For years, social media users have debated whether apps like Instagram and Facebook secretly listen to their private conversations to serve targeted ads. Many users claim they often see advertisements for products they recently discussed verbally, even without searching for them online. This recurring coincidence has fueled widespread suspicion that these platforms might be eavesdropping through smartphone microphones.
In response to the growing privacy concerns, Instagram’s Head, Adam Mosseri, recently addressed the issue directly. He assured users that Instagram does not use phone microphones to listen to private conversations or record any audio from users’ surroundings.
In a new video shared on social media, Mosseri clarified, “We don’t listen to you. We don’t use your phone’s microphone to record or analyze what you’re saying.” He explained that if Instagram were truly recording users’ conversations, the signs would be obvious — users would notice their battery draining faster, and their phones would show a microphone indicator on the screen whenever it was active.
Mosseri also pointed out that both Android and iOS operating systems now mandate clear indicators whenever any app accesses the microphone, camera, or location in the background. Users can see a small green or orange light or receive a notification whenever such permissions are used.
This system-level safeguard from Google and Apple ensures that apps cannot secretly activate a phone’s microphone without the user knowing. Therefore, the long-standing belief that Instagram or Facebook constantly “listen in” doesn’t hold up under current privacy standards and operating system restrictions.
If Instagram isn’t listening, why do users still see ads related to topics they recently discussed or searched for online? According to Mosseri, the reason lies in data-driven ad personalization, not in audio surveillance.
Meta — Instagram’s parent company — collects information about users’ online activity, such as the websites they visit, the products they browse, and the posts they engage with. Advertisers then use this behavioral data to target audiences more precisely.
Mosseri admitted that such coincidences often make it feel like the app is listening, but he called it “just that — a coincidence.” He added, “We understand why people believe it, but it’s usually because your online behavior and interests overlap with your recent conversations.”
In short, it’s not that Instagram hears your words — it’s that its algorithms are remarkably good at predicting what you’re likely to want next.
The suspicion around Instagram and Facebook’s privacy practices is not unfounded. Meta, the company that owns both platforms, has previously faced global criticism for mishandling user data and for its extensive ad-tracking practices. The infamous Cambridge Analytica scandal still lingers in public memory, making users skeptical about Meta’s privacy assurances.
However, the company has repeatedly stated that it only collects data that users willingly provide or that is legally available through cookies, ad pixels, or website activity. Despite this, privacy advocates continue to urge users to remain cautious about what permissions they grant to apps.
Meanwhile, Instagram continues to focus heavily on Reels, its short-video format that competes directly with TikTok and YouTube Shorts. The platform is testing a “Reels-first mobile experience” with a limited group of users before rolling it out globally.
This update is designed to make Reels the core of the Instagram experience, further boosting ad revenue opportunities through short-form video engagement. According to reports, Reels have become one of Instagram’s most profitable features, both for creators and advertisers.
Despite persistent myths, Instagram does not listen to your private conversations — at least not through your phone’s microphone. What users experience as “spooky” ad targeting is largely the result of sophisticated algorithms analyzing browsing habits, search patterns, and online interactions.
Still, experts advise maintaining digital hygiene: limit app permissions, review privacy settings regularly, and stay aware of what data your favorite apps collect.
In today’s data-driven digital world, one thing is certain — while Instagram may not be listening to you, it’s definitely watching your clicks.
