I really thought it was a glitch on my phone!

As of late, many users have seen older posts appear at the forefront of their Instagram feeds.

Maybe you've found this update useful, or maybe it's confused you; either way, there's a reason why days-old posts are replacing the newer ones on the app.

Several factors are considered when it comes to the algorithm of your news feed, such as how much attention certain content gathers, as well as your activity and the posts you like, share, save, and comment on.

The app will also take into consideration accounts and posts where users interact and are more active.

More recently, Instagram has updated the platform to include older uploads on the home page.

"At times, you might see a post from a few days ago in your feed," a statement from the Instagram help centre wrote.

"This is to make sure that you don't miss a post from someone you follow or a suggested post.”

This is certainly a useful update for anyone who takes a detox from social media from time to time!

However, if you would like to be more selective with the accounts you're exposed to while scrolling, you can add 50 accounts to your favourites.

By doing so, these accounts will appear higher in your feed.

To add an account to your favourites, click the three dots that appear above their post and tap 'Add to favourites', and the account will appear with a star going forward.

READ MORE:

• Is Dry January still a thing? Figures show new trend emerging in Ireland
• Here’s how to maximise your annual leave requests in 2024
• Why we’re focusing on ‘Glimmers’ in 2024