You’ll soon be able to reset your Instagram algorithm thanks to a new feature from the Meta owned company.
This feature targets users who feel their feed no longer reflects their current interests.
Whether it’s your Explore page, Reels tab, or home feed, the new feature enables you to clear out past preferences and rebuild your content recommendations based on what you engage with moving forward.
Why Reset Your Instagram Algorithm?
Over time, your Instagram feed might stop aligning with your preferences. Maybe you liked cooking videos months ago but have since lost interest.
Despite this, your feed might still be flooded with similar content. With the reset option, you can wipe the slate clean and start fresh.
According to Instagram’s head, Adam Mosseri, this feature is not meant to be used frequently. “I want to be clear, this is a big thing to do,” Mosseri said in a video.
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“It’s going to make your Instagram much less interesting at first, because we’re going to treat you as if we know nothing about your interests and it will take some time to learn those again. So it’s not something I recommend doing all the time — but if you do end up in a place where you really don’t feel good about your experience, this gives you an out.”
How It Works
Once you reset the algorithm, Instagram will start personalizing your recommendations anew based on the posts and accounts you interact with.
During this process, you can also review your following list and unfollow accounts that no longer resonate with your interests.
However, keep in mind that the reset cannot be undone.
Tools You Already Have
The reset option builds on existing tools that allow you to customize your Instagram experience. You can:
- Mark posts as “Interested” or “Not Interested” to signal what you want to see more or less of.
- Use the “Hidden Words” feature to filter out content containing specific words or phrases.
While these tools are designed for day-to-day customization, the reset feature offers a complete overhaul.
A Response to Broader Issues
This change also comes amidst growing scrutiny of Instagram’s impact on mental health, especially among teens.
In response to lawsuits and congressional pressure, Meta has been implementing measures to create a safer online environment.
The reset feature is part of these efforts, allowing teens and all users to have greater control over their online experiences.
Meta explained in a blog post, “We recognize parents are concerned that their teens might see mature or inappropriate content online… In addition to removing content completely when it breaks our rules, we [will] take steps to help prevent teens from seeing content that may be sensitive or mature.”
When Will It Be Available?
Instagram plans to roll out this feature globally soon. If your feed feels off or you simply want to refresh your Instagram experience, this might be the change you’ve been waiting for.
