TikTok has become thethird largest social networkin the world, sitting behind Instagrad Facebook.
But by trying to borrow features from TikTok, Instagram risks losing its soul.
The existing user base isn’t happy, andInstagram knows it.
Solen Feyissa / Unsplash.com
“I think it makes sense on the surface that Instagram wants to compete with TikTok.
But what Instagram is forgetting is that it isn’t that simple.
Instagram, like Facebook, is based on users social graphs.
@angieyoyo via Twenty20
“Who they really are, who they know in real life, as Warren points out.
People expect to see what they asked to see, and little more.
By contrast, TikTok goes about things differently.
Instead, its based on showing people content from accounts that itthinksthey want to see.
TikTok is all about viral videos from strangers, surfaced by its algorithm.
“I dont expect to see my friends (I might not even want to).
Its that distinction behind some of the pushback Instagram has had to deal with in recent days.
In its place, they were greeted with a TikTok-style full-screen feed that prioritized videos from strangers.
Even theKardashians got involved, demanding that Meta “make[s] Instagram Instagram Again.”
Instagram rolled back the changes made during its trial following the backlash.
How much did Instagram learn?
Time will tellMosseri toldPlatformerthat the backtrack isn’t permanent, so expect Instagram to continue its push towards video.
Could Meta Compete With TikTokandLeave Instagram Alone?
Especially given the company’s preference for buying apps rather than building them.
“The problem is, almost all of Meta’s attempts to build new apps have failed.
The only way Meta has successfully grown has been through acquisitions.”
@angieyoyo via Twenty20
Whats Next For Instagram Users?
The competition isn’t strong.
It isn’t free, either.
