In an AMA, Instagram head Adam Mosseri explained that videos on the platform may appear reduced in quality if they are not watched for a long time, as they prioritize higher quality for popular creators. This system works at an aggregate level, not individual viewer level, and Mosseri stated that quality seems to matter more to creators than viewers, who prioritize content over quality. Despite concerns from small creators, Mosseri believes the quality shift is minimal and not a significant factor for viewers.
Full Article