Instagram is introducing a new feature that gives users more visibility into, and control over, how content is recommended in the Reels tab, as platforms face growing scrutiny over algorithm-driven feeds.
Details about the update were published by Instagram in a blog post outlining its approach to giving users more direct control over recommendation algorithms to make recommendations better reflect users’ evolving interests over time. The new update update allows users to view the topics Instagram’s systems believe they are most interested in and adjust those preferences directly.
Algorithmic recommendation systems play a central role in how content is surfaced across social platforms, but they often operate with limited visibility for users. The change aligns with a broader industry push toward offering clearer explanations and greater user input into automated systems powered by artificial intelligence.
How the feature works
The new controls are accessible from the Reels tab through a dedicated icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. Tapping it opens a section called “Your Algorithm,” where users can see and modify the signals shaping their Reels feed.
Users can:
- view a summary of their top interest categories as identified by Instagram
- indicate which topics they want to see more or less of
- share their interest profile to Stories, if they choose
Instagram says changes made through the tool will influence future recommendations, allowing the Reels feed to adapt more quickly as interests change.
The company said this is an early step, with plans to extend similar controls beyond Reels to other areas of the app, including Explore.
The feature is rolling out starting in the United States and will expand globally in English over time. Instagram said it will continue refining the experience as it gathers feedback.
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