Instagram 'Your Algorithm' Tool: Control Your Reels Feed

Instagram Introduces Algorithm Control with "Your Algorithm"

Instagram is launching a novel feature empowering users with visibility into, and control over, the algorithms that curate their content feeds. This initial rollout focuses on Reels, as the company announced on Wednesday.

Dubbed “Your Algorithm,” this new tool provides a view of the subject matter influencing Reels recommendations. Users can then customize these topics to align more closely with their individual preferences.

Accessing and Understanding Your Algorithm

While browsing Reels, a new icon – depicted as two lines with hearts – will appear in the upper right corner. Selecting this icon opens the “Your Algorithm” interface.

Within this interface, users will discover the topics Instagram believes they are most interested in. The platform clarifies that this list is generated through analysis of user activity and summarized using artificial intelligence.

An example description might read: “You’ve recently shown interest in creativity, sports highlights, fitness inspiration, and skateboarding.” This summary can be shared to your Instagram Story, allowing followers insight into your interests, much like Spotify Wrapped.

Customizing Your Recommendations

Below the summary, a detailed list of topics Instagram associates with your interests will be displayed. Users can indicate whether they wish to see more or less content related to each topic, dynamically adjusting future recommendations.

Furthermore, if a topic of interest is not already listed, it can be manually added to your personalized list.

Following TikTok’s Lead

This development mirrors TikTok’s earlier introduction of its “Manage Topics” feature last year. That feature also allows users to exert greater influence over the content appearing in their “For You” feed.

Like Instagram’s new functionality, TikTok’s tool enables users to tailor their feed based on preferred subject matter.

Key Differences and Availability

However, Instagram’s implementation differs from TikTok’s by offering a personalized list of topics, rather than a limited selection of generic categories. Additionally, Instagram allows users to add topics not initially suggested.

The “Your Algorithm” tool is currently available in the U.S., with a global rollout in English-speaking regions planned for the near future.

Future Expansion

Instagram intends to extend the functionality of “Your Algorithm” to personalize the Explore feed in subsequent updates. The company also anticipates integrating the tool into other areas of the application.