Instagram to Cease Recommendations for Aggregator Accounts

The latest updates from Instagram signal a significant shift in how the platform prioritizes content, particularly targeting serial Instagram reuploaders. As part of its commitment to enhance the visibility of original content creators, Instagram has introduced new content ranking guidelines. These changes are designed to penalize accounts that primarily aggregate or repost content without making substantive alterations or valuable additions.

According to a recent blog post on the Creators section of Instagram, accounts that rely heavily on reposting content will no longer receive recommendations to other users. This new algorithm will not only affect traditional photo posts but will also extend to Reels uploads starting in 2024, marking a comprehensive approach to promoting originality across all types of posts.

Instagram defines “original content” as any work that you have wholly created or that showcases your unique perspective. This includes not only original photos and designs but also third-party content that you have significantly edited. Some ways to enhance content originality include adding unique text that provides deeper context, incorporating creative graphics that offer new insights, or utilizing Instagram’s remix feature to creatively reinterpret the original work. This shift underscores Instagram’s emphasis on authenticity and user creativity.

For accounts that frequently share content from other users, Instagram suggests using features such as sharing posts to stories, utilizing the repost button, or enabling collaborative posts. These methods allow users to engage with content while still adhering to the new guidelines, helping them avoid being flagged as ineligible for recommendations.

If an aggregator account is deemed ineligible under these new guidelines, there is a pathway to regain visibility. Instagram indicates that to reverse this decision, most of an account’s posts, including carousels and reels, must consist of original content over a span of 30 days. Additionally, users have the option to remove non-original posts and appeal the ineligibility decision to restore their standing on the platform.