Have you recently opened up Instagram and wondered ”why is my Instagram Discover page different”? Well, apparently it changed overnight according to a Reddit post!
Instagram’s Discover page (also known as the Explore page) is that bustling digital marketplace where you can find new accounts, entertaining content, and sometimes even inspiration. But have you ever noticed sudden and perhaps unwelcome changes on your Discover page?
If you wonder ‘why is my Instagram Discover page different”, you’re not alone. Let’s dive into why your Instagram Discover page might be different and what’s driving those changes.
Why is my Instagram Discover page different?
Instagram’s algorithm is a clever beast. It carefully monitors your behavior on the app, including:
- Accounts you follow: The types of accounts you follow give Instagram a strong signal about your interests
- Posts you like and save: When you like or save a post, you teach the algorithm that you enjoy similar content
- Your interactions: Commenting, sharing, and even how long you view certain posts or Reels all influence what shows up on your Discover page
Instagram wants to keep you engaged, so it often mixes in trending posts and Reels that align with your broader interests, even if you don’t directly interact with those specific accounts.
From time to time, Instagram makes major updates to its policies and algorithms. A well-publicized instance is the recent announcement that Instagram and Threads will no longer recommend political content unless users explicitly opt-in through their settings. So if you wonder ”why is my Instagram Discover page different” that just could be the case behind the sudden change.
Why did my Instagram Discover page change?
A Reddit thread titled “Instagram Explore Page Reset Overnight” highlights how users experience these algorithmic shifts. People often describe their Discover page feeling entirely different as if it had been reset and wonder ‘why is my Instagram Discover page different”.
Instagram explore page reset overnight
byu/iridescenth inInstagram
Here’s why this might be happening:
- Algorithm updates: Instagram can tweak its algorithm, potentially leading to your Discover page looking vastly different as it readjusts
- Temporary glitches: Like any software, Instagram experiences occasional glitches that could randomly throw off your Discover page
- Changes in your behavior: Even subtle shifts in how you use the app– such as following new accounts or delving into a different interest area– will gradually reshape your Discover page
Instagram’s decision to stop proactively suggesting political content has a significant impact on users and creators alike. Many users may consider the reduced amount of political content recommended to them a welcome change, especially during polarizing times.
Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri answers the burning question in your head, why did my Instagram Discover page change, like this on Threads:
Post by @mosseriView on Threads
How to do an Instagram Discover page reset
Users who still want political content retain the option to see it in their feed by navigating to the settings in Instagram and Threads. However, they won’t see it by default. Here is how to do an Instagram Discover page reset for political content:
- Go to your Instagram/Threads settings
- Find and tap on ”Suggested content”
- Choose ”Don’t” limit
Afterward, close the app and refresh your Discover page and by doing so your Instagram Discover page will get back to its original status.
Remember that the Discover page is always customizable
The Instagram Discover page will continue to be a dynamic space. Change is its only constant. Keeping this in mind, remember that you can shape your Discover page by interacting with content you value or marking posts as “Not Interested” when they don’t resonate with you.
While these policy updates by Instagram and Meta have their pros and cons, it’s essential to appreciate their impact and use our settings to curate an experience we enjoy.
