Tech Desk 
Apr 09, 2025
An undated image. — Unsplash
As social media platforms are known to rapidly make amendments, for the sake of improvement, to features and functionalities of their services, Instagram is reportedly planning a major update for its in-app search feature in the face of TikTok's massively growing user base.
The in-app search feature update was disclosed by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who acknowledged that the current system is falling short of fulfilling some users' demands, TechCrunch reported.
He highlighted that the Facebook parent recently hired more capable developers to enhance Instagram search, aiming to make significant improvements over time.
Speaking on the “Build Your Tribe” podcast, Mosseri said that Instagram’s content search, especially when finding specific content rather than just user accounts, is an area where the Meta-owned platform needs to improve to stay competitive and relevant to Gen Z.
Studies show that young users favour apps like Instagram and TikTok for search, with some preferring TikTok’s short-form videos or Instagram’s curated visuals.
It emerged that Instagram is also planning to enhance its recommended search suggestions by fetching context from comment sections, mirroring a TikTok thing. Mosseri claimed that this feature is in the pipeline and will be rolled out soon.
Whenever it comes to fruition, improved search functionality will surely help pull valuable content and increase long-term content visibility for creators.
