Image Name : Instagram is lowering the quality of your unpopular videos
Image Credit : Mint
Over the past few weeks, numerous Instagram users have come up with a few theories that speculate that the video quality changes based on their popularity on the platform. This theory gained even more traction when Adam Mosseri, the CEO of Instagram, gave comments that made many people question whether the algorithm justifies having a video-centric quality design for select influencers. As social networking sites transform into platforms for self-promotion and marketing usage, the automatics of internal processes such as those of Instagram induce anxiety in the users: what are the internal mechanisms that may determine the visibility of the user and the outreach of the content? Let’s unpack this and see what Mosseri’s statement suggests, and most importantly, whether will you be treated like a star and have your video quality compromised, the more popularity you have on Instagram.
The Imbalance of Power in Social Networks and How Video Quality Loses Many Points
Social nets cause popularity explosion, as a matter of video content, although its development in social networks such as Facebook, ticktock, or YouTube includes the whole process of integrating video inconsiderably using their application. Instagram, which was primarily a platform for sharing photos, has transformed to focus more on videos. Ever since Instagram opened up stories, the platform has embraced vertical video formats with IGTV and recently Reels to fit in the competitive environment that is flooded with TikTok (Tani, 2021). In this case, the quality of the video has become a thorny issue for the users. Looking at the quality of the videos, the more attention a particular video attracts, the greater the level of interaction it receives, likes, comments, shares, and follows hence can alter the reach and visibility of a particular user.
What Adam Mosseri Said
In a recent Q and A on his Instagram account, Adam Mosseri replied to a question regarding the video quality raised by a user. His answer was rather vague which made users think whether the videos sent by users of Instagram are rated in quality by their popularity or not. While Mosseri did not outright assert that there is a relationship between video quality and popularity, he said that there could be limits to video appearance based on the type of account and the audience to it is distributed to. Such an answer bred more questions than it answered. Are they giving the privilege of better video quality to the stars and influencers, such that common members and smaller creators are subjected to poorer resolution and even compression issues? Algorithm Bias: Is It Valid? Instagram has always kept its algorithm under wraps and offered people the workings of the same only in glimpses. The content that the users see is tailored to them in such a way that engagement is maximized, while the issue of whether different qualities in video output have been provided based on users’ engagement alone is still a matter of speculation. During the conversation, he also shared with the audience that there are instances when Instagram’s systems ‘intervene’ and create ‘trade-offs’ that affect the consumer experience of video quality on different devices and under different network conditions, which again begs the question.
To most typical Instagram users and small-scale content producers, such a statement would seem to imply some form of discrimination. It is because they have the cameras, the best lighting, editing teams, and everything else needed, which gives them an edge. If Instagram’s algorithm raises the quality of videos produced by such individuals, then those lower down the hierarchy of creators will find it nearly impossible to compete.
Technical Aspects: What Explains The Differences In The Video Quality? Instagram has some compression methods, which allow to keep the size of a video file relatively low. Compression involves storing and delivering video with less information when compared to its original content, but would also mean that the quality of the video will be affected. Nevertheless, given that not all compression is equal, it has led to the assumption that there is a hierarchy of some sort within Instagram whereby certain accounts are given preference so that their videos appear sharper and clearer than the rest. Assuming there is any accuracy to Mosseri’s words, Instagram may have an inbuilt function where it “compromises” video quality depending on who is posting it, to enhance the quality of accounts that are designed to engage the audience such as traffic or influence. In that sense, the optimization process for the platform may be low-key eroding the reach of the smaller creators and the average users, in turn, creating a system where only the elite accounts get the benefit of high-definition videos.
Image Name: Instagram Chief Adam Mosseri Issues Clarification On Resolution Of Reels
Image Credit: Fortune
The Effect on the Creator Community
Postulating that there may be issues of algorithmic bias exacerbates the discourse on equity and visibility on the platform. For Instagram, the creator community ranges from professional content creators to casual and small enterprises who use the application as a medium to tell their stories and reach out to the target audiences. So if the video quality can be said to be dependent on the popularity of the user, then it is no longer a fair ground for competition. Negative thoughts may also arise among potential creators in the light that unless they are well known or famous, which is quite difficult for many in a crowded market, their standard of work may never see the light of day.
Creators put a lot of effort and money into making quality content, so it is quite understandable why they may want it to be presented in the best way possible. In addition, these creators may see it as unfair if they have to deal with quality loss from compression or algorithmic encumbrances. Not to mention that small-scale creators face stiffer competition from TikTok, any creeping feeling of unfairness on the Instagram platform may be a catalyst for users resettling to other platforms that are not popularity biased.
User Actions and Rejection
Mosseri’s statement has caused a stir within the Instagram society. Users of social media platforms have always been ready to give feedback, more so when they think that their input is being undermined by the algorithms of the platform. Users have taken to Twitter and other forums to express concerns about video quality differences, uploading relevant images and before and after comparisons of their videos that suffered from quality issues. Articles containing hashtags such as #InstaBias are already in sight, as the platform’s users want to know what exactly is going on. There are no re-pressions in how, especially the influencers, want to see their work come out because poor output will adversely affect their image and how the fans engage them. The criticism of Mosseri’s remarks pointed out how important it was for Instagram to address these issues more fully or the question of the users’ trust would be put at risk.
Instagram’s Response and Potential Changes
With increasing scrutiny over its algorithms, Instagram may need to re-evaluate how video quality is managed across different user accounts. Acknowledging that video quality may vary based on popularity has ignited a wider conversation about how the platform treats its users. Instagram could respond to this issue by making video quality settings adjustable, allowing users to choose their desired quality settings, similar to YouTube. This could democratize the video experience on Instagram, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to present their content in the best light.
Alternatively, Instagram may clarify how compression and other technical aspects affect video quality, emphasizing that popularity does not play a significant role. This approach would help calm users’ concerns and potentially prevent further backlash.
Conclusion:
Adam Mosseri’s recent comments on Instagram’s video quality stirred the pot, leaving users wondering whether the platform treats its users fairly when it comes to video compression and resolution. While Instagram has yet to confirm any popularity-based discrepancies, the notion of algorithmic bias remains a point of contention. Social media users, especially smaller creators, want assurance that their hard work isn’t being diminished by behind-the-scenes biases that favor only the most popular accounts.
For now, creators and users are left with unanswered questions. But as the conversation gains traction, it could push Instagram to address the concerns raised by Mosseri’s comments, leading to a more transparent and user-friendly platform. Whether Instagram adjusts its policies or simply clarifies its stance, it’s clear that the quality of video content remains a top priority for users who want to showcase their best work, regardless of their popularity.
