Instagram replaces copied content with originals

For a while now, it has been common practice on Instagram to copy content from others and share it on your account. Of course, this is supposedly only done because people like the posts so much and want to promote them by sharing them further. However, the background to this is at least as often that the content then also benefits the user's own account – through masses and likes. The social network is now putting a stop to this.

At least in the suggestions, Instagram replaces reposts with the original - if they can locate the original. People who have accounts that very frequently or even exclusively share content from others will also be completely removed from the recommendations. However, they can still reach their direct followers. However, copies are provided with a label that indicates the source.

Reposter accounts are advised by Instagram boss Adam Mosseri to urgently come up with their content or build up another mainstay. Mosseri announced the changes in an Instagram video. He also says that the changes will take effect in the coming months, but that he wants to announce them now so that everyone has enough time for the changeover.

Instagram should be a platform on which the best creators and original content can be seen, explains Mosseri. He is aware that not everyone will like the move. However, numerous comments under the video approve of the change. It is often said that "copies are theft". However, someone also points out that this will affect news and information. Instagram has not been displaying political content to the same extent for some time anyway. Mosseri replies that you can still make content your own by commenting on it, for example. This sounds as if a few stickers or thumbs on the repost are enough to share it again under your name.

New stickers on Instagram

There are also new stickers: In the future, you will be able to integrate your favorite music into Stories in the form of a sticker. The music comes from the Instagram music library. There are new frame stickers that are reminiscent of Polaroids. And a sticker that obscures content unless you write a message to the sender. This virtually unlocks the image. Cutouts make it possible to turn image content into a sticker as a cutout. Instructions can be found in a related blog post by Meta.

(emw)