Instagram, a platform owned by Meta Platforms Inc., will soon enable select users to reset their content recommendations, allowing them to refresh the algorithm that determines the posts and videos displayed in their feeds.
This feature is currently in testing, with plans for a broader rollout to enhance user control over their content experience, particularly for those who feel that their feeds no longer align with their interests. Earlier this year, Instagram introduced features aimed at improving privacy, allowing teenage users to select topics they would like to see more frequently, such as books, travel, cooking, and sports. Users can already indicate their preferences for recommended videos, with the algorithm also considering engagement signals like likes and shares to tailor content suggestions.
The option to reset the recommendation algorithm will allow users to reassess the accounts they follow, providing an opportunity to remove unwanted connections. “We want to ensure that everyone on Instagram — particularly teens — has safe, positive, and age-appropriate experiences while feeling that their time on the platform is worthwhile,” Meta stated in a recent blog post. “Our goal is to offer teens new methods to customize their Instagram journey, enabling it to evolve alongside their passions and interests.”
Meta has shifted its focus towards promoting entertainment-related content on Instagram, deliberately moving away from news and political topics. This strategy aims to enhance the amount of time young users spend on its platforms and mitigate exposure to contentious posts. Additionally, the company has increased the visibility of content from users that individuals do not already follow, a move designed to compete more effectively with TikTok, owned by ByteDance Ltd.
TikTok’s algorithm has received praise for its effectiveness in helping users achieve viral moments by showcasing their content to broader audiences beyond their existing followers. The platform boasts over one billion active users globally, with a significant portion being teenagers who dedicate substantial hours to video consumption daily. Last year, TikTok introduced its own feature allowing users to reset their video feeds and also implemented updates to reduce exposure to potentially harmful materials, such as videos related to sadness, extreme dieting, or suggestive content.
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