SMRTR TechAug 10, 2025Wired

What Even Is Instagram Now?

SMRTR summary

Instagram has morphed from a simple photo-sharing app into a chaotic collection of borrowed features. What began as a platform for filtered photos now includes AI search, shopping, location tracking, and friend activity feeds—mimicking everything from Snapchat to TikTok. This identity crisis reflects Meta's strategy of copying popular features from competitors, creating a disjointed experience that strays further from Instagram's original purpose of connecting with actual friends.

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