Instagram Tests New AI Controls to Give Users More Say Over Feed and Reels Recommendations

Instagram is testing a series of new features designed to give users greater control over the content they see in their Feed and Reels. The Meta-owned platform is experimenting with easier access to its "Your Algorithm" settings, allowing users to quickly tell Instagram what they want to see more—or less—without digging through multiple menus.

The upcoming changes are aimed at making Instagram's recommendation system more transparent and interactive, giving users real-time control over their content preferences instead of relying solely on automated algorithms.

Instagram Plans to Bring 'Your Algorithm' to the Forefront

Instagram head Adam Mosseri recently shared a preview of several concepts the company is currently testing. According to Mosseri, Instagram wants to move the "Your Algorithm" feature out of the Settings menu and make it accessible directly within the app experience.

The feature allows users to customize recommendations by selecting topics they enjoy and reducing recommendations for subjects they are less interested in.

Instead of treating the recommendation engine as a hidden background system, Instagram aims to make it part of everyday browsing, helping users personalize their experience with just a few taps.

Mosseri also clarified that not every concept shown in the preview is guaranteed to launch. Some features are already being tested with a limited group of users, while others remain early-stage ideas that may evolve before any public release.

Faster Access to Recommendation Controls

One of the biggest changes under testing is easier access to recommendation settings while browsing.

In one prototype, users can simply pull down on the Instagram Home Feed to instantly access recommendation controls without opening the Settings menu.

Another concept allows users to swipe up while watching a Reel to immediately adjust their recommendation preferences. This shortcut would let users quickly indicate whether they want to see more or fewer videos of a similar type.

The goal is to reduce the number of steps required to personalize the Instagram experience.

New 'More' and 'Less' Recommendation Buttons

Instagram is also experimenting with simple feedback buttons directly below Reels.

These buttons would allow users to instantly tell Instagram whether they would like:

• More videos like the current Reel.

• Fewer recommendations of similar content.

Rather than waiting for the algorithm to learn from long-term viewing habits, these quick feedback options could help Instagram understand changing interests much faster.

The company believes this real-time interaction can improve recommendation accuracy without interrupting the viewing experience.

Real-Time Personalization Is the Main Goal

According to Mosseri, Instagram wants users to adjust their preferences naturally while scrolling instead of making changes later through account settings.

For example, if someone's interests shift from cooking videos to travel content, the platform could recognize that change much sooner through direct user feedback.

This approach could make recommendations feel more relevant and responsive as personal interests evolve over time.

Why Instagram Is Updating Its Recommendation System

Instagram's recommendation engine determines much of the content users see across:

• Feed

• Reels

• Explore

At present, the platform relies on signals such as:

• Watch time

• Likes

• Comments

• Shares

• Saves

• Previous viewing activity

While these signals help personalize content, many users have complained that recommended posts often outweigh updates from people they actually follow.

Instagram hopes the new controls will strike a better balance by giving users more influence over how recommendations are generated.

Users Want More Posts From People They Follow

Early reactions to Mosseri's preview have been mixed.

While many users welcomed the idea of greater algorithm control, others said they would rather see more content from friends, family members and creators they already follow.

Several users also requested a chronological Feed that prioritizes posts from followed accounts instead of heavily relying on AI-powered recommendations.

The feedback reflects an ongoing debate across social media platforms, where users appreciate personalized recommendations but still value seeing updates from their chosen communities.

When Will the New Features Be Available?

Instagram has not announced an official rollout date for these features.

Some recommendation tools are already being tested with selected users, while others remain experimental concepts that may never reach the public version of the app.

The company says it will continue collecting user feedback before deciding which features become permanent additions to Instagram.

As testing continues, users can expect Instagram to focus on making its recommendation system more transparent, flexible and responsive to individual preferences, while maintaining the personalized experience that has become central to the platform's Feed, Reels and Explore sections.