This Is Disappearing From Your Instagram Screen as of Today
Daniel Hoffman
Published Feb 22, 2026
Social media has certainly connected us in so many ways, which has become especially important during these recent months of lockdowns and quarantining. But it's also come with a lot of problems, like the spread of misinformation, spamming, and bullying. We all know there is no subject matter where things get more tense on social media than politics, and many platforms have been trying to reduce the issues that arise around these fraught topics. The latest change? Instagram users may have noticed that the "Recent" feature on hashtag pages has just started disappearing from their app. Read on to find out why Instagram made the change, and for another pre-election precaution, find out why Walmart Just Pulled These Controversial Products From Their Shelves.
Instagram announced on Oct. 29 that they have temporarily removed the "Recent" tab from hashtag pages in response to the upcoming United States general election on Nov. 3. "As we near the U.S. elections, we're making changes to make it harder for people to come across possible misinformation on Instagram," the company tweeted on Thursday night. "We're doing this to reduce the real-time spread of potentially harmful content that could pop up around the election."
Before disabling the feature, Instagram allowed users to click on hashtags, and they would be sent to a page that showed a collection of posts that have used that hashtag, divided into two tabs: Top and Recent. The Recent tab featured all fresh content labeled with that hashtag, allowing users to spam strangers more easily.
This move may not be surprising for some, as Instagram is owned by Facebook and Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg recently spoke about his concerns in regards to civil unrest surrounding the election. "I'm worried that with our nation so divided and election results potentially taking days or weeks to be finalized, there is a risk of civil unrest across the country," Zuckerberg said on Oct. 29 during a call to discuss Facebook's third-quarter earnings. "Given this, companies like ours need to go well beyond what we've done before."
But this isn't Zuckerberg's first move to try to prevent his social media platforms from having a negative impact in regards to the election. For more recent moves Instagram and Facebook have made or plan to in light of the upcoming election, read on. And for another big shift from a company you depend on, check out how much Netflix Just Secretly Raised Your Subscription Cost.
1 Facebook and Instagram have been providing users with election information.
Facebook and Instagram launched their Voting Information Center on Aug. 13, intended to serve as a "one-stop-shop to give people in the U.S. the tools and information they need to make their voices heard at the ballot box." In a statement, the company explains that these platforms are continuously being updated with the latest election information in each state through linking to and sourcing "information from state election officials and other nonpartisan civic organizations." And for more on the upcoming election, find out How Every Swing State Is Expected to Vote.
2 And they have been helping users register to vote.
A goal of the Voting Information Center initiative has been to register 4 million voters. Users have been able to click a link on each platform that brings them directly to their state's website or the company's nonpartisan partner to register to vote. And if you're voting in the upcoming election, make sure you're aware of The One Thing the CDC Says Voters Shouldn't Do During Election Day.
3 The platforms have rejected ads for breaking political campaigning rules.
Nick Clegg, Facebook's vice president of global affairs and communications, revealed on Oct. 19 that both Facebook and Instagram had rejected more than 2 million ads and withdrawn around 120,000 posts for attempting to "obstruct voting" in the upcoming election. And for more useful content delivered straight to your inbox, sign up for our daily newsletter.
4 And Facebook will temporarily ban all political ads after the election.
Facebook announced on Oct. 7 that the site would temporarily ban all social issue, electoral, and political ads from running after polls officially close on Nov. 3. The company said this is a safeguard to "reduce opportunities for confusion or abuse," but did not specify when the ads would be able to run again. And for more on voting, find out The Celebrity Americans Trust Most When It Comes to Political Opinions.
Kali Coleman Kali Coleman is a Senior Editor at Best Life. Her primary focus is covering news, where she often keeps readers informed on the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic and up-to-date on the latest retail closures.Read moreFiled UnderApps • News • Tech and GadgetsRead This NextNetflix Just Quietly Removed This Key Feature
Don't expect to get this option the next time you want to stream your favorite TV show or movie.October 15, 2020The Way You Use the Internet May Be Changing
The tech company is discontinuing a search tool that has been around since the '90s.October 26, 2020This Iconic Game Is Being Discontinued
This game was the biggest hit of the 2010s, and now it's being discontinued.October 5, 202020 Social Media Mistakes You Need To Stop Making
From Facebook to Twitter, these mistakes may be costing you friends, online and in real life.November 8, 201930 Lies Everyone Tells on Social Media
Those #goals aren't what they seem. Experts give insight into the biggest social media lies.February 7, 2020Apple Has Discontinued This Popular Phone
You can no longer find this beloved iPhone model on Apple's website.October 14, 2020The Smart Man's Guide to Spotting Counterfeit Wine
That $2,000 bottle of Bourdeaux might be worth $20. Here’s how to be sure it’s the real thing.April 13, 2017The 5 Best Light-Bodied Red Wines for Extending Your Summer
Don't let September ruin a killer party. August 25, 201717 Insanely Cool New Luxury Bicycles for Spring
Meet the bikes that cost more than a car.March 31, 2017Best Life Essentials
You deserve the best. Live life to the fullest with these ultimate essentials.October 21, 2016
