How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
Instagram has been around since 2010 and is now one of the biggest social media platforms on the planet with more than 2 billion monthly users. Up until just recently, it was impossible to escape or reset algorithms but Meta, has finally, announced a new feature that will allow users to reset their account's algorithm. This means clearing all suggested content so you can start receiving fresh recommendations. Here’s everything you need to know about this update and how to reset your Instagram Algorithm.
How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
At this point in time the feature hasn't yet rolled out to everyone worldwide but once the feature is available, you can find it in the app’s settings by following these steps:
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Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner to open “Settings and Activity.”
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Open the Suggested Content or Content Preferences section and tap Reset Suggested Content.
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Select Next then customize your ad and feed preferences (if you want to partially reset the algorithm), or tap Reset Recommendations at the bottom to fully reset the algorithm.
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Confirm your choice in the pop-up window.
After resetting your recommendations, you won’t see personalized content in Explore, Feed, or Reels for a while until the algorithm gathers new data based on your activity. So you can expect to see pretty random sets of content including quite a fair bit of NSFW content if you don't have any restrictions on your account.
Instagram to Introduce Option to Reset Recommendations in Feeds, Reels, and Explore
Meta, the parent company of Instagram, recently announced the development of a new feature that will allow users to have more control over the content they see on the platform. This feature will enable users to reset their recommendations in the Explore section (the magnifying glass icon), Reels, and their main feed.
Instagram’s algorithm, which relies on artificial intelligence and machine learning, has been a key factor in personalizing the content users see. Taking a cue from TikTok’s success, Instagram has shifted to focusing on suggested content rather than just posts from followed accounts.
By resetting the algorithm, users can erase the historical data that Instagram uses to recommend content. This allows the system to start fresh, gathering new data and providing recommendations as if the account were newly created.
While this feature will be accessible to all users, it’s particularly beneficial for teenagers, as it can help avoid inappropriate or overly sensitive content suggestions. It’s also ideal for those whose recommendations have become too repetitive or overly narrow in focus.