Snapchat recently rolled out a massive overhaul that angered a lot of its users who favored the app's user interface. For the most part, it was an attempt to make Snapchat a lot more palatable and easy-to-understand to new audiences as Snap Inc. struggles as a public company.
But perhaps Snap has had a change of heart. The photo-messaging service may have realized that some aspects of its major change haven't been as well received as others.
Some users have reported seeing the app's stories feed revert to its classic reverse chronological order, instead of the algorithm-based feed akin to those on Facebook, Instagram, and others.
Snap Brings Back Old Feed Style
It remains uncertain whether Snapchat is merely trying to test the old chronological order out or is committing to a full-scale switch. It should be noted that a lot of users, whether on Snapchat, Facebook, or Instagram, have voiced their disdain for algorithmic feeds because they'd much rather see posts in the order they were made, not because some sophisticated software decided it was something they maybe wanted to see.
The problem with reverse chronological order is that it automatically gives frequent users an advantage over those who use the app less often. It's a hindrance for heavy users who want to watch stories as they happen, not find out about them several hours, or even days, after that fact.
On the other hand, algorithm-based sorting is crucial for a social media platform's growth because it tries to deliver what it thinks is the best content to keep users engaged and coming back for more.
Of course, Snapchat can't please everyone. When a public outcry occurred over the app's major design changes, CEO Evan Spiegel defended his company's decision:
"We are separating the social from the media, and taking an important step forward towards strengthening our relationships with our friends and our relationships with the media."
Snapchat Redesign
Snap may have other reasons for making the change to the older system. As Spiegel wants to split social from the media, Snapchat's redesigned elements did relocate Stories from local celebrities to the Discover section, meaning the chronological feed is more likely to show posts from friends instead of personalities, brands, and influencers.
What do you think? Do you prefer Snapchat's reverse chronological order or something more algorithm-based? As always, if you have anything to share, feel free to sound off in the comments section below!
