The platform scales down resolution based on views, sparking backlash among creators
Instagram adjusts video quality based on popularity
Instagram recently confirmed that video quality may vary depending on content popularity. Adam Mosseri, CEO of Instagram, explained that less viewed videos are displayed in lower quality compared to popular ones—a decision that has stirred mixed reactions among users.
Why Instagram limits video resolution
Mosseri clarified that Instagram aims to display videos at the highest quality possible. However, if a video does not gain many views, especially after the initial publication period, the platform reduces quality to optimize resources.
A controversial strategy among emerging creators
This approach seems to favor established creators, as their content benefits from higher-quality encoding and more powerful servers. This creates a gap between popular accounts and newcomers, making it more challenging for new users to compete.
User and Mosseri’s response
Many users criticized the decision, accusing Instagram of supporting an elite group of creators while disadvantaging those with smaller followings. Mosseri responded that the quality reduction is minimal and that engagement depends more on video content than resolution.
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