simply more front and center than before.
And once notified, creators have the option to edit or remove the offending post or appeal if they believe Instagram has been overzealous in flagging this content. The review team will closely examine this message before coming back with a new decision. If that sounds familiar, it's because regular accounts have been able to appeal flagged content since the account statement was released in October 2021.
For a future update, there are suggestions to extend account status to other features like the search feature and to educate creators on how to better reach non-subscribers.
It is unclear when and where the account status update will be posted. The implication is that new features are being implemented. We asked Instagram if they could clarify the launch window and if they could give us more information on future additions to account status. We will update this story if we hear back.
Clarification of the algorithm.
In the announcement, Instagram says it understands how frustrating it can be for accounts to find out why they're not getting the engagement they once did. That's really the point of this update: to clear up any confusion. Social media algorithms are a common source of frustration for many content creators. How these algorithms work is a well-kept secret. If you spend enough time on YouTube, for example, you'll eventually run into a creator who complains that it's hard to understand what's being recommended or removed.
There have been third-party approaches over the past year to address this issue. Most notably, the European Union passed the Digital Services Act, which will require tech giants like Meta to reveal how their recommendation algorithms work. However, this law will not take effect until 2024, so proprietary tools will remain limited.
But there are third-party tools. Check out TechRadar's best social media management tools, recently updated in 2022. They're a good way to get content out on time to keep audience engagement high.