If you’ve noticed that your Instagram app is showing content posted days or weeks ago, you’re not alone. Many users have reported that the app does not show new posts and instead shows older content.
This article will discuss why this issue occurs and how to resolve it. Keep reading to learn more.
Instagram only shows old posts
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. One of the reasons is how reliable it is at showing you new and interesting content. Although the app has remained relatively bug-free, it does encounter occasional bugs that may disrupt your user experience. So it seems natural to assume that a small glitch is interfering with your Instagram feed and highlighting older posts.
But that is not always the case.
Feed disruption is usually a result of the platform’s algorithm. Basically, it’s the platform’s way of ensuring that you’re up to date with what your friends and other followed accounts are posting.
Instagram has a custom algorithm that analyzes your follower history and scans which posts you comment on and like. The algorithm sometimes places older posts at the top of the feed, increasing their visibility. It’s a convenient solution for users who don’t frequently check the accounts they follow for updates. The algorithm helps them catch up with their favorite media outlet, celebrity, or small business.
According to Instagram, the algorithm operates based on four factors that help it determine how to rank posts in your feed. The criteria are the following:
- Your interest in specific content
- The upload date
- Your prior communication with the cartel
- Your Instagram favorites
Instagram processes what type of content you have been browsing, liking and saving. It then uses this information to recommend content it thinks you’ll like.
For example, if you’ve spent days browsing cooking accounts to find new recipe ideas, chances are food-related content will soon flood your suggested feed. Additionally, you may regularly communicate with your best friend on Instagram but not like a post. Thanks to the custom algorithm, the post will probably appear as soon as you open the app.
Similarly, when you add an account to your Instagram Favorites list, their uploads rank higher than content on other profiles.
How to fix Instagram only showing old posts
There are two ways to prevent old posts from appearing at the top of your feed. You can switch to a chronological feed or clear the Instagram cache on your mobile device.
Method 1: Enable Chronological Feed on Instagram
Instagram has implemented two types of chronological feeds. The first is Following, while the other is Favorites. If you select the Following option, you’ll see posts from the accounts you follow in chronological order, reminiscent of the layout of the app when it was first launched.
You can include up to 50 accounts in your Favorites feed and view their uploads from most recent to oldest. Please note that you can only add profiles that you are already following.
Enabling the chronological feed on Instagram is relatively simple. Here’s what you need to do on your Android device to activate this feature:
- Make sure you are using the latest version of the Instagram app. You can do this by checking your Google App Store for updates.
- Launch the app and tap the Instagram logo at the top left of the interface.
- A drop-down menu will present you with two options: Favorites and Following.
- Choose “Next” to return to a chronological broadcast.
After enabling this feature, the app will show the most recent posts at the top of your feed, while older posts will be further down.
Follow the steps below to modify the app on your iPhone and view the content in chronological order:
- Check if you are using the latest instagram version in the App Store.
- Open the app and select the Instagram logo at the top left.
- A drop-down menu will generate two options: Favorites and Following.
- Choose “Next” to modify your feed.
The app will make sure that the most recent posts appear first and you will have to scroll down to see previous content.
Method 2: Clear cache
If for some reason your mobile app is not working properly, you can try clearing the cache to improve its performance. The action could also prevent content from accounts you don’t follow from entering your feed.
Follow the instructions below to clear Instagram cache on your Android smartphone:
- Start Instagram and enter your profile.
- Select “Your Activity” and press the “Recent Searches” option.
- Select “Delete all.”
This is how you can clear your iPhone cache:
- Open Instagram and go to your profile.
- Select “Your Activity” and press the “Recent Searches” option.
- Select “Delete all.”
Take control of your feed
Although many users assume that a bug is interfering with their Instagram feed and highlighting older posts, it’s likely that the algorithm is boosting the suggested content. Fortunately, you can adjust the feed and switch to chronological sorting on your Android or iPhone device. If you suspect that a temporary issue is stopping the app, try clearing the cache to resolve the issue.
