How Accurate is Instagram "Active Now" 2023?

5 MIN READ

How accurate is Instagram “Active Now” 2023? That’s the question on everyone’s mind as we enter the new year.

In a digital era where online presence is key!

Instagram’s “Active Now” feature has gained significant attention. This feature, indicating a user’s activity status through a visible green dot or last active on Instagram, has sparked curiosity, concerns, and even confusion among its vast user base.

If you have been following Clepher’s blog, you know we actively write Instagram help and tips for businesses.

Also read: Why Can’t I React to Messages on Instagram with Emojis? – A Detailed Guide

This particular article is a guide to Instagram’s “Active Now” feature. We will discuss its functioning, its accuracy in 2023, and the quirks that sometimes lead to glitches. Let’s read on!

What is Instagram “Active Now”?

Instagram’s “Active Now” feature was introduced in 2018 and can be seen on the direct messaging page. It indicates whether someone is currently active on Instagram by displaying a green dot next to their username or showing when they were last active.

Understanding the “Active Now” Feature on Instagram

Instagram’s “Active Now” feature, a small but impactful addition, shows when a user is currently online or was last active on the app. It’s symbolized by a green dot next to their name in DMs or friend lists. This section explains how it helps in indicating real-time presence. Read on!

How Does Instagram Determine “Active Now”?

The app uses various signals to decide if a user is “actively using” the app like;

Updating this status whenever they are active. It’s a real-time feature, though sometimes delays might occur.
In-app activity: If you’re using Instagram, such as scrolling through your feed, liking posts, or sending messages, Instagram will consider you active.
App background activity: Even if you’re not actively using Instagram if the app is running in the background, Instagram might still consider you as “active.”

Instagram’s algorithm for determining “active now” status is not publicly disclosed, but it is likely that the company uses a combination of the factors listed above to make a determination. It is also worth noting that the “active now” status is not always 100% accurate.

How Accurate is Instagram ‘Active Now’?

Generally, the “Active Now” status is quite accurate, showing when a user is active within minutes.

But factors like app usage patterns and device issues can occasionally affect this accuracy. Some users report that it is very accurate, while others say that it is often wrong.

Factors That Affect the Accuracy of “Active Now” Status Instagram

Several elements, including network glitches and how the user interacts with the app, can influence the accuracy of this feature;

1. App Background Activity: Even if you are not actively using Instagram if the app is running in the background, it may show you as active. This is because the app is still sending and receiving data from Instagram’s servers.

2. Multiple Device Usage: If you are logged into Instagram on multiple devices, your Active Now status may not always be accurate. This is because Instagram may show you as active on the last device you used, even if you are currently using a different device.

3. Network Glitches: If you have a poor internet connection, your Active Now status may be delayed or inaccurate. This is because Instagram needs to be able to communicate with its servers in order to update its status.

4. Use of Linked Apps: If you have linked your Instagram account to other apps, such as Facebook, using those apps may inadvertently change your Active Now status on Instagram. This is because some apps may send and receive data from Instagram’s servers on your behalf.

5. Instagram’s Algorithm: Instagram’s Active Now status is also affected by its algorithm. This algorithm takes into account a number of factors, such as your recent app usage, device usage, and network connection, to determine whether or not to show you as active.

The Significance of the Green Dot

The green dots mean that a person is active on Instagram.

The green dot next to a user’s name on Instagram DMs or friend lists visually conveys that they’re currently online and active. Understanding this symbol is key to interpreting activity status accurately.

When Does the Green Dot Appear?

Photo Caption: 3 Green Dot Means Three Friends Are ‘Active Now’

The green dot is a central element of Instagram’s activity status feature.

The green dot in Instagram appears next to a person’s profile picture when they are actively using the app. This includes when they are viewing their feed, browsing stories, or chatting in Direct. The green dot will also appear next to a person’s profile picture when you share a post with them and they are online.

However, it is important to note that the green dot does not necessarily mean that the person is seeing your message or post right away. They could be active on the app but doing something else, such as scrolling through their feed or browsing stories.

Can You Use Instagram Without Showing Active Status?

Yes, you can use Instagram without showing your active status.

To do this, go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner. Then, tap “Settings” > “Privacy” > “Activity Status” and toggle off the switch next to “Show Activity Status.”

The Impact on Social Connectivity

Disabling the “Active Now” feature might impact how friends and followers interact with you, as they won’t be able to see if you’re currently online or when you were last active.

Does Instagram’s “Active Now” Feature Always Show When You’re Active?

Even if someone is actively using Instagram, their “Active Now” status might not always be visible due to various privacy settings or app behaviors.

Understanding Last Seen and “Active Yesterday” Statuses

Apart from “Active Now,” Instagram also shows “last seen” statuses like “Active yesterday” or “Active 20 minutes ago.”

Understanding “Last Active” Status and Privacy

The “Last Active” status on Instagram shows when a user was last active on the app. It is based on the last time the user opened the app and performed an action, such as scrolling through their feed, viewing posts, or sending messages.

“Last Active” shows when someone was last on the app. Users have the option to manage their visibility when it comes to their “last active” status.

The Impact of Third-Party Apps on Activity Status

Third-party apps can significantly impact your activity status on Instagram.

When you grant permission to a third-party app to access your Instagram account, you are giving them the ability to see when you are active on the app, what posts you are viewing, and who you are following and being followed by.

How Third-Party Apps Might Affect Your Status

Some apps claim to track or change your Instagram activity status. We discuss the legitimacy and potential risks of using these applications.

Here are some specific examples of how third-party apps can impact your activity status on Instagram

A third-party app that allows you to schedule posts may need to see when you are active on Instagram in order to schedule your posts at the optimal time.
By third-party app you to track your follower growth may need to see when you are active on Instagram in order to track your follower growth over time.
It allows you to edit your photos before posting them may need to see when you are active on Instagram in order to suggest edits to your photos.

Final Thoughts

We have covered everything you need to know about Instagram’s active now status. Keep in mind that it is not always an accurate representation of someone’s online activity and can be affected by various factors such as multiple device usage, network glitches, and the use of third-party apps. It is also important to understand the impact of these statuses on social connectivity and privacy.

Founder Clepher