You Can Finally Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
The modern Internet is driven by algorithms . For example, when you load Instagram, what you see in your feed is strategically sorted by the app’s artificial intelligence based on your past activity to keep you engaged for as long as possible. If Instagram showed you a bunch of random posts that didn’t interest you, you’d likely leave immediately. But when every photo or video makes you curious, that’s how social media addiction is born.
However, sometimes our algorithm fails a little. You may have had a passing interest in an author or topic, but now it’s all over your feed. Perhaps an accidental like or share mistakenly taught the algorithm that you’re a fan of something you’re not , and now you’re exposed to that topic with every other post (and ad, for that matter).
Previously, you really had two options: tell Instagram you don’t want to see those types of posts and actively seek out other types of content, or start over with a new account and take care not to piss off the algorithm gods. However, now the situation will change: Instagram will allow you to reset the algorithm.
Meta announced the changes in a blog post on Tuesday : The company is currently testing the ability for users to reset their “recommendations” (essentially a PR word for algorithm). Once cleared, you will find messages on your Explore page, Reels tab, and in your main channel that you likely haven’t encountered before, and you’ll likely miss messages that you would have seen using the previous algorithm.
However, the algorithm is still active, meaning that over time it will learn your habits and start showing you personalized content based on your activity and the pages you follow. If you’re careful about the posts you like and share, and the pages you follow, this algorithm may be better than the old one.
How to reset the Instagram algorithm
Once this option appears on your end, you will find it in your Instagram settings. Open the app, tap your profile , then tap the hamburger menu in the top right corner. Scroll down and tap Content Settings under What You See, then tap the new Reset Suggested Content option.
Here, Instagram will warn you that the reset can’t be undone, and you’ll see messages you wouldn’t normally see. As an added deterrent, Instagram will prompt you to unfollow certain accounts rather than resetting its recommendations entirely.
However, if you’re set to reset, select Reset Suggested Content and then click that option again in the pop-up window. Instagram will take you back to your main feed with a subtle warning that your suggested content has been reset.