Instagram and its parent company Meta are facing accusations of deliberately lowering video quality for posts with fewer views. This revelation, unearthed by a viral TikTok video, has sparked outrage and raised concerns about the platform’s content prioritization strategies.

The TikTok video, showcasing a side-by-side comparison of the same video on different accounts, revealed a clear difference in video quality. Videos with higher engagement seemed to retain their sharpness and detail, while those struggling for views exhibited noticeable blurriness and pixelation.

While Meta hasn’t officially confirmed these claims, the evidence is compelling. This practice, if true, could have significant implications for creators and viewers alike.

For creators, this means their hard work and creative efforts might be undermined by algorithms prioritizing engagement over quality. It could discourage content creation, particularly for niche communities or those just starting out.

For viewers, it means a less enjoyable experience with inconsistent video quality. This could lead to frustration and potentially drive users towards other platforms that prioritize a consistent, high-quality viewing experience.

The move raises ethical questions about transparency and fair play on social media platforms. It begs the question: should view count dictate video quality? While algorithms are designed to optimize user experience, they should not come at the expense of content quality or stifle creative exploration.

Moving forward, Meta needs to address these concerns with transparency and clarity. Explaining their algorithms and prioritizing content quality, regardless of view count, could foster a more equitable and engaging platform for everyone.