If you are noticing that your Instagram app is recently showing Posts that have been posted weeks or days back, then worry not as you are not the only one facing this issue. Many Instagram users are wondering why is Instagram showing old Posts. Since the issue is quite common among many users, so it is necessary to find out ways to fix the problem.
With millions of users loving the Instagram app, the platform has been quite successful in meeting user expectations. Instagram has introduced many cool features to engage its audience such as Reels, Stories, Posts, and more. However, many users are facing issues with the app. Instead of showing the latest Posts, Instagram is displaying old Posts. So, users are looking for the reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts.
The most common reasons for the issue of Instagram showing old Posts are the algorithm of Instagram, engagement, server issues, network connectivity issues, caching and data management, shadowbanning, time zone differences, user behavior, exploring hashtags, data synchronization, content freshness, account privacy settings, and several other things.
Whatever may be the reason for Instagram showing old Posts issue, you can always fix the problem. Enabling the chronological Feed settings will help users to get rid of the old Posts being displayed on the Instagram Feed issue.
Instagram Only Showing Old Posts
Instagram is among the most popular social media platforms around the world. One of the best things users love about Instagram is displaying interesting and fresh content. But sometimes, the app can face glitches and thus show old Posts. But what if Instagram continuously shows old Posts every day? That cannot be a glitch! So, why is Instagram showing old Posts? Let’s dig deeper into the reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts and whether it is due to a glitch or not!
Why Is Instagram Showing Old Posts?
The common reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts can be server issues, the impact of algorithm changes, network connectivity issues, time zone differences, and many others. So, let us discuss these reasons in more detail.
1. The Impact Of Algorithm Changes
The impact of algorithm changes is among the common reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts. Instagram wants to ensure that you don’t miss out on any of your followers’ Posts or any suggested Posts. Instagram has a personalized algorithm that scans what Posts you like and comment on. Thus, it pushes old Posts to the top and boosts their visibility. So, it keeps on showing old Posts until you view them.
2. The Role Of Engagement
The role of engagement is another common reason contributing to why is Instagram showing old Posts. Instagram can increase engagement of a particular Post by showing it at the top of the Instagram Feed. So, if a user has requested Instagram to boost a Post and turn it into an ad, then it is more likely to show up in your Instagram Feed again and again.
3. Server Issues
Instagram usually is glitch-free but sometimes it can also have server issues. In case, you are facing issues with your Instagram Feed, then the most common reason why is Instagram showing old Posts can be server-related issues. So, don’t worry as Instagram itself will work to fix the problem.
4. Network Connectivity Problems
Another popular reason for why is Instagram showing old Posts can be network connectivity problems. If your device is connected to an unstable network connection, then your Insta won’t be able to properly load and display the recent Posts and Stories as Instagram will only run smoothly if there is a stable and fast network connection.
5. Caching And Data Management
Like any other application needs enough space so that it can work properly, the same is true for Instagram. It also requires sufficient space and in case, your Instagram cache memory is running out of storage, it can cause issues with the app. So, if you have not managed data and cache, it can contribute to the common reason why is Instagram showing old Posts.
6. User Behavior And Preferences
User behavior and preferences can be another reason contributing to why is Instagram showing old Posts. If you continuously watch the same users’ Posts and Stories, Instagram notices your behavior and pattern. So, it suggests Posts based on the same pattern that you follow. In case, you miss out on your friends’ Posts, then it will again show old Posts on your Instagram Feed so that you don’t miss them.
7. Shadowbanning
One of the common reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts can be shadowbanning. If you have limited friends on Instagram and they have been shadowbanned on Instagram, then you won’t be able to see their Posts on your Instagram Feed. So, their new Posts won’t be displayed on Instagram and your Feed will keep on displaying only the old Posts.
8. Time Zone Differences
If there are any time zone differences, then it can also be another reason that can answer why is Instagram showing old Posts. If there are time zone differences and the people you follow on Instagram are not uploading Posts keeping in view their audience, then you will only be able to view old Posts, and new ones won’t be updated on time.
9. Exploring Hashtags
Exploring hashtags is another common reason why is Instagram showing old Posts. If you keep exploring the same hashtags for a long time, then Instagram will mostly suggest Posts related to that hashtags only. So, you will come across old Posts based on your most-searched hashtags while you are on the Explore page of Instagram.
