Instagram, owned by Meta Platforms, Inc., has introduced a feature that will surely spark nostalgia for millennials and Gen Z – the ability to add a song to your profile. This feature, reminiscent of the MySpace era where choosing the perfect soundtrack for your profile was a significant decision, allows users to personalize their online presence with their favorite tunes.
The feature was announced on Thursday and will be used by singer Sabrina Carpenter to promote her latest single, “Taste”. This move by Instagram is expected to resonate with younger generations who have shown a particular fondness for the early social networking site. The recent popularity of the new app Noplace, a text-based MySpace-like platform, among teens and Gen Z this summer, demonstrates this nostalgic trend.
It’s worth noting that Instagram, under the leadership of Mark Zuckerberg, has been actively working to improve user engagement and safety. Earlier this year, the platform revived its cash bonus program for content creators, extending monetization opportunities. However, concerns regarding teen safety continue to surround the platform. To address this, Instagram expanded its ‘Limits’ feature to combat online harassment. Despite these efforts, reports surfaced last month suggesting that Instagram’s algorithm was still recommending sexually explicit content to teen accounts, raising questions about the platform’s commitment to age-appropriate content.
While the new music feature is a fun addition, it remains to be seen how it will impact user engagement and the platform’s overall strategy to balance user experience with safety concerns. The feature is just another example of Instagram’s efforts to adapt to evolving trends and user preferences, including capitalizing on the enduring appeal of nostalgia for an era when social media was still in its nascent stages.
