I want to preface this blog post by saying that I used to be an Instagram girl through and through. I’ve been on the platform since 2013 when It was still in its early stages. Remember when you could only post photos and see posts (in chronological order) from your friends?
Those were the days.
Then TikTok entered the scene. With its popularity increasing rapidly, Meta (Instagram’s parent company) knew it had to do something—and fast. In August 2020, right in the middle of the pandemic, it launched Instagram Reels. Despite the attempt to keep Instagram relevant, many users were jumping ship. While everyone else was moving to TikTok, I stayed loyal to Instagram… for a long time.
But as a social media manager, it’s my job to stay up to date on ALL social media platforms. So, admittedly late to the game, I downloaded TikTok and began using it to see what all the hype was about. Two things happened as a result:
- I found my new favorite social media platform.
- My eyes were opened to the pitfalls of my previously favorite platform.
I have many bones to pick with Instagram—as both a user and as a social media manager—some of which I have discussed in a previous blog post. Today, I’ll shed light on a few more of Instagram’s downsides—some of which I think many of you will relate to.
Three Reasons Why I’m Fed Up With Instagram
As a social media professional and recent TikTok convert, the following grievances are what trouble me most about Instagram.
1. Growing Lack of Engagement
It is no secret that engagement on Instagram has been on a steady decline over the years. Studies have revealed overall engagement rates have been falling since at least 2019, and photo content engagement has decreased since the introduction of Reels in 2020.
An increase in paid content and algorithm changes have contributed to the downturn. People who used to get thousands of likes on their feed posts are now seeing only hundreds, even though their followers have increased. While it's still very much possible to see growth and success on Instagram, it can be really discouraging to put so much time and effort into content creation knowing that engagement will not be what it used to be— due to no fault of your own.
2. Frequent and Unpredictable Changes
Instagram's constant updates and changes are another source of frustration for me. While all social media platforms change, Instagram seems to do it more frequently compared to other platforms. Moreover, they do it without any warning or clear communication. Just the other week, we planned a quiz for a client’s story, only to find out that the quiz story feature had literally disappeared overnight.
And when Instagram rolls out new features, it’s very inconsistent—some accounts get access right away, while others wait for months. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to who gets access to what or when. This unpredictability makes it really difficult to plan and execute a consistent social media strategy.
3. Bad Vibes in General
I’ve noticed the atmosphere on Instagram has become overwhelmingly negative. Sure, every social media platform has its share of trolls and haters—it comes with the territory. But on Instagram, the negative comments seem to roll in at a much higher rate compared to other platforms. Others have noticed it, too. Take a look at this video by a popular TikTok creator as she shares her experience after posting her first Instagram Reel. Also, read a few of the comments. It appears many TikTok users have found Instagram to be a toxic and harsh environment. It's discouraging to see such a pervasive negative culture on a platform that's supposed to be about sharing and connecting.
Final Thoughts
Despite those drawbacks, Instagram isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. It remains a valuable platform for individuals and businesses to connect with their audience, showcase their products, and build their brand presence. By staying resilient, innovative, and adaptive—and creating quality content and fostering positive interactions—we can still find success and meaningful engagement on the platform.
Whether you're a social media manager like me or an everyday user, know that you’re not alone in your frustrations. Together, we can set an example and help facilitate a more positive Instagram experience for everyone. Are you with me?