10. App Updates And Bugs
If a new app update has recently been introduced and you have not updated your Instagram app to the latest version, then your Instagram app is likely to be facing several bugs. That can be the reason why is Instagram showing old Posts. So, if you are not constantly updating your Instagram app, then bugs can occur, and you can come across old Posts.
11. Account Privacy Settings
Another common reason why is Instagram showing old Posts can be your account privacy settings. Sometimes, if you change your privacy settings, then only limited Posts are displayed on Instagram Feed or the Instagram Explore section. So, if you have viewed all the latest Posts, then Instagram will start displaying old Posts.
12. Third-Party Apps And Services
Sometimes, your third-party apps and services are the reason why is Instagram showing old Posts. When you install several third-party apps and services on your device, they have access to your Instagram account, including your data. So, these apps can make changes to several settings due to which Instagram encounters malfunction, which causes hindrance in updating the Instagram Explore page to the recent Posts and Stories.
13. Advertisement Targeting
Another common reason for why is Instagram showing old Posts can be advertisement targeting. Instagram uses various factors for determining which ads are to be displayed to a particular Instagram account such as users browsing history, demographics, interests, and many others. Thus, Instagram keeps displaying ads even for old Posts if they match user interests and demographics.
14. Content Freshness
Content freshness can also be another reason that contributes to why is Instagram showing old Posts. If you have not been using Instagram for a long time, then Instagram will keep displaying all the Posts that have already been posted and you have not viewed them. Though Instagram usually displays a new Post at the top, but it can show old Posts, if the content is fresh, if it is more relevant, and has more engagement such as more number of likes or views.
15. Data Synchronization
Data synchronization is another major reason why is Instagram showing old Posts. When a user is using Instagram, then the device of the user and Instagram servers constantly sync data which is related to their comments, likes, and other general activities. In case, a problem arises with data synchronization either due to bad internet connectivity, a hardware issue, or any other reason, then Instagram can show old Posts instead of showing the new ones.
16. Inconsistent Sorting Algorithm
Another common reason why is Instagram showing old Posts can be an inconsistent sorting algorithm. The Instagram algorithm gets updated constantly and in case, if there are any glitches or bugs, then it can cause the old Posts shown on the Instagram Feed issue. It is also possible that Instagram algorithms are taking inconsistent factors into account and thus displaying old Posts on the Instagram Feed.
Whatever might be the reason for why Instagram is showing old Posts, it is necessary that we must work on ways to fix the problem. So, let us find out how to get rid of this issue and smoothly use the Instagram app!
How To Fix Instagram Only Showing Old Posts
To fix Instagram only showing old Posts, users can enable chronological Feed on Instagram, clear their app’s cache, solve any network issues, update their Instagram app, solve any account-related issues, and try many other things.
Fix 1: Enable Chronological Feed On Instagram
To enable chronological Feed on Instagram, update your Instagram app to the latest version > open the app > Instagram logo > Either select Following or Favorites > Watch new Posts.
The Instagram app has two sorts of Chronological Feeds and it is quite straightforward to enable this Feed.
- The first Chronological Feed is Following and the other one is Favorites. If a user selects the Following Feed, then they will be able to see Posts from the accounts that they follow in chronological order.
- If they select the Favorites Feed, then they will be able to see Posts from their favorite users. But remember that only 50 users can be selected as their Favorites.
So, let us see how to enable a chronological Feed on Instagram and forget the problem of why is Instagram showing old Posts. The steps for both your iPhone and Android device are just the same.
On Android Device And iPhone
Step 1: Navigate to the Play Store on your Android device or to the App Store on your iPhone and update your Instagram app to the latest available version. Once it is updated, you can open your Instagram app.
Step 2: Next, tap on the Instagram Logo at the top left corner of the Instagram app Home Page.
Step 3: Then, either tap on the Following option or the Favorites option from the dropdown menu.
With this, all the new Posts will be displayed at the top of your Feed while the old ones will be at the bottom.
Fix 2: Clear The Cache
To clear your Instagram cache, open your Instagram app > Profile > Hamburger icon > Your Activity > Recent Searches > Clear All.
One of the common reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts can be your cache. So, it is better that you immediately fix the issue by clearing the cache of your search activity. If you have many searches, it can use your storage on your Instagram app. Since the steps to clear the cache on your iPhone and Android device are the same, here is what you need to do for that on your iPhone and Android device.
