Instagram confirms that videos drop in quality if not frequently watched after upload: Full scoop
Meta-owned Instagram, popularly known for short-form video content, photos, and stories, has clarified that some of the most popular content on the platform is shown in a much higher quality than content that isn't as widely viewed. This explains why some content tends to look tack-sharp on the platform while other content, despite being uploaded and hosted in high quality, tends not to appear sharp. This information comes from Adam Mosseri, Instagram's head, who revealed it during an Ask Me Anything session.