Some Instagram users unable to see posts when using search function

Instagram’s search function is acting up for some users today, and it’s creating a frustrating loop that’s leaving people unable to browse posts.

Multiple users on Reddit reported the issue starting earlier today, with the search feature redirecting them to hashtag lists instead of displaying actual posts. When they tap on those hashtags, they’re sent right back to where they started — what one user aptly described as “like a merrygoround” in the r/Instagram subreddit.​

The problem appears to be hitting users inconsistently. Several people mentioned that the issue affects only one of their accounts while their alternate accounts work fine. One Reddit user tested the broken search on both their iPhone using the official Instagram app and through a web browser on their computer, with neither working properly.​

Instead of posts/media appearing in the results, users say they just see the usual Meta AI description of the search result. This, of course, isn’t new and does pop up along with the posts, but it seems a bug is preventing posts from appearing at all.

X user Sabrina Ram called the Meta AI function “awful and useless” when all they wanted was the standard search experience.

I tested the search function on both Android and iOS devices running the latest version of Instagram, and I’m still able to see posts when searching without any issues. That suggests this is likely a server-side issue affecting some accounts but not others. 

Standard troubleshooting steps like clearing the cache and reinstalling the app aren’t fixing the problem, according to affected users.

That said, this isn’t the only change Instagram users are dealing with right now. The platform is also testing a “Friends” list that replaces the traditional “Following” tab, showing only mutual followers instead of everyone you follow. Instagram also recently added the ability to re-share any public Story to your own feed, not just ones you’re tagged in. Between the search issues and all these feature experiments, it’s been a rough week for people who preferred Instagram the way it was.

At the time of writing, there are no apparent workarounds, but we’ll keep our eyes peeled for any further details and will update the post accordingly.