On Android Device And iPhone
Step 1: Open your Instagram app and tap on the Profile icon at the bottom right corner.
Step 2: Next, tap on the Hamburger icon at the top right side of your profile.
Step 3: From there, tap on the Your Activity option.
Step 4: After that, tap on the Recent Searches option.
Step 5: Then, tap on the Clear All option at the top of your recent searches.
Apart from clearing your search cache, you can also consider clearing your browser cache if you use Instagram through a browser.
Fix 3: Network Or Connection Issues
Another effective way that can help you to fix the problem with Instagram which is showing old posts can be to check if your network or connection has any issues or not. You need to see if you have a stable internet connection because if it is unstable, then your Instagram app won’t work properly, and you will face issues like old posts being displayed on your Instagram Feed. In case, you have an unstable network connection, then immediately connect to a good and fast network connection and no longer worry about why is Instagram showing old posts.
Fix 4: App Update
To fix Instagram showing old posts on Instagram Feed, you can check if there are any app updates available or not. For that, you can go to your App Store for Apple devices or Play Store for Android devices. Then, type the Instagram app in the search bar, and see if any update option is available over there or not. If there is any app update available, then update your app, and then access your Instagram account because any minor bugs will no longer exist by updating the app.
Fix 5: Account-Related Issues
An effective way to fix Instagram showing old posts issue can be to check for any account-related issues. You need to check if your account is set to public or not. Also, you are required that you don’t follow many users because if you follow too many users, then Instagram is going to limit the number of posts that you see on your Feed section. So, check your Instagram account-related issues first.
Fix 6: Server Or Algorithm Issues
If Instagram has server issues, then there is hardly anything that can be done by you except for waiting. Since the issue is related to the Instagram server, so you need to wait until the issue gets resolved from their end. However, if the issue is because of Instagram’s algorithm, then you can try watching the latest Posts and do not spend too much time on any one user’s profile.
If you do that, then the Instagram algorithm will understand that you are no longer interested in only watching one person’s Instagram Posts and will start displaying new Posts instead. Also, if you still face the problem, then you can log out of your Instagram account and log in again. This can solve any minor server or algorithm issues on Instagram.
Fix 7: Contact The Support Team
To contact the support team on Instagram, open your Instagram account > Profile section > Hamburger menu > Settings and privacy > Help > Report a problem > Write the problem.
Even after trying all the ways that have been mentioned above, if you are no longer able to fix the issue and still wondering about why is Instagram showing old Posts, then the only option you are left with is to contact the support team of Instagram. Here are the steps you are required to follow for that.
Step 1: Open your Instagram account and tap on your Profile icon at the bottom right side.
Step 2: Next, tap on the Hamburger icon.
Step 3: Then, tap on the Settings and Privacy option.
Step 4: From there, scroll down to the bottom, and tap on the Help option.
Step 5: Now, tap on the Report a problem option and mention your issue along with the screenshot in detail.
You can now wait for some time for the Instagram support team to understand your issue and tell you a relevant solution to fix the problem with your Instagram app that keeps showing old Posts.
Wrapping Up
Instagram is among the immensely popular social media platforms with millions of users using the platform for adding Stories, Reels, or Posts. With many popular features, if even one of the features stops working properly, then it can be a matter of concern for users. Recently, many users have been facing the Instagram Feed showing old Posts issue and looking for reasons why is Instagram showing old Posts and how to fix the problem. You can also try out the ways that we have mentioned above and solve the problem to use your favorite Instagram app smoothly!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Why Are My Instagram Posts Out Of Order?
A. If your Instagram Posts are out of order, then the most common reason for this is that your Posts are not prioritized or sorted on several different factors such as user interest and engagement.
Q2. How Can I Fix The Issue Of Instagram Showing Old Posts?
A. To fix the issue of Instagram showing old Posts, you can try several different ways such as enabling the chronological Feed on Instagram, clearing the app’s search cache, checking for network-related issues, logging out and logging in to your account, and updating your Instagram app to the latest version.
Q3. Is There A Way To Prevent Instagram From Displaying Old Posts?
A. Yes, you can try a few different ways to prevent Instagram from displaying old Posts. For that, you can switch to Chronological Feed on Instagram and set your newer Posts to be displayed on the top or clear your Instagram app search cache.
