Instagram’s New “Your Algorithm” Feature Puts Reels Control in Your Hands

Instagram is giving users new power over their feeds. The platform’s head, Adam Mosseri, announced a feature called “Your Algorithm.” This tool will let people customize the content they see in their Reels. The news came as Instagram celebrated reaching over 3 billion monthly active users.

This update is part of a broader shift for the app. Mosseri confirmed the platform will reorient itself around private messaging (DMs), Reels, and recommended content.

A Deep Dive into the New Customization Tool

The “Your Algorithm” section will show users the topics Instagram’s system believes they like. People can then remove topics they are no longer interested in. For example, you could tell the app to show fewer videos about fitness or cooking.

This direct feedback helps refine your personal content stream. According to Mosseri, recommendations are a key growth driver. The goal is to make those recommendations more accurate and satisfying for each user.

Instagram’s Strategic Pivot and Broader Impact

This change signals a major strategic focus. Mosseri stated that growth is driven by DMs, Reels, and recommendations. Therefore, the app’s design will prioritize these areas in the coming months. One visible change will be replacing the upload button in the navigation bar with a shortcut to direct messages.

This focus underscores Instagram’s evolution into an entertainment and communication hub. The move aims to keep users engaged for longer by delivering highly personalized video content. It also highlights the platform’s confidence in its algorithmic curation.

The new “Your Algorithm” feature represents a significant step toward user-controlled content curation on Instagram. This move could fundamentally change how people interact with the massive flow of Reels on the platform.

Info at your fingertips

What exactly is the “Your Algorithm” feature?

It is a new settings section within Instagram. It will display a list of interest topics that the algorithm has assigned to you. You can then remove any topics you do not want to see in your Reels feed.

When will this feature be available to all users?

Instagram has not announced an official release date. The feature was previewed by Adam Mosseri, indicating it is in development and likely to launch soon.

Why is Instagram making these changes now?

The changes align with the platform’s growth strategy. Almost all of Instagram’s recent growth has come from DMs, Reels, and algorithm-based content recommendations.

How will the app’s navigation change?

Instagram plans to replace the central upload button in the bottom navigation bar. It will be swapped with a shortcut to the Direct Messages (DMs) inbox for easier access.

Can I add new topics of interest with this tool?

Based on the preview, the feature primarily focuses on removing unwanted topics. It is unclear if users will be able to proactively add new interest categories at launch.