Introduction

If you’ve ever wondered why some videos on Instagram appear blurry while others are crystal clear, you’re not alone. The platform’s head, Adam Mosseri, recently clarified the reasons behind this discrepancy during a video Q&A session. According to Mosseri, the quality of Instagram videos varies based on their viewership.

Why Instagram Adjusts Video Quality Based on Views and Engagement

In a statement shared on Instagram’s Threads platform, Mosseri explained that Instagram initially aims to display videos at the highest quality. However, if a video doesn’t receive many views, the system automatically reduces its resolution. On the other hand, if the video’s views increase over time, it will be processed at a higher quality again. Mosseri described this approach as part of Instagram’s goal to provide the “best possible image quality” for users.

Additionally, Mosseri mentioned that Instagram allocates more resources to creators who generate higher engagement. This results in better video quality for content creators with large followings. He also emphasized that while the quality changes slightly, the content itself—rather than its resolution—determines how users interact with the video.

This strategy aligns with Meta’s broader approach. In 2021, Meta announced that in response to increasing video uploads, it would prioritize resources for the most viewed videos on its platforms. For example, Facebook, according to Meta’s estimates, saw around 4 billion video streams daily last year. To meet this demand, the platform quickly processes new uploads with basic encoding but applies more comprehensive processing techniques to videos that see higher watch time. As a video gains popularity, the system uses more advanced processing methods, which require greater computing power.

Balancing Heavy Processing Load on Instagram

This system allows popular creators to have better-quality videos, while content with fewer views may not receive the same level of processing. This strategy helps balance the platform’s heavy processing load, especially considering the billions of video streams on Instagram each day.

However, this prioritization of video quality could lead to concerns among smaller creators on the platform. Despite this, Mosseri pointed out that the difference in video quality is minimal, and in the end, it’s the content itself—not its resolution—that drives user engagement.

Conclusion

In summary, Instagram’s strategy of adjusting video quality based on views and engagement ensures that users receive the best possible experience, while also balancing the platform’s processing load. By prioritizing resources for videos that attract more views and engagement, Instagram aims to deliver high-quality content for popular creators, while still maintaining efficiency for all users. While this approach may result in slight differences in video resolution, the content itself remains the key factor in driving user interaction. As Meta continues to refine its platform to handle the growing demand for video content, this dynamic system helps maintain a seamless experience for both creators and viewers.