Instagram Fixes Bug Affecting Reach of Multiple Stories, Ensuring Better Engagement for Creators

Instagram has addressed a long-standing issue that had been troubling creators and everyday users alike. The platform confirmed that a bug had been unintentionally reducing the reach of accounts posting multiple stories in a single day. After months of speculation and complaints from users, the matter was finally clarified by Instagram head Adam Mosseri.

Adam Mosseri’s Clarification

In a video posted on the platform, Mosseri acknowledged the concerns. He said, "people were complaining about getting less reach with their stories if they posted a lot of stories in the same day," and clarified that this was not an intended feature. He confirmed that Instagram has now fixed the bug, ensuring that posting multiple stories will not negatively impact reach anymore.

The Nature of the Bug

Interestingly, Mosseri did not reveal the technical reason behind the bug or explain whether it was triggered by specific user actions. While the lack of details has left some users curious, the acknowledgment itself has reassured creators who had long suspected their story reach was being suppressed.

User Experience Still Varies

While the bug has been fixed, Mosseri was careful to set realistic expectations. He explained, "this does not mean your followers will go through all your stories, and that some users may get overwhelmed if there are too many stories." Essentially, story reach will no longer be artificially limited, but natural audience behaviour will still influence engagement.

Creators Felt the Impact

For many casual users, the bug might not have caused a noticeable difference. However, for creators and influencers who rely on stories for engagement, brand collaborations, and promotions, the reduced reach could have had a serious impact. Instagram does not pay creators directly for views but provides opportunities to earn through sponsorships, product promotions, and affiliate marketing. A dip in reach meant fewer views, which could directly affect income and partnerships.

Bug Reported for Months

Interestingly, it was not just a recent discovery. According to a post on Threads by a user named ‘brndnslvra’, the bug had been affecting users for more than six months. If true, millions of users worldwide might have been unintentionally impacted. For creators with global audiences, the drop in reach could have translated into substantial losses.

Relief for the Creator Community

With the issue now resolved, creators can feel more confident about their content reaching their audience. Stories remain a core part of Instagram’s engagement model, with users relying on them to share daily updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and collaborations. This fix could restore balance and rebuild trust between the platform and its creator community.

Other Instagram Developments

The bug fix comes at a time when Instagram has been steadily rolling out new features. A few weeks ago, the company finally released an iPad app after years of demand. The platform has also been spotted testing a YouTube-style picture-in-picture mode for Reels, allowing users to watch short-form video content in a floating window. These updates show that Instagram is not only addressing technical issues but also working to enhance user experience.

Broader Implications for Meta

The incident highlights the delicate balance Meta must maintain as it manages platforms like Instagram. Even a minor bug can have widespread consequences, especially when it affects creator visibility and potential earnings. For a platform heavily reliant on creators for content, acknowledging and fixing such issues is crucial for long-term trust.