Meta-owned Instagram seems to be silently canceling mobile users’ ability to set a lower daily time limit of more than 30 minutes. Indeed, the app’s UX design forces people to opt for the three-hour limit. Typically, this daily time limit setting sends a message to the user when their app activity reaches the desired limit. It reminds them to know how much time they spend on the app. This may make it easier to opt out of the app voluntarily.
It is worth noting that previously Instagram supported a user-defined limit that could have been even 10-15 minutes a day. Especially when the firm was doing much PR to offer people that it could use services more “reasonably.” At the same time, concerns about addiction to social media increased. However, it seems that the attention-loving adtech giant wants Instagram users to spend more time on the platform now. We will learn how this change will affect the company’s image shortly.
Instagram in 2022
In 2022, Instagram plans to take quite significant steps. In particular, the company gives developers more opportunities to make money. More specifically, this year, the company also released a subscription test feature in the US. According to the plan, the creators will offer followers paid access to exclusive content and Instagram Live videos. Participants will also receive a special badge that will distinguish them in the comments section and the inbox. The company explains that developers can choose a specific price to access their exclusive content through a subscriber product. With minimum prices, most startups should begin at $0.99 or $9.99 per month.
After subscribing, users will only be able to access content for subscribers. The audience will undoubtedly be smaller. At the same time, it was reported that the company is working on tools that will allow developers to connect with subscribers outside of the platform. According to the firm’s product manager, the company will not receive a share of turnover until 2023. The main goal is to support and assist the creators in the source of livelihood. The firm is trying to empower its platform from the threat of strong competition. Consequently, Instagram representatives have high hopes of adding a monetization feature.
Also, over time, Instagram and Facebook subscriptions can merge. According to Meta, the company focuses on creating tools to help creators earn a living. Consequently, systematic work is underway to make the new feature available as soon as possible.
