How to reset Instagram's algorithm for a personalized experience
What's the story
Instagram's algorithm, which decides what you see on your feeds, is a complex affair.
It takes into account your interactions with posts and accounts, as well as the popularity of certain content among other users.
However, this can sometimes result in an influx of unwanted content or ads.
Now, to combat this and give users more control over their feeds, Instagram has launched a new feature to reset your recommendations.
Feature details
Resetting recommendations for a fresh start
The new feature, 'Reset Your Recommendations,' gives users a clean slate by eliminating any existing content preferences from their feeds.
This includes the main Instagram feed, Reels, and the Explore page.
The feature doesn't turn off suggested content but resets the algorithm that curates and serves it.
After resetting, Instagram will start afresh to learn user preferences for future post suggestions.
User guide
How to use the 'Reset your recommendations' feature
To use this feature, users would have to open their profile page in the app and tap on the menu button.
From there, they would select 'Suggested content' and then 'Reset suggested content.'
This will prompt a dialog box for confirmation. Once confirmed, Instagram will start afresh in determining what kind of posts might interest you based on your new interactions with the platform.
User control
Additional controls for content preferences
Along with resetting recommendations, Instagram also gives users the option to tweak their preferences for "sensitive content" and "political content."
You can even define words or phrases associated with content you want to avoid.
There's also an option to hide suggested posts from the feed for 30 days.
These features give users more control over the content that appears on their feeds.
Algorithm adjustment
Fine-tuning your Instagram feed
Instagram also lets users fine-tune their content recommendations by using the 'Interested' and 'Not interested' options next to each post or Reel.
This feedback improves the algorithm's accuracy in suggesting future content.
You can also hide ads you don't want to see again, prompting Instagram to adjust its algorithm and show fewer similar promotions in the future.