Improving Instagram’s Search Functionality
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently discussed the company’s efforts to enhance the app’s search capabilities. In a podcast episode of “Build Your Tribe,” Mosseri acknowledged that Instagram needs to do more in this area to stay competitive, especially as younger users increasingly turn to platforms like TikTok for content discovery.
While Instagram is a popular choice for many users, Mosseri admitted that there is room for improvement. He mentioned that the current content search feature on Instagram is not as effective as it could be and that the team working on search has been relatively small. However, Meta has now strengthened the team with the goal of implementing more improvements in the future.
Mosseri emphasized the importance of enhancing content search on Instagram, not just for users looking for specific content but also for creators whose content should have a longer lifespan beyond the initial posting. He highlighted the potential for Instagram to become a more efficient search engine, catering to a wide range of user preferences.
The shift in how younger users search for content has been evident for some time, with social apps like TikTok and Instagram impacting traditional search engines like Google. Studies have shown that Gen Z users prefer platforms like Instagram for search purposes, but the competition is still fierce.
According to a recent Bernstein Research study, a significant percentage of Gen Zers are more inclined to use social media for searches, with TikTok emerging as a preferred choice over Google Search. This trend underscores the need for Instagram to enhance its search capabilities to remain competitive in the evolving digital landscape.
Mosseri’s comments signal Meta’s recognition of the importance of improving Instagram’s search functionality to position the platform as more than just a social network. He highlighted the shift towards public interactions on Instagram’s Feed, while Stories and DMs remain key areas for user engagement.
One area where Instagram aims to compete with TikTok is in recommended search suggestions displayed in the comments section. By extracting context from user comments, Instagram plans to provide more relevant and engaging search suggestions to enhance user experience.
Overall, Instagram’s focus on improving search functionality aligns with the changing preferences of users, particularly younger generations who rely on social media platforms for content discovery. As Instagram continues to evolve, the upcoming updates to its search features are expected to enhance the overall user experience on the platform.
