What the head of Instagram has to say to the Kardashians and others ‘not happy’

In the last few days, Instagram has made a shift from photos to videos, more importantly Reels. There was backlash – the Kardashians also joined – but Mosseri came out and defended Instagram’s decision.

Don’t like the ‘new’ Instagram? Face to face with it. That seems to be the message from the head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri. I’ve seen it in the last few days Instagram create a transition from photo to video, more importantly Stories. There was backlash – the Kardashians also joined – but Mosseri came out and defended Instagram’s decision.
What’s the ‘problem’ with the new Instagram?
For starters, it’s very similar TikTok. Instagram – and it’s not a new thing – has for months now become a lot like TikTok. Many features, which were not criticized, were immediately removed by TikTok. However, the mere idea that any video you post will automatically become a reel is no longer good. There is also no rotation to videos in Feed, where users are viewing more videos than images.
What does Instagram have to say about this?
Mosseri took to Twitter and posted a video addressing the user’s “concerns”. Mosseri is clear that the photos aren’t going away anytime soon. Photos will be integral to Instagram, and Mosseri says: “We will continue to support photos. It’s part of our heritage, I love him, I know a lot of you out there love him.”
But – and always has but in these things – he is very clear that “more and more Instagram will become video over time”. Mosseri says that even if Instagram doesn’t do anything, the video is still natural. “We see this even if you just look at the chronological feed. If you look at what people share on Instagram, that translates to more and more video over time. If you look at what people like, consume and share on Instagram, that also translates more and more to video over time – even if we stop changing anything.”
Is that the death of Instagram photos?
Nothing. Over the past 12 months, Instagram has pushed Reels so much that this should surprise anyone. Regarding video, Mosseri said that Instagram is “pursuing that change, while continuing to support photos”. There is an online petition for Recreate Instagram for Instagramhas attracted more than 100,000 signatures.
What if you don’t want to make a video?
A valid question and something that model Chrissy Teigen correctly asked Mosseri. “We dont want [sic] make the Adam lol video,” is what Teigen told Mosseri. Mosseri replied, “If you don’t want to make a video, it’s better not to. What I want is an Instagram about people who like photos and videos for people who like that format.” So you might see more Stories, videos, ads and what not but Instagram’s defense is that people want to see it and it’s doing it for everyone.
Will Instagram bow to ‘pressure’?
Going through Mosseri’s video and explanation, it’s really unlikely. Reels – or short video format – is the currency that Instagram will deal with in the future. There may be a few tweaks here and there but overall Instagram is well on its way to being ‘Reelstagram’.