Instagram CEO Confirms: Microphone Listening for Ads Is a Myth, Explains Real Targeting Methods

Instagram ad recommendations are based on user activity and interests, CEO Adam Mosseri confirmed.

Instagram CEO Adam Mosseri has addressed a popular misconception among social media users that the platform monitors private conversations to deliver targeted advertisements.

Mosseri emphatically stated that Instagram does not utilize microphones for ad targeting purposes. He explained that ad suggestions are derived from user behavior and preferences rather than personal discussions.

"This is a myth-busting video about something I've had a lot of passionate conversations about," Mosseri explained in his video clarification. "We do not listen to you. We do not use the phone's microphone to eavesdrop on you," he emphasized.

The CEO further elaborated that if Instagram were covertly recording conversations, it would constitute a "gross violation of privacy," rapidly deplete battery life, and users would notice an indicator light signaling microphone activation at the top of their screens.

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Addressing why users sometimes encounter ads for recently discussed topics, Mosseri offered several explanations. It's not due to audio surveillance but rather because Instagram analyzes other signals—such as recent interactions with similar content or online searches for related products that may have preceded the conversation.

Mosseri also revealed, "We actually do work with advertisers who share information with us about who was on their website to try to target those people with ads. So if you were looking at a product on a website, that advertiser might have paid us to reach you with an ad."

Another explanation is the frequency effect—users often scroll past advertisements quickly without conscious attention but subconsciously register the content, which may later influence conversation topics, creating an illusion that Instagram predicted the discussion.

The final factor Mosseri mentioned was simple "coincidence." While acknowledging some users might remain skeptical despite his explanation, he wanted to clearly establish that Instagram does not monitor users' conversations.

These statements come as Meta announced plans to begin utilizing people's interactions with its generative AI tools to personalize content and advertising across its platforms including Facebook and Instagram, effective December 16.

The company indicated that users will receive notifications about these changes beginning October 7, but will not have an opt-out option, according to the social media giant.