Adam Mosseri on how Instagram’s algorithm compares to TikTok and YouTube

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, has shed light on how the platform’s algorithm works, saying it is designed to give every piece of content a chance to perform, regardless of the size or popularity of the creator.

Speaking on the Mixed Signals podcast hosted by Semafor’s Ben Smith and Max Tani, Mosseri explained that Instagram uses what he described as exploration-based ranking, a system that deliberately reserves impressions to test new and unproven content.

Mosseri compared the process to a competitive audition. The algorithm initially shows…