You’re Not Crazy: Instagram Was Indeed Persuading You to Listen to Creed

"[We] found that this song is being recommended to more people than intended," an Instagram spokesperson said of the issue

Have you noticed Instagram really wants you to use Creed in your stories and posts these last few days? Several users have noted they keep getting recommended they listen to the band, specifically their hit song “Higher,” and use it across their posts on the platform. While some chalked it up to a weird coincidence, an Instagram spokesperson revealed to CNN they “looked into this and found that this song is being recommended to more people than intended.” So no, you’re not crazy. Instagram was in fact trying to get you to listen to Creed.

Instagram users are able to add music to their stories or posts, and are automatically recommended songs based on algorithmic content, popularity on the platform, previous songs you’ve utilized, the visual content of the image you’re posting, and more. That’s why some users, who have never been Creed fanatics, are so confounded they are getting recommended to use the song.

“Anytime I posted anything on my Instagram story, like a dinner plate or my cat or whatever — every time it recommended adding ‘Higher’ by Creed,” communications specialist Pamela Ross said to CNN. “I’m not following Creed, I’m not listening to Creed. Like what millennial was in charge of this decision?” (A rep for Creed did not immediately respond to Rolling Stone’s request for comment.)

Apparently “Higher” isn’t the only song getting eyebrow raises; Soulja Boy Tell ‘Em’s “Turn My Swag On” is also getting recommended more than usual on the platform. However, the Instagram spokesperson assured CNN the song’s bravado is connecting with users who also wake up swagged-out. “The Soulja Boy song being recommended is not a bug, and it is actually popular on IG!” they said.

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Creed’s “Higher” was released in 1999 and appeared on the band’s sophomore album Human Clay. It peaked at Number Seven on the Billboard Hot 100 the following summer. Creed broke up in 2004, before reuniting for 2009’s Full Circle, their most recent album. They disbanded once again in 2012, then rejoined arms in 2023 for headlining tours from 2024 to the present.

Creed will play three more shows this December to close out 2026. On Dec. 11 and 12, they will perform at Las Vegas’ Fontainebleu, before heading to Highland, CA for their final show of the year on Dec. 14 at the Yaamava’ Theater.