Instagram said that it is removing the 'Recent' tab on hashtag pages for some users as part of a test. When you click on a hashtag, you'll be led to a page where you can sort through the content that's been shared with that hashtag into three categories: Top, Recent, and Reels. Some users will now only see the 'Top' and 'Reels' tabs on hashtag pages as a result of this change, TechCrunch reported.
The test is being rolled out to a small set of people, the company said.
For a small group, we’re testing more recent and timely content in ‘Top’ and ‘Reels’ tabs in hashtags, and removing the ‘Recent’ tab. We want to see if this helps people connect with more interesting and relevant content on hashtags, while also keeping them across what’s current. pic.twitter.com/nLb6BiFRws
— Instagram Comms (@InstagramComms) April 19, 2022
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The move might be viewed as a method for Instagram to promote Reels while simultaneously focusing on surfacing the most popular posts on the platform. It should be noted that Instagram has long tried to make its Reels more like TikTok, a popular short-form video platform.
However, for users who want to follow up with fresh content in connection to hashtags, the change may be an unwanted one.
What Is the Reason Behind the New Tests on Hashtags?
The new test is part of Instagram's goal to "make hashtags as valuable as possible" for its users. The test comes a little after Instagram began testing a new feature that intends to make it easier for users to explore and support social causes directly through hashtags. When you search for specific hashtags linked with certain social movements, you'll now see new choices for supporting them.
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When you arrive at a hashtag page, click "Support" to learn more about the cause. 9to5Mac said that there's also a "Spread the Word" option that allows users to share the hashtag page with others in direct messaging.
Instagram said that the feature will also make it easier to create awareness for certain causes by providing a "Create a Fundraiser" button that can be used to start gathering money for a cause.
TechCrunch mentioned that given the company's attention on hashtags, we could see more tests like these in the coming months.
This Is Not the First Time Instagram Has Removed the 'Recent' Tab
According to Social Media Today, Instagram also moreved the 'Recent' tab for hashtag searches during the 2020 U.S. election period, in order to minimize the real-time dissemination of potentially damaging content that could emerge around the election.
The move was primarily intended to help Instagram's moderators by halting the flow of hashtagged posts via 'Recent,' which meant that users could only see the 'Top' ranking, which is based on engagement and relevance. As a result, the 'Top' posts are more likely to have been verified, at least partially, as opposed to being a stream of real-time changes.
Andrew Hutchinson of Social Media Today believed that Instagram's latest test of removing the 'Recent' tab is to prevent the growth hackers from exploiting in-app trends with irrelevant and potentially disruptive updates. He also noted that Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri recently stated that hashtags on Instagram don't really improve views.
