Instagram's top executives have confirmed that video quality is determined by its popularity, with higher engagement resulting in clearer playback. In an effort to provide the highest possible video quality, Instagram strives to deliver high-definition playback by default. However, if a video remains unnoticed and unengaged, the platform will automatically switch to lower quality playback, as most views are concentrated in the initial period following publication. This approach helps maintain a balance between video quality and performance, ensuring that users can access a wide range of content without compromising on playback quality.