Instagram Addresses Glitch That Overpromoted Creed’s “Higher”
Instagram acknowledged a glitch that caused its Stories feature to recommend Creed's 1999 song 'Higher' more often than intended. A spokesperson said the platform is investigating and working on a fix. Some users also noticed more recommendations for Soulja Boy's 'Turn My Swag On,' which Instagram attributed to the track's popularity.
Instagram has confirmed a technical issue made its Stories music suggestions surface Creed’s 1999 single “Higher” far more frequently than planned. A company representative said the matter is under review and a remedy is being developed. The platform’s song suggestions can be shaped by what users have chosen before and by visual elements in their uploads.
Some users also saw more suggestions for Soulja Boy’s “Turn My Swag On,” which Instagram said reflected that track’s popularity rather than a fault. The Creed situation coincides with the group’s renewed activity: it resumed concerts in 2024 after a long break and held another Summer of ’99 and Beyond Cruise this year.
The glitch could affect Instagram users by skewing the music they encounter in Stories, potentially giving Creed and Soulja Boy extra exposure while frustrating people who expect personalized suggestions. It may also draw more attention to how recommendation systems shape cultural memory and artist visibility. If similar errors recur, users and musicians might question platform transparency, though the long-term impact could remain limited unless the issue persists or spreads to other features.