If you notice that your Instagram app shows content that was posted days or weeks ago, you are not the only one. Several users reported that the app failed to display new posts and fetch older content instead.
This article will discuss why this problem occurs and how to solve it. Keep reading to learn more.
Instagram only shows old posts
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms. One of the reasons for this is how reliable it is to show you new and interesting content. Although the app has remained relatively bug-free, it does encounter occasional bugs that may hamper your user experience. Therefore, it seems natural to assume that there is a minor bug interfering with the Instagram feed and highlighting old posts.
But this is not always the case.
Feeding disorder is usually the result of a platform algorithm. Essentially, it’s the platform’s way of making sure you’re always up to date on what your friends and other followed accounts are posting.
Instagram features a custom algorithm that analyzes your follower history and scans the posts you comment on and like. The algorithm sometimes pushes old posts to the top of your feed, boosting their visibility. It is a convenient solution for users who often do not check the accounts they follow for updates. The algorithm helps them catch up with their favorite news outlets, celebrities or small businesses.
According to Instagram, the algorithm works on four factors that help it determine how to rank the posts in your feed. The criteria are as follows:
- Your interest in certain content
- upload date
- Your previous contact with the publisher
- Your Instagram Favorites
Instagram handles the type of content you’ve been browsing, liking, and saving. It then uses this information to recommend content that you think you will like.
For example, if you spend days scouting culinary accounts to find new recipe ideas, your suggested feed will likely be flooded with food-related content soon. Also, you may regularly connect with your best friend on Instagram but fail to like a post. Thanks to the personal algorithm, the post will likely appear as soon as you open the app.
Likewise, when you add an account to your Instagram favourites, their uploads rank higher on content than other profiles.
How to fix Instagram only showing old posts
There are two ways to prevent old posts from climbing to the top of your feed. You can switch to a timeline feed or clear the Instagram cache on your mobile device.
Method 1: Enable serial feed on Instagram
Instagram has implemented two types of time feeds. One is a follow up, the other is a favorite. If you select the next option, you’ll see posts from the accounts you follow in chronological order, reminiscent of the app’s layout when it first launched.
You can include up to 50 accounts in your Favorites feed and view their uploads from newest to oldest. Note that you can only add profiles you already follow.
Enabling the time feed on Instagram is relatively simple. Here is what you need to do on your Android device to enable this feature:
- Make sure you are using the latest version of the Instagram app. You can do this by checking the Google App Store for updates.
- Launch the app and tap on the Instagram logo at the top left of the interface.
- The dropdown menu will present you with two options: Favorites and Continue.
- Choose Continue to return to a timeline.
After enabling this feature, the app will display newer posts at the top of your feed, while older posts will appear at the bottom.
Follow the steps below to modify the app on your iPhone and display the content in chronological order:
- Check if you are using the latest version Instagram version in the App Store.
- Open the app and select the Instagram logo in the top left.
- The dropdown menu will create two options: Favorites and Continue.
- Choose “Continue” to edit your feed.
The app will ensure that the most recent posts appear first, and you will have to scroll down to view the oldest content.
Method 2: Clear the cache
If for some reason your mobile app is not working properly, you can try clearing the cache to improve its performance. The action may also prevent content from accounts you don’t follow from entering your feed.
Follow the instructions below to clear the Instagram cache on your Android smartphone:
- Launch Instagram and enter your profile.
- Select “Your Activity” and tap the “Recent Searches” option.
- Select “Erase All”.
Here’s how to clear the cache on your iPhone:
- to open Instagram And go to your profile.
- Select “Your Activity” and tap the “Recent Searches” option.
- Select “Erase All”.
Control your feed
Although many users assume that the error is interfering with their Instagram feed and highlighting old posts, the algorithm will likely push the suggested content. Fortunately, you can adjust the feed and switch to chronological order on your Android or iPhone. If you suspect that there is a temporary bug that is disabling the app, try clearing the cache to solve the problem.
Has your Instagram been showing old uploads lately? What method helped you solve the problem? Let us know in the comments section below.
