TLDR; They’re taking inspiration from TikTok. Let’s explore how.
Instagram’s TikTok inspiration
August 5, 2020 – For Instagram, it all started with them announcing Reels. This was the first feature where the social network was showing you content primarily from people you *don’t* follow.
One year later, things started to speed up…
June 25, 2021 – Instagram is testing putting suggested posts ahead of your friends’. Algorithms > people you follow.
June 30, 2021 – The Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, confirmed this. You will see more “recommended” content from people you don’t follow.
What’s likely to follow: More of this. If you post content, you could get viral organically on Instagram like on TikTok.
YouTube’s TikTok inspiration
September 14, 2020 – YouTube releases Shorts, its TikTok clone.
A few minor updates in the meanwhile. And in the same fashion as Instagram, one year later:
July 8, 2021 – YouTube announces a “New For You” tab. No way this was inspired by TikTok’s “For You Page”.