Tired of seeing the same reels? How to reset Instagram’s suggested content algorithm
On Instagram, content appears in the feed, reels and explore sections based on a user’s interests and activity. Over time, however, the platform’s algorithm-based recommendation system can keep bringing the same type of posts into the feed, which may no longer match the user’s current interests or may feel monotonous.
To address this, Instagram has a feature called ‘Reset Suggested Content’. It allows users to rearrange the suggested content algorithm afresh, creating an opportunity to see content anew according to their own interests.
To reset the algorithm, first open the app and go to your profile. Then tap the three-line menu at the top right and select ‘Content Preferences’. Tapping the ‘Reset Suggested Content’ option there and following the on-screen instructions completes the reset process.
Before the final confirmation, Instagram will also give users a chance to review the list of accounts they follow and unfollow some if needed.
Resetting the algorithm will rearrange the content shown in explore, reels and the feed. It will not delete followed accounts, your own posts, stories or direct messages. The advertising system will also remain unchanged. After the reset, Instagram will start arranging content again based on the user’s new activity.
The feed can also be controlled without a full reset. If a post or reel is not liked, ‘Hide’ can be selected from its three-dot menu. The ‘Hidden Words’ feature can be used to avoid posts on specific words or topics. Turning on the ‘Following’ feed shows posts from followed accounts in chronological order, and keeping favourite accounts in the ‘Favourites’ list gives their posts priority.
After a reset, users need to like and comment on content matching their interests and follow favourite creators to shape the new feed. At the same time, it is important not to spend much time on unwanted content, because not only likes or comments but also the time spent watching a post or video — the watch time — is treated as a signal of interest in that content.
