Do Instagram and Other Apps Really Listen to Your Conversations?
Instagram and several other apps have long faced accusations of listening to users’ conversations via phone microphones. Many people have noticed ads for products they’ve recently talked about or searched online, fueling privacy fears.
But is this actually happening? Instagram’s chief, Adam Mosseri, recently addressed these concerns, reassuring users that the app does not eavesdrop on conversations through the phone’s microphone. Given Meta’s (formerly Facebook) history of tracking user data, such worries are understandable.
Instagram Speaks Out
In a recent video, Mosseri said, “We do not listen to you. We do not use the phone’s microphone to eavesdrop on you.” He added that if the app were recording conversations, it would be obvious: battery life would drain quickly, and the microphone indicator on Android or iOS would light up—a safeguard now standard on modern smartphones.
So Why Do I See Personalized Ads?
If Instagram isn’t listening, how does it show ads seemingly related to your interests? Mosseri explained that personalized ads come from Meta’s business model, which relies on web activity tracking—like the sites you visit or products you view online—rather than listening to private conversations. He also noted that coincidences sometimes happen, creating the illusion that the app is “listening.”
Reels and the Future of Instagram
Instagram is also emphasizing its Reels feature, particularly with the new Reels-First mobile experience currently being tested in India. Reels have become central to the app, not just for their popularity, but also as a key avenue for ads and revenue generation.
