Instagram reverses scrolling update after backlash, apologizes for “bug”

Instagram is a sacred way to pass time and share life updates for many. As a result, when the social media site introduced a new way to scroll through friends’ photos this morning, many were less than pleased.

The photo-sharing site uses a typical vertical scrolling feature, but many saw that change this morning when launching the app. Instead, users had to tap the screen to move through their feed, which Instagram claims was a “bug.”

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It was only live for about an hour, but screen recordings of the now defunct update are still available, which you can view below.

Users immediately responded with backlash, including Jeffree Star who stated, “Bitch… this #instagramupdate almost ruined my morning!! Now switch our feeds to chronological order, thanks.”

According to Instagram head Adam Mosseri, the update was intended to be a small-scale test for a few users, but it was accidentally released across the platform.

He began replying to users, telling one, “Sorry about that, this was supposed to be a very small test but we went broader than we anticipated.”

If you’re still seeing the update, Mosseri suggests closing out and launching the app again.

News of the Instagram update actually surfaced back in October, according to TechCrunch. A user shared a beta version of the update, and Instagram confirmed it was in the works at the time. However, they were only exploring its use in the app’s Explore section not the main feed as we saw today.

“We’re always testing ways to improve the experience on Instagram and bring you closer to the people and things you love,” a spokesperson told TechCrunch in October.

Today, Instagram took to Twitter to apologize after reversing the update.

“Due to a bug, some users saw a change to the way their feed appears today. We quickly fixed the issue and feed is back to normal. We apologize for any confusion.”


What did you think of Instagram’s temporary scrolling update? Sound off in the comments below!

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