How Instagram Your Algorithm Lets You Personalize Your Reels Feed

In this detailed breakdown, we’ll walk through what the feature does, how it works, and why it matters. And yes—it’s written in a casual, human style for easy reading. Let’s dive in.

What Is Instagram’s New ‘Your Algorithm’ Tool?

Instagram has introduced a tool that lets you review and edit the topics influencing your Reels recommendations. The goal? To make your feed feel yours again.

For years, Instagram users have complained that the algorithm feels like a black box. One wrong swipe on a video you didn’t mean to engage with, and suddenly your feed is overrun with similar content. Instagram seems to have heard the frustration and is now trying to give some power back to the user.

“Your Algorithm” is currently available in the US, with plans to launch globally in English soon.

Where to Access the ‘Your Algorithm’ Feature

The tool appears directly inside the Reels tab. You don’t need to dig through settings or privacy menus.

Here’s how it works:
While watching any Reel, look for a small icon in the top-right corner—two tiny lines with hearts on them. Once you tap it, you’ll be taken straight into the Your Algorithm panel.

Think of it as your personal dashboard for tweaking what you want to see in your Reels feed.

How Instagram Determines Your Top Interests

Instagram Your Algorithm, At the top of the “Your Algorithm” panel, Instagram shows a short summary of what it thinks your current interests are. This summary is generated using your recent activity and AI insights.

These could include categories like:

• Creativity

• Sports

• Fashion

• Travel

• Food

• Technology

• Fitness

• Entertainment

Basically, whatever you interact with the most becomes part of this list. And yes—you can share this summary as a Story, similar to the viral Spotify Wrapped tradition.

Why Instagram Is Showing You These Topics

Instagram’s AI looks at a mix of signals, such as:

• The Reels you watch all the way through

• Videos you like or share

• Content you search for

• Creators you follow

• Posts you comment on

All this behavior helps Instagram predict what you want next. But predictions aren’t always perfect—hence the need for this tool.

Adjusting Topics You Want More or Less Of

Below the interest summary is where things get interesting. Here, Instagram displays a list of topics it believes you like. Each topic has options to:

• See More

• See Less

If you don’t vibe with a category anymore—maybe you went through a temporary fitness phase and now want to avoid seeing endless workout videos—just mark it as “See Less.”

Similarly, if you’re diving into a new hobby like filmmaking, gaming, or photography, you can boost how often you see that kind of content.

Adding New Topics Manually

What if the topic you’re into isn’t listed?

Instagram has a solution. You can type in any topic manually and add it to your interests. This means you’re no longer restricted to broad categories. Instead, you can shape your feed around niche or very specific subjects.

Think of it like telling Instagram, “Hey, I know what I want—let me take the wheel.”

Real-Time Changes to Your Reels Feed

One of the coolest aspects of Your Algorithm is that the changes take effect in real time. If you adjust your interests now, you’ll start seeing different Reels almost instantly.

This level of immediate control is something Instagram hasn’t offered before and represents a big shift in how recommendations work.

Why Instagram Created This Feature

Instagram says this tool is the first step toward giving users more clarity and control over their experience. Over the years, the algorithm became increasingly automated, and many users felt the app was deciding more for them than with them.

This new transparency aligns with Instagram’s goal of being more user-centric. As people’s interests evolve, their Reels feed should evolve with them—not force them into content loops they don’t care about.

Future Plans: Reaching Beyond Reels

Right now, Your Algorithm only affects the Reels tab. But Instagram confirmed that it plans to expand this feature to:

• The Explore tab

• The main feed

• Other recommendation surfaces

Imagine having control over your entire Instagram experience—not just Reels. That’s the direction Instagram seems to be heading.

Why This Matters for Users

In simple terms, this tool:

• Cuts down on irrelevant recommendations

• Helps you discover content you truly care about

• Gives you power to steer your Instagram journey

• Makes the platform feel less algorithm-driven and more user-driven

In a time when social media algorithms often feel overwhelming, a bit of control goes a long way.

Why This Matters for Creators

Creators benefit, too. When users actively select topics they enjoy, creators producing content in those areas are more likely to land in the feeds of engaged audiences.

That means:

• Higher relevance

• Better watch time

• More genuine interaction

• More loyal followers

The feature could help creators reach the right audience faster instead of depending solely on algorithm luck.

Read More: 19 Minute Viral MMS: Why Sharing This Video Can Lead to Serious Legal Trouble

Conclusion

Instagram Your Algorithm, Instagram’s “Your Algorithm” is a much-needed update that puts users back in control of their content consumption. Instead of relying solely on AI predictions, you now have the power to shape your Reels feed based on what truly interests you. Whether you’re tired of repetitive content or eager to explore new topics, this feature makes personalizing your experience easier than ever.

With plans to expand the tool across the entire platform, Instagram is moving toward a more open and user-controlled ecosystem—something many have been waiting for.