Bizarre Instagram bug automatically setting random images for accounts with no profile picture

In a strange turn of events, Instagram users are reporting a peculiar glitch that’s causing accounts without profile pictures to display random images instead. The bug, which seems to have emerged in the last few days, has left many users scratching their heads and wondering if their accounts have been compromised.

Reports of the issue have been trickling in on social media platforms, particularly Reddit, where users are sharing their experiences. The bizarre nature of the bug lies in its inconsistency. While some users see a sunset image replacing the default profile picture, others are greeted by photos of random people, screenshots from video games, or even creepy, unsettling images.

One Reddit user described their shock: “I discovered that many of my friends are having the same profile picture. It happened today, as yesterday everything was fine. What the hell is this?” Another user chimed in, “Mine is just a sunset, though, yours are creepy as shit. That would probably make me start crying.”

The glitch appears to only affect accounts that haven’t set a custom profile picture, essentially replacing the default grey silhouette with these random images. Interestingly, the issue seems to be localized to individual users’ devices, as the strange profile pictures are only visible to the affected user and not to others viewing the same accounts. This should be a relief for those who are experiencing the bug.

Some users have reported seeing a photo of what appears to be an Asian man, leading to speculation that it might be an image of an Instagram developer or even, as one user suggested, “Shou Zi Chew, the public CEO of TikTok.” However, these claims remain unverified.

The bug has sparked a mix of reactions, from amusement to genuine concern. While some find the glitch “hilarious,” others are worried about potential security implications. “Thought I got hacked,” one user admitted.

As of now, Instagram has not officially addressed the issue or provided any explanation for the bizarre behavior. Users have been attempting various troubleshooting methods, such as clearing cache, reinstalling the app, and logging in through a web browser, with mixed results.

While the bug doesn’t seem to pose any immediate security risks, it has certainly caused confusion and unease among some Instagrammers. It’s likely that the glitch would be fixed with a server-side tweak or an update to the Instagram app. So head to the Play Store or App Store and check if there’s an update available for Instagram and install it to see if the problem goes away.