How to See Most Recent Posts on Instagram: The Definitive Guide

Want to ditch the algorithm and see Instagram posts in chronological order? You’re not alone! For years, users have lamented the algorithmic feed that prioritizes engagement over recency. Fortunately, Instagram offers ways to prioritize the content you want to see, and this guide unveils exactly how. Let’s dive in!

The simplest method is to use the “Following” and “Favorites” feeds. These offer you a direct route to seeing posts from accounts you choose, either those you follow or a curated list of your top picks.

Understanding Instagram’s Feed: A Brief History

Before jumping into the “how,” let’s briefly acknowledge why this is even a question. Instagram’s original feed was blissfully simple: posts appeared in chronological order. Then, in 2016, the algorithm arrived, promising to show you the “most relevant” content. This often meant seeing older posts that Instagram thought you’d like, based on your past interactions. While the algorithm isn’t inherently evil (it can be useful for discovering new content), it often hides posts from accounts you actively care about, leaving you scrolling endlessly through stuff you don’t. The following techniques help you circumvent this.

Method 1: Using the “Following” Feed

This is the most straightforward way to see recent posts from accounts you already follow.

1. Open Instagram: Obvious, but crucial.
2. Tap the Instagram Logo: In the upper left corner of your screen, you’ll see the Instagram logo. Tap it.
3. Choose “Following”: A dropdown menu will appear. Select “Following.”
4. Enjoy the Chronological View: Your feed will now display the latest posts from the accounts you follow, in chronological order (newest to oldest). It is important to understand that this only lists people that you follow; so, if you don’t follow someone, their latest posts will not show up on the feed.

Method 2: Leveraging the “Favorites” Feed

This is a more curated approach. It allows you to create a list of your most important accounts.

1. Open Instagram: Back to basics.
2. Tap the Instagram Logo: Again, located in the upper left corner.
3. Choose “Favorites”: Select “Favorites” from the dropdown menu.
4. Add Accounts to Your Favorites: If you haven’t already, you’ll be prompted to add accounts to your “Favorites” list. You can add up to 50 accounts. These can be your best friends, favorite creators, or accounts whose content you absolutely never want to miss.
5. View a Curated Chronological Feed: This feed will show the latest posts from only the accounts on your “Favorites” list, in chronological order.

Benefits of Using “Favorites”

• Zero Noise: Cut through the clutter. Only see content from your VIPs.
• Prioritization: Ensure you never miss important updates from crucial accounts.
• Control: You are in complete control of who makes the list. You are not influenced by the algorithm.

Method 3: Utilizing Lists

Instagram’s “Close Friends” feature, predominantly used for Stories, does not affect your feed. There are not any current list features that allow you to organize your posts.

Caveats and Limitations

• Temporary Fix: The “Following” and “Favorites” feeds don’t “stick” permanently. You’ll need to re-select them each time you open Instagram, as the app defaults to the algorithmic “For You” feed.
• Limited Scope: These feeds only show posts from accounts you follow or have added to your “Favorites” list. You won’t see suggested content or ads in these feeds.
• No Guarantee: Instagram’s algorithm is constantly evolving. While these methods work now, there’s no guarantee they’ll work forever. Instagram could change how these feeds function in the future.

Staying Updated with the Algorithm

It’s crucial to understand that while the methods above provide a workaround, you’re still interacting with Instagram’s core system. The algorithm learns from your behavior. Therefore:

• Engage Strategically: “Like,” comment, and share content from the accounts you want to see more of, even when using the “Following” and “Favorites” feeds. This signals to Instagram that you value their content.
• Mute, Don’t Unfollow: If you’re overwhelmed by a particular account’s posts, mute them instead of unfollowing. This prevents their content from appearing in your main feed but keeps them in your “Following” feed should you want to check in later.
• Provide Feedback: Use Instagram’s feedback tools (usually found by tapping the three dots “…”) on a post) to indicate when you’re not interested in certain types of content.

Third-Party Apps and Browser Extensions: Use with Caution

Numerous third-party apps and browser extensions claim to offer more robust chronological feed controls. While some may be legitimate, many can be risky.

• Security Concerns: Giving third-party apps access to your Instagram account can compromise your privacy and security.
• Violations of Instagram’s Terms: Using unauthorized apps or extensions could violate Instagram’s terms of service, potentially leading to account suspension or termination.
• Limited Functionality: Many of these tools eventually stop working as Instagram updates its platform.

Proceed with extreme caution when considering third-party solutions. Always research the app or extension thoroughly, read reviews, and understand the potential risks before granting access to your Instagram account.

Conclusion: Reclaiming Control of Your Instagram Feed

While Instagram’s algorithmic feed can be frustrating, the “Following” and “Favorites” options empower you to regain control over the content you see. By strategically curating your favorite accounts and engaging actively with the content you value, you can significantly improve your Instagram experience and ensure you never miss the latest posts from the people and brands you care about most. Keep yourself updated and aware of any changes or updates that Instagram releases, and make sure to explore them!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Will using the “Following” or “Favorites” feed disable the algorithm entirely?

No, it won’t. The algorithm is still active in the background, influencing what content appears in your main “For You” feed. The “Following” and “Favorites” feeds simply offer alternative views that prioritize recency over algorithmic ranking.

2. Can I change the order of accounts in my “Favorites” list?

No, you cannot manually change the order. The “Favorites” feed displays posts chronologically, not based on any specific account order.

3. How often can I add or remove accounts from my “Favorites” list?

You can add or remove accounts from your “Favorites” list as often as you like. There are no limits or restrictions.

4. Will people know if I add them to my “Favorites” list?

No, Instagram does not notify users when they are added to or removed from someone’s “Favorites” list.

5. What happens if an account I’ve added to “Favorites” goes private?

If an account you’ve added to “Favorites” goes private and you don’t follow them, you won’t be able to see their posts in your “Favorites” feed. You’ll need to follow them to continue seeing their content.

6. Does the “Following” feed show Stories in chronological order too?

No, the “Following” feed only affects the display of regular posts. Stories are still displayed based on Instagram’s algorithmic ranking.

7. Are ads shown in the “Following” or “Favorites” feeds?

No, ads are not typically shown in the “Following” or “Favorites” feeds. These feeds are designed to provide a more focused and chronological view of content from accounts you choose.

8. Why does my “Following” feed sometimes seem to skip posts?

Occasionally, there might be a slight delay in the “Following” feed updating, or you might miss posts if you haven’t opened Instagram for a while. Ensure you have a stable internet connection, and try refreshing the feed.

9. Is there a way to permanently set the “Following” or “Favorites” feed as my default view?

Unfortunately, no. Instagram always defaults to the algorithmic “For You” feed. You’ll need to manually select the “Following” or “Favorites” feed each time you open the app.

10. Does using “Following” and “Favorites” affect my Explore page?

No, your use of the “Following” and “Favorites” feeds does not directly affect the content that appears on your Explore page. The Explore page is based on your overall activity and interests on Instagram.

11. How do I know if I’m using the most updated version of Instagram?

Ensure you have automatic updates enabled in your phone’s app store (Google Play Store for Android, App Store for iOS). Regularly checking for updates manually can also help.

12. Will these methods work on Instagram’s website version?

Yes, the methods outlined above for switching to the “Following” and “Favorites” feeds also work on Instagram’s website version. The interface may look slightly different, but the functionality is the same.