Instagram to Let Users Reset Recommendations to Stop Seeing Unwanted Content

Instagram is finally making it possible for users to reset the algorithm that curates recommendations across the Explore page, home feed, and Reels. The Meta-owned platform will soon launch a tool to reset the algorithmic content for a fresh start. It will be available globally for both adult and teen accounts.

"In just a few taps, you'll be able to clear your recommended content across Explore, Reels, and Feed and start fresh," said Meta.

The ability to reset recommendations will particularly help users who feel their Instagram feed does not represent their preferences for the content. Several users have often criticised the platform for serving irrelevant content based on one interaction or two with a post or Reel on a similar topic. For instance, a user may have liked a Reel on food recipes in the past, but they no longer want similar videos to appear in the Reel tab.

Once users reset their algorithm, Instagram starts personalisation for their accounts all over again, based on the posts, Reels, and accounts they engage with.

The new feature is part of Meta's efforts to ensure better guardrails on the platform for teenagers. "We want to make sure everyone on Instagram -- especially teens -- has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they're spending on Instagram is valuable," the company said. "We want to give teens new ways to shape their Instagram experience, so it can continue to reflect their passions and interests as they evolve."

However, resetting the algorithm could also cause users to feel their Instagram experience has degraded immediately. Addressing that problem, Instagram head Adam Mosseri posted a video explaining how resetting recommendations could help improve the experience. In a video, 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 -- but if you do end up in a place where you really don't feel good about your experience, this gives you an out."