Remember when Instagram was just that cute, quirky app where we shared heavily filtered photos of our lunch? Those were simpler times. Now, Instagram is like that high-maintenance ex you wish you'd never dated. Except this ex isn't just annoying – they're straight-up copying your current partner. If I remember anything about dating the enormous amount of frogs before I got my Aussie prince, it’s that copying, or even seeming like you’re copying an ex’s partner to get attention, is a filter for disaster!

Views Skyrocketing: A Reach Too Far?

Have you noticed your Instagram views suddenly doing well lately? You're probably thinking, "Wow, I must be getting more attractive with age!" Sorry to burst your bubble, but nope – that's not it.

Instagram has finally realised that reach is way more important than follower count and engagement. It only took them, oh, I don't know, forever to figure this out. They're now pushing your videos out to get more reach because they think that's the metric we care about. Groundbreaking stuff, right?

You and I both know though, that’s what we’ve ALWAYS wanted.

Did it seriously take them three and a half years to realise we didn't give a flying flip about Aunt Agnes's Shih Tzu and that we just wanted to be seen and heard?

Better late than never, I guess? It's like they finally got the "picture" – pun absolutely intended!

TikTok Nostalgia: When Views Were All That Mattered

Let's take a trip down memory lane. Cast your mind back to the dark days of 2020. We were all bored out of our minds, stuck at home, and decided to download this quirky little app called TikTok. Remember how obsessed we became with those view counts? We were like kids in a sweet shop, constantly refreshing to see how many people had watched our expertly choreographed dance routines (or in my case, awkward attempts at trends). TikTok had tapped into exactly what we desired. Attention. it gave us that dopamine hit we desperately desired.

As businesses relying on social media, the views and reach we got on the platform only drove us to create more.

Instagram's New Direction: A Mosseri-ble Attempt at Change?

Now, Instagram chief Adam Mosseri is steering the good ship Instagram towards the magical land of "reach" instead of likes and engagement. Why? Because apparently, "social media habits have evolved." No shit, Sherlock. We've only been screaming this from the rooftops for years.

But wait, there's more! In a move that screams "originality," Instagram has announced in the last two days that they're converting our profile grids to a vertical layout. Gee, where have we seen that before? Oh right, TikTok! It's like Instagram looked at TikTok and said, "I'll have what she's having." At this point, they're not even trying to hide their copycat tendencies. What's next, Instagram? Are you going to start calling likes "hearts" and add a "For You" page? Oh wait...

But let's be real – there might be another reason for this sudden change of heart and layout. With the potential TikTok ban or forced divestiture looming on the horizon, Instagram sees an opportunity. Creators are scrambling for alternative platforms to reach their audiences, and Instagram is standing there with open arms saying, "Pick me! Pick me! Like me! Like me!”

The Follow Conundrum: Choice Matters

Instagram also claims that people just aren't following accounts like they used to. But here's the thing they seem to forget: on TikTok, it's ridiculously easy to switch between your For You feed and your Following feed. TikTok gives us options – we can choose to explore new content or stick with our favourite accounts. It's almost like they trust us to make our own decisions. Imagine that!

The Verdict: Too Little, Too Late?

So, what's the verdict? Is Instagram too late to the party, or are they finally giving the people what they want? Are they the ex who's genuinely changed, or just the same old drama in a shiny new package?

Personally, I think Instagram is that ex who shows up at your door years later, claiming they've changed and want another chance. They might have a new haircut and a gym membership, but deep down, they're still the same person who thought posting daily photos of their morning latte was peak content.

Over to You: What's Your Take?

But hey, that's just my two pence. What do you think? Is Instagram's reach-focused strategy a game-changer, or are they just desperately trying to stay relevant in a TikTok world? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

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