Instagram Ads: Are They Really Listening to You?
Many Instagram users feel like the app listens to their conversations and shows them ads based on what they talk about. Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, recently addressed this concern in a video statement. He assured users that Instagram does not eavesdrop on private conversations to target ads. According to Mosseri, actually listening to users would breach privacy, drain your phone’s battery, and trigger security alerts.
How Instagram Targets Ads
Mosseri explained that Instagram uses your online activity—like the posts you interact with, accounts you follow, and content you like—to serve relevant ads. The app analyzes your behavior, not your voice, to personalize your experience. So, if you see an ad that matches something you just talked about, it’s likely because of your digital footprint, not because Instagram is listening.
Instagram takes privacy seriously and relies on algorithms, not microphones, to target its ads. Stay informed and tweak your ad preferences in the app settings for more control over your feed.
Sources:
Source
