Instagram Enhances User Experience by Stopping Video ‘Rug Pull’ Issue

Introduction

Instagram has made a significant update to improve user experience by addressing a frustration that users frequently faced: disappearing videos while watching. This abrupt video switch, known internally as “rug pull,” has been removed to make browsing smoother and less disruptive.

What Was the ‘Rug Pull’ Issue?

The “rug pull” behavior would load new videos abruptly just as users started watching previously loaded ones. This wasn’t a bug but rather a feature designed to boost engagement by showing already downloaded content while waiting for fresh updates. However, it often caused frustration, leading to disrupted viewing experiences.

Instagram’s Response to User Feedback

According to Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, the app will now wait for users to scroll before loading new content, acknowledging the previous experience was “really annoying.” Despite a slight impact on engagement metrics, Instagram prioritized user satisfaction, making it a more enjoyable platform.

Conclusion

Instagram’s update reflects its commitment to user experience, allowing users to control when they see fresh content without unexpected interruptions. The shift shows a more user-centric approach, valuing seamless interaction over engagement tactics that detract from user satisfaction.