In a significant step toward enhancing user transparency and personalisation, Instagram has introduced a new feature called ‘Your Algorithm’, enabling users to better understand, view and control the type of content recommended to them on the Reels tab. The feature marks one of Instagram’s most ambitious moves to give users direct influence over the algorithm that shapes their daily feed.
A New Way to Personalise Reels Recommendations
Instagram users in the United States will now be able to access a dedicated ‘Your Algorithm’ tab positioned at the top-right corner of their Reels interface. Once opened, the section displays a concise, AI-generated summary of topics that Instagram believes align with the user’s interests.
These personalised interest clusters are built from the user’s recent activity on the platform, offering insight into why certain videos appear in their Reels feed. From Painting, GRWM (Get Ready With Me) videos, Chess tutorials, Horror Movies, and other niche subjects, users will get a clearer sense of how their behaviour shapes the content suggestions.
Tools to Increase or Decrease Specific Topics
A standout element of this new feature is the ability for users to fine-tune their Reels experience. Instagram will now allow them to:
- Select topics they want to see more frequently
- Choose topics they want to reduce or avoid entirely
This hands-on control provides a more customised and less intrusive browsing experience. Whether a user prefers educational clips, fashion content, lifestyle snippets or entertainment-focused Reels, they can now reinforce those preferences with a single tap.
Feature Designed with Transparency and User Trust at the Core
Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, emphasised that the primary goal behind ‘Your Algorithm’ is to bring clarity to how Instagram recommendations function. For years, users have questioned why certain posts or Reels appear on their feed. Mosseri explained that Instagram wants to bridge this gap by showing users a summary of their inferred interests generated by artificial intelligence and provide an opportunity to manage them directly.
He noted that these summaries are platform-generated, not manually curated, and will evolve as the user interacts with new content over time. The feature aims to strengthen user trust by offering visibility normally hidden behind complex machine-learning systems.
Option to Share Interest Summary with Followers
Instagram is also introducing a social touch to this feature by offering users the ability to share their algorithm summary with followers. This optional sharing creates opportunities for community interaction, allowing users to compare interests or spark conversations around shared preferences.
Such a sharing capability may also pave the way for new trends, as creators and influencers could start publicising their interest profiles to connect more authentically with their audience.
Initial Rollout in the U.S., Global Expansion Coming Soon
The company confirmed that ‘Your Algorithm’ is rolling out to U.S. users starting today, with a broader global release planned in the coming weeks.
The feature has been in testing for over a month. Earlier, Mosseri hinted that although the first phase is limited to Reels, Instagram intends to eventually extend this level of transparency and control to the Explore section as well. If implemented widely, this could redefine user control across the entire platform.
A Major Step Toward User-Centric Algorithmic Control
Instagram’s push for algorithm transparency is part of a broader industry trend where platforms are being encouraged to offer clearer insights into how content is recommended. By giving individuals the power to adjust their interests and limit unwanted topics, the platform aims to foster a more positive, personalised and less overwhelming digital experience.
As Instagram prepares to expand ‘Your Algorithm’ across markets, users worldwide can look forward to more autonomy over the content they consume and a deeper understanding of how their digital footprints influence their daily browsing.
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