Instagram is officially rolling out powerful new features that put you back in the driver’s seat of your social media experience. After years of relying on automated algorithms to guess what you might like, the platform now allows users to completely reset their recommendation history and actively select specific topics they want to see in their Reels. It feels like a meaningful shift, especially since many people have long expressed frustration about getting stuck in these loops of repetitive or irrelevant content that are hard to break out of.
Key Takeaways
- Fresh Start: You can now wipe your recommendation history to reset the algorithm for Reels, Explore, and Feed.
- Active Tuning: A new Your Algorithm tool lets you explicitly tell Instagram which topics you want to see more or less of.
- Safety Focus: These updates are part of a broader push to make the app safer and more positive, particularly for teen users.
- Availability: The feature is currently rolling out to users in the US and will expand globally soon.
Alongside the reset function, Instagram is introducing a more granular control specifically for Reels. Users in the US can now access a new menu within the Reels tab, often marked by an icon resembling a slider or star. This Your Algorithm section displays a summary of topics the app thinks you enjoy. For the first time, you can edit this list directly. If you see baking but are trying to avoid it, you can tap to see less of it. If you want more tech news, you can dial that topic up instead. It creates a direct feedback loop that feels quicker than simply liking or skipping videos, even if it might take a little experimenting to get it just right.
Why this matters for your feed is something many people have probably sensed for a while. These updates mark a real shift in how social media companies think about user control. Previously, your only option for improving a bad feed was to manually mark posts as not interested one by one, which often felt slow and maybe even a bit futile. By giving users a reset option, Meta is acknowledging that algorithms can get things wrong or fixate on niche topics for far too long.
Still, it’s worth noting that pressing reset comes with a temporary downside. In the days after a reset, your feed may look uninteresting or random. You might see generic viral videos or broad pop culture updates that feel a little disconnected from what you actually care about. This is expected. The algorithm needs time to gather new signals from the videos you watch, like, and share before it can build a profile that feels more aligned with who you are right now.
To use the new tools, you can go to your Settings, then find Content Preferences. Look for the option labeled Reset suggested content. Before you confirm, Instagram will also prompt you to review the accounts you follow and your ad preferences, which might make the cleanup feel a bit more complete.
For the topic picker in Reels, look for the new controls directly within the Reels interface or in your privacy settings under Your Algorithm. This option lets you fine-tune your experience without wiping your whole history. It’s a practical choice for anyone who wants small adjustments rather than a full reboot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Does resetting my recommendations delete my photos or messages?
A. No. Resetting your recommendations only clears the data used to suggest new content in Reels, Explore, and Feed. Your uploaded photos, stories, chat history, and follower list remain untouched.
Q. Can I undo the reset if I don’t like my new feed?
A. No, the action is permanent. Once you clear your recommendation history, you cannot restore the old algorithm data. You will have to retrain the app by interacting with content you like.
Q. Will this stop me from seeing ads?
A. No. This feature resets organic content recommendations. While you can review your ad topics during the process, you will still see advertisements on the platform.
Q. Why don’t I see these features on my app yet?
A. Instagram rolls out features in phases. If you do not see the options yet, ensure your app is updated to the latest version. The features are launching first in the US before expanding to other regions.
Q. How long does it take for my feed to get good again after a reset?
A. It varies by user, but typically it takes a few days to a week of active use—liking, sharing, and watching videos—for the algorithm to relearn your specific tastes.
