SUMMARY
Instagram is extending its original content algorithm protections to still photos and carousels, a move that mirrors a policy introduced for Reels two years prior. The platform will now flag accounts primarily posting unoriginal photos, reducing their reach to followers only and limiting recommendations to new users. This change aims to prioritize original creators over content aggregators. Accounts can appeal flags or remove unoriginal content for reconsideration, with exceptions for meaningfully enhanced memes and content shared via collaboration or paid partnership labels.
TAKEAWAYS
Instagram now protects original photos and carousels, similar to Reels.
Accounts posting unoriginal content will have reduced reach and recommendations.
The policy change applies account-wide, not on a per-post basis.
Users can appeal flags or remove unoriginal content for reconsideration.