How to Use “Your Algorithm” on Instagram Reels to Personalise Your Feed

Instagram has introduced a new AI-powered feature called “Your Algorithm”, designed to give users greater control over what they see on their Reels feed. With this update, Instagram aims to make content discovery more personalised by allowing users to actively shape the topics and interests that influence Reel recommendations. The feature is currently available in the Reels tab and is gradually rolling out globally in English.

As user interests change over time, Instagram says this new tool will help ensure that the content shown in Reels remains relevant, engaging, and aligned with personal preferences. Here’s a detailed look at what the feature is, how it works, and how you can use it to customise your Instagram Reels experience.

What Is “Your Algorithm” on Instagram Reels?

“Your Algorithm” is an AI-driven personalisation tool that allows users to see and influence the topics shaping their Reels feed. Instead of passively receiving recommendations based only on past likes, views, or interactions, users can now directly guide Instagram on what they want to watch more—or less—of.

According to Instagram, the platform has always focused on helping people explore their interests and connect with others. With this update, the company wants to offer more transparency and control, ensuring that recommendations evolve naturally as interests change.

Initially launching within the Reels section, the feature is expected to expand further across Instagram in the future.

Why This Feature Matters for Instagram Users

Instagram Reels has become one of the most consumed formats on the platform, with users spending significant time scrolling through short-form videos. However, over time, the algorithm may start showing repetitive or irrelevant content.

The Your Algorithm feature addresses this issue by:

• Giving users visibility into how Instagram categorises their interests

• Allowing manual fine-tuning of content preferences

• Making recommendations more accurate and less repetitive

• Helping users discover content that better aligns with their current interests

This update is especially useful for creators, professionals, and casual users who want their Reels feed to feel more intentional and less random.

How to Access “Your Algorithm” on Instagram Reels

Using the feature is simple and does not require any additional downloads or updates beyond the latest version of Instagram. Follow these steps:

Step 1: Open Instagram Reels

Launch the Instagram app and navigate to the Reels tab.

Step 2: Find the Algorithm Icon

While watching Reels, look for a new icon in the top-right corner of the screen. The icon usually appears as two lines with heart symbols, indicating algorithm controls.

Step 3: Open “Your Algorithm”

Tap on the icon to open the Your Algorithm control panel. This is where Instagram shows how it understands your interests.

How to Personalise Your Reels Feed

Once inside the control panel, you can start customising your recommendations.

View Your Top Interests

At the top of the screen, Instagram displays a summary of topics it believes you are most interested in. These are based on your past interactions such as likes, shares, comments, and watch time.

Tune Your Preferences

You can now actively adjust your feed by typing in topics you want to:

• See more often

• See less frequently

For example, if you want more travel or fitness content and less celebrity gossip, you can directly refine those preferences. Instagram’s AI then updates your Reels recommendations accordingly.

Let the Algorithm Adapt

Once changes are made, the Reels feed gradually adapts. You may not see instant changes, but over time the recommendations become more aligned with your updated interests.

Optional: Share Your Interests with Followers

Instagram also gives users the option to share their personalised interests to their Story. This allows friends and followers to see what kind of topics you are currently into.

While this step is completely optional, it can be useful for creators who want their audience to understand their content preferences or for users who enjoy sharing personal interests socially.

Things to Keep in Mind

• The feature is rolling out gradually, so it may not be visible to all users immediately

• Changes to preferences may take some time to fully reflect in your Reels feed

• Regular interaction with preferred content still plays an important role in shaping recommendations

Final Thoughts

Instagram’s Your Algorithm feature marks a significant shift toward user-controlled content discovery. By combining AI with manual preference tuning, Instagram is giving users more transparency and flexibility over what appears in their Reels feed.

If your Reels section has started to feel repetitive or disconnected from your interests, this new tool can help refresh your experience. By taking a few minutes to review and personalise your algorithm, you can make Instagram Reels more relevant, engaging, and enjoyable over time.