Instagram has taken a major step toward transparency by giving users direct control over their Reels recommendations. With the launch of a new feature called “Your Algorithm”, the platform now allows users to see what topics Instagram believes they are interested in—and more importantly, modify those preferences when tastes change. This update marks a significant shift in how users can influence what appears on their screens, making the Reels experience more personalised and user-driven.
The feature was first introduced in the US in December and is now being rolled out globally in English. It aims to give users greater clarity and control over the content they consume, especially at a time when algorithm-driven feeds are under growing scrutiny.
What Is Instagram’s “Your Algorithm” Feature?
The “Your Algorithm” feature provides an AI-generated snapshot of your interests based on your activity on Instagram Reels. These interests can include topics such as cooking, travel, gaming, fitness, fashion, technology, and more. Instead of guessing why certain videos appear on your feed, you can now clearly see the signals driving those recommendations.
To access it, Instagram has added a new icon featuring two hearts on slider lines in the top-right corner of the Reels tab. Tapping this icon opens a detailed overview of your algorithmic preferences, giving you the option to fine-tune them instantly.
How to Fine-Tune Your Instagram Reels Algorithm
If you want more control over the type of Reels you see, follow these steps:
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Open the Instagram app and go to the Reels tab
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Look for the two hearts on slider lines icon in the top-right corner
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Tap the icon to open “Your Algorithm”
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Review the list of topics Instagram thinks you are interested in
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Type in topics you want to see more or less of
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Your Reels feed will gradually adjust based on your inputs
Instagram also gives users the option to share their algorithm summary on Stories, allowing creators and users to showcase their content preferences publicly if they choose.
How to Reset Your Instagram Recommendations Completely
For users who feel their feed no longer reflects their interests, Instagram now offers a full reset option.
Here’s how to do it:
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Go to your profile
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Tap the three-line menu icon
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Select Content Preferences
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Tap on Reset Suggested Content
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Review and accept the terms
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Confirm by tapping Reset Suggested Content again
This action clears your recommendation history across Reels, Explore, and the main Feed, essentially giving you a fresh start. From that point on, Instagram’s algorithm will rebuild itself based on your future interactions.
Why Instagram Is Offering More Algorithm Control
This move is not accidental. Meta has been facing increasing pressure to provide users—especially younger audiences—with more transparency and control over what they see online. Earlier this year, Instagram introduced Teen Accounts with stricter content protections. The “Your Algorithm” feature aligns with this broader push toward safer and more accountable social media experiences.
By making algorithms more understandable and adjustable, Instagram is responding to concerns about content addiction, misinformation, and mental well-being.
More Ways to Control What You See on Instagram
Apart from “Your Algorithm,” Instagram already offers several tools to manage content:
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Tap “Interested” or “Not Interested” from the three-dot menu on posts
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Use Hidden Words to filter specific terms
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Switch to Following Feed to see posts only from accounts you follow, in chronological order
Instagram has also confirmed that the “Your Algorithm” feature will soon expand to the Explore tab and other sections of the app. A similar preference tool is reportedly in development for Threads, where users may be able to signal interests using tags like “dear algo.”
Conclusion
Instagram’s algorithm has long been seen as a mystery. With the introduction of “Your Algorithm,” the platform is finally giving users a window into how recommendations work—and the power to reshape them. While it doesn’t completely open the black box, it offers meaningful control that can make the Instagram experience more relevant, balanced, and enjoyable.
