Will Instagram continue a Public Social Media Platform in the Future?

Instagram is an essential social media platform for everyone. People use Instagram to share messages with the public.

Users display photos and videos to the online public community. Although there is an option for private users, most users on Instagram have public accounts that allow others to see their content.

As part of Meta, Instagram is transiting to more secure and private online social media communities. Here are two recent changes announced to execute the transition.

Recently, Meta, the parent company of Instagram, has announced several changes to Instagram’s features.

First, Meta announced “Removal of Live Stream Shopping Elements” in February.

Since March 2023, users can not tag products while live streaming on Instagram. Meta shut downed the live shopping feature on Facebook last year. It seems like Meta has shifted its strategy to social media platforms.

The success of TikTok’s live streaming led other social media platforms to follow. However, other platforms can not beat TikTok on live-streaming shopping. In my opinion, it is wise that Meta shifts its strategy to not chasing after TikTok.

Every popular social media platform has own edge.

Second, IG seems like to become a private messaging APP.

On February 16th, IG announced a new feature, “Channels,” a broadcast chat. It is a group messaging function that helps to build tighter online communities.

Let me explain how it works:

1. Content creators can sign up for early accesses to create own channels. (Click to join the waitlist!)
2. Users joined the Channel that you like. ( maybe one of your favorite influencers’ channel~)
3. It will be added to the Direct Chat List
4. Read and react with contents (however, you can not post your own messages)

Broadcast Channels from IG

I am glad that Instagram has become a more secure social media platform. Cyber privacy definitely is a future trend.

However, the channel feature reminds me of Hierarchy.

I don’t particularly appreciate that followers of the channel can not share their opinions. I love Instagram because it is a transparent, safe, public community to share my content. Every user has equal rights to share, although everyone does not have equal influencing power.

Channel function limits equality.