Instagram Rolls Out Reposting Feature, Criticized for Copying TikTok and Twitter

Instagram has introduced a new reposting feature, location-sharing map, and updates to the 'Friends' list. Users can share public reels and feed posts from other accounts directly with their followers. The feature aims to help users share content more easily and discover new content. However, many users have criticized the changes, accusing Instagram of copying features from other platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Instagram, a subsidiary of Meta Platforms, has introduced several new features aimed at enhancing user engagement and content sharing. These updates include a reposting feature, a location-sharing map, and updates to the 'Friends' list. The new features are designed to facilitate easier content sharing and discovery, but they have also sparked criticism from users who accuse Instagram of copying features from other platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Snapchat.

Reposting Feature

The most significant addition is the reposting feature, which allows users to share public Reels and feed posts from other accounts directly with their followers. This feature is similar to reposting on Twitter and has been compared to TikTok's reblogging functionality. The reposts will be collected in a designated tab on the user's profile and will also appear in the feeds of people who follow the user. The feature is designed to help users share content more easily and discover new content. However, some users have criticized the feature, arguing that it dilutes the original content and reduces the visibility of the original poster's work [1].

Location Sharing Map

Instagram has also introduced an optional location-sharing map that allows users to share their last active location with chosen contacts. The feature is similar to Snapchat's Snap Map and is designed to help users connect with friends and creators based on their location. Users can choose to share their location with all friends, Close Friends, selected accounts, or nobody at all. The feature is customizable and can be turned off at any time. Meta has portrayed this feature as a move supporting parents to keep a close watch on their children via control over their location-sharing experience on the map [2].

Friends Tab Updates

The 'Friends' tab in the Reels section has been updated to allow users to see public content that their followers have interacted with. The feature is similar to the long-dead 'activity' tab on Instagram and has been criticized by some users for broadcasting their interactions to everyone who follows them. However, the new updates include stricter controls, allowing users to hide their own likes and comments on reels and mute activity bubbles from specific people if they wish to do so [1].

Impact on Creators and Users

The new features are expected to benefit creators by increasing the visibility of their content and helping them reach a wider audience. However, some users have criticized the changes, arguing that they make the platform feel bloated and that it has moved away from its original function of showing photos to friends and family. The profile page is now relatively irrelevant compared to recommendations-based scrolling, and some users have expressed concern that the new features will intensify this shift [1].

Conclusion

Instagram's new features are a response to changing user behavior and the increasing competition from other social media platforms. While the new features aim to enhance user engagement and content discovery, they have also sparked criticism from users who accuse Instagram of copying features from other platforms. The success of these features will depend on how well they address user needs and how effectively they integrate with the existing platform.

References

[1] https://www.theverge.com/news/719756/instagram-adds-reposts-feed-rips-off-snap-maps
[2] https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/tech/technology/meta-introduces-slew-of-new-instagram-features-including-reposts-map-and-friends-tab/articleshow/123146238.cms