Here's how you can tweak your Instagram algorithm, the official way

One thing many Instagram users, and social media users in general, would want is control over the hidden algorithm that's constantly on the lookout for what new content to feed. While absolute control might still be a dream, the social media giant Meta has started opening its doors a bit.

The company announced that you can now tweak your Instagram algorithm by choosing which topics you want to see and which ones you don't. It looks like the closest thing to one of the requests from our Instagram features wishlist.

The feature called "Your Algorithm" is starting with Reels, but the topics you choose will reflect across your feed and Explore tab in the future. Instagram has been testing Your Algorithm for a while now, following CEO Adam Mosseri's announcement of the feature in September last year.

You can start tweaking your Instagram algorithm from the Reels user interface. Open any Reel in the app, and you'll find a new button (with lines and hearts) to access the Your Algorithm page. Here you'll find AI-summarized tags to pick "What you want to see more of" and "What you want to see less of."

You can tap on the "Add" button to enter the topics manually. At the top of the page, Instagram will also mention what topics you're currently exploring. The topics you pick will also appear in the bottom left corner of the Reels interface above your handle name.

Your Algorithm is rolling out to users in most countries and regions where Instagram is available; however, it's currently limited to English. The feature builds on Instagram's existing efforts to give users some control over their content, such as resetting their Instagram algorithm for a fresh start.

However, it may not be out of the blue as its parent Meta runs into legal troubles time and again. A Dutch privacy group sued Meta last year for failing to give users the choice to permanently opt out of its algorithmic feeds.

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Posted Wednesday 14 January 2026 at 5:51 pm AEST (my time).

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