Instagram introduced its algorithmic timeline in 2016.
Before the change, Instagram’s main feed was arranged in reverse chronological order, so the newest posts appeared first. In March 2016, Instagram announced that it would begin ranking posts algorithmically, using signals such as a user’s likely interest, relationship with the poster, and the post’s timeliness. The broader rollout began later that year, with the algorithm-driven feed going live for users in June.
Instagram said the change was necessary because users followed more accounts and missed many posts. The company estimated that people were missing about 70 percent of the photos in their feeds under the chronological system. Ranking content was intended to place posts users were more likely to care about near the top.
A common mix-up is treating the March announcement and June rollout as different years or separate feed changes. Both milestones belong to 2016: March marked the announcement and initial testing, while June marked the broad rollout. The change also fueled criticism from users who preferred a predictable chronological timeline.