On Nov. 19, Meta announced that it is testing a tool that would allow users to reset Instagram’s algorithm.
Like TikTok, Instagram’s algorithm is shaped by the content users engage with. Gradually over time, their feeds become more personalized, as the algorithm can learn what content they’re interested in.
In Instagram’s case, this algorithm powers not only Reels recommendations, but also users’ home feeds and Explore pages.
Once users use this new resetting tool, which is rolling out globally “soon,” they will clear their data and re-train the app’s algorithm gradually over time.
How can I reset my Instagram algorithm?
Although the feature hasn’t officially been rolled out yet, Meta has already shared how you’ll be able to use this tool.
The first step is to navigate to “Content preferences.” From there, press the link titled “Reset suggested content.” This will then trigger a warning by the app, explaining how this reset will be a “fresh start” for users.
Once you press the “next” button at the bottom of the screen, it will then take you to a page where you can unfollow hashtags and accounts with content you are no longer interested in. After this, press the button that says “reset suggested content.”
However, this tool isn’t something that can be used lightly. As Instagram head Adam Mosseri puts it in a video, with great power comes great responsibility. Well, kind of.
“I want to be clear, this is a big thing to do,” he said. “It’s going to make your Instagram much less interesting at first, because we’re going to treat you as if we know nothing about your interests, and it will take some time to learn those again.”
“So it’s not something I recommend doing all the time,” Mosseri continued. “But if you do end up in a place where you really don’t feel good about your experience, this gives you an out.”
