Reimagining Instagram: A New Editor-in-Chief’s Vision

 Let's face it, Instagram is a very addictive app that makes you forget what time it is. Instagram is a mixed bag when it comes to actually reading content, though. I see a lot of opportunity for improvement as the recently appointed Editor-in-Chief. Instagram frequently struggles with the fundamentals of clarity, consistency, and usability, which are stressed in Brian Carroll's Writing and Editing for Digital Media. Let's examine what functions well, what doesn't, and how to improve the reading experience on Instagram.

The Voice & Tone: Where’s the Personality?

The tone of Instagram varies greatly depending on where you look. The captions? From polished brand speak to Gen Z slang that makes Boomers panic, they're a free-for-all. The advertisements? They are robotic, making aggressive sales pitches in an area designed for leisurely scrolling. Tales and remarks? A jumble of influencer-speak and authenticity.

Carroll emphasizes that engagement and trust are increased by using a consistent voice and tone. Users may find Instagram confusing at the moment due to its lack of a unified editorial identity. Scrolling would feel less like whiplash if there were a more standardized approach, such as a specific content style guide. Instagram should push creators to stay away from business terminology and pointless buzzwords and instead maintain a conversational, approachable tone.

Navigation: A UX Headache

Have you ever looked for a post from three days ago? I wish you luck. Instagram's navigation isn't designed for in-depth reading or content revisits. Carroll stresses that digital platforms require easy-to-use navigation, but Instagram appears to put engagement ahead of usability.

A few fixes might be useful:

• An improved bookmarking system—Folders are out there, but they're hidden. It would be revolutionary to have a "Saved Posts" tab in the main menu.
• Improved search capabilities: Allow users to look up captions in addition to accounts and hashtags.
• Options for chronological feeds: Users shouldn't have to battle an algorithm to view what they're looking for.
• An enhanced archive system—It would greatly improve the user experience to make it easier to access previous posts.

Visuals: A Blessing and a Curse

Instagram is a place for beautiful images, but occasionally they take over the content. Carroll emphasizes that readability depends on the harmony of text and imagery. Instagram currently relies too much on aesthetics, which frequently makes it difficult to access crucial information.

The issue is this: Stories vanish too soon, captions are shortened, and posts with a lot of text are buried. In the meantime, posts with a lot of flash and high production value predominate, making it more difficult for smaller creators to compete.

 A more deliberate strategy would consist of:

• Extended previews for captions—Allow users to view more text before selecting "...further."
• Improved integration of alt text—Accessibility is often neglected when it ought to be a top concern.
• Stories that last longer for information-heavy content—perhaps a section dedicated to "Evergreen Stories" for significant posts?
• Enhanced font readability and contrast—Maintaining the legibility of text overlays on images.

Consistency: The Algorithm’s Biggest Offender

Carroll emphasizes how crucial it is for digital media to be consistent and the users should feel comfortable using an interface. However, Instagram is inconsistent. All of your friends' posts appear one day, and then there is an unending barrage of advertisements and influencer content. The experience is unreliable and frustrating because of the strange rhythm.

Instagram should:  

• Give users more control over their feeds. This will make engagement feel more earned rather than forced.
• Post visibility should be standardized; the algorithm shouldn't irrationally penalize some posts while promoting others.
• Enhance ad transparency: Establishing a clear distinction between sponsored promotions and organic content would foster trust.
• Make sure UI elements are consistent—It would be better to standardize the way posts and stories appear on different devices.

Writing Quality & Readability: A Major Afterthought

Carroll contends that writing quality is a major factor in digital engagement, but Instagram frequently treats text as secondary. Long-form content is cut off, captions are cramped, and there is no real formatting flexibility. If Instagram wants to improve its standing as a reading platform, it should: 

• Allow text formatting—Bold, italics, and bullet points would make long captions easier to read;
•  Introduce a "Read Later" feature—Letting users save articles, threads, and in-depth posts would be a huge win; 
• Improve text-based posts—Infographics and slideshows are currently the best way to present information, but they shouldn't be the only way; 
• Promote high-quality content through editorial curation—A dedicated space for well-crafted written content would increase the platform's credibility.

Final Thoughts: Making Instagram Readable Again

Instagram has a lot of visual appeal, but as a reading app? It's a mess. Instagram could develop into more than just a mindless scrolling app by enhancing readability, consistency, and navigation all the while preserving the conversational energy Carroll advocates. Furthermore, a more powerful editorial presence on Instagram might increase its credibility. Consider an in-app feature that curates weekly highlights from reputable content creators, experts, and journalists. Instead of the algorithm controlling their experience, users would have a go-to source for relevant, well-structured content. I'll continue to inadvertently miss posts I wanted to read until then. What are your thoughts? Would Instagram be a better platform for content consumption as a result of these changes? Leave your comments below!