Instagram’s recommendation system plays a major role in what users see, watch, and engage with every day.
To address growing concerns about algorithmic control, Instagram has introduced a feature called "Your Algorithm", allowing users to manually influence their Reels feed.
What Is Instagram "Your Algorithm"?
Your Algorithm is a manual preference system built into Instagram Reels that lets users:
Select topics they are interested in
Remove topics they want to see less of
Actively guide how Reels content is recommended
Instead of relying entirely on passive signals like watch time or likes, Instagram now allows explicit input from users.
How to Access Instagram Reels Algorithm Controls
Step 1: Open the Reels Feed
Launch Instagram and tap on the Reels tab.
Step 2: Tap the Slider Icon
In the top-right corner of the Reels feed, tap the slider control icon.
Step 3: Enter "Your Algorithm" Settings
This opens your personal Reels preference dashboard.
How to Customize Your Reels Interests
Step 1: Add or Remove Topics
You can now choose from a list of interest categories such as:
Travel
Technology
Fitness
Food
Fashion
Business
Add topics you want to see more of, and remove topics you find irrelevant.
Step 2: Review Topic Examples
Tapping on any topic shows sample videos that Instagram associates with that category.
This helps you understand how the platform defines each interest.
Does Manually Controlling the Algorithm Actually Work?
In theory, allowing users to control recommendations could reduce overall engagement.
Instagram's growth has largely been driven by AI-powered content discovery.
In practice, however:
Most users rarely adjust settings after initial setup
Many users prefer effortless scrolling over active configuration
The feature mainly serves as a sense of control, not a daily tool
As a result, the real impact on engagement is likely minimal.
Why Instagram Is Giving Users More Algorithm Control
This feature is part of a broader trend across social platforms.
Meta has been testing similar controls on:
Instagram
Facebook
Threads
The goal is not to eliminate algorithms, but to:
Improve transparency
Reduce negative perceptions of algorithmic manipulation
Give users a sense of agency over their content experience
Even if most users never change the settings, the option itself improves trust.
Can You Choose Your Top Interests for Instagram Reels?
Instagram is also experimenting with allowing users to select three primary interests to guide their Reels feed over a longer period.
This approach helps the system:
Build stronger long-term interest profiles
Reduce random or irrelevant recommendations
Align content more closely with user intent
It's a move toward annual or persistent interest modeling, rather than short-term behavior tracking.
Will Algorithm Controls Change Social Media Consumption?
In the short term, probably not.
Most users prefer:
Instant access
Minimal configuration
Algorithmic discovery without effort
However, long-term changes may include:
Greater transparency around recommendation systems
Hybrid feeds combining automation and manual input
Increased pressure on platforms to justify algorithmic decisions
Final Thoughts
If you want:
More relevant Reels content
Less repetitive or unwanted videos
A clearer sense of control over your feed
Then adjusting your Reels interests at least once is worthwhile.
Even a single setup can subtly influence what Instagram shows you over time.
