Through its algorithm Instagram behaves by sorting content for each user according to their past engagement patterns and stated areas of interest. Instagram bases its algorithm on a set of characteristics including your interactions with posts as well as your account follows and your use of Reels and your written comments.
The system exists to make user experience better but occasionally reaches maximum repetition which maintains you in a content cycle that overlooks your shifting interests. Users often desire to reset their Instagram algorithm because of different personal reasons. Your Instagram feed contains too many unimportant posts and your suggested content on the Explore page continues showing uninteresting content to you. The number of interactions you make has decreased which makes you miss vital updates from both your close contacts and important pages.
The Instagram algorithm reset procedure helps users get more important and interesting content on their feed regardless of their initial motivation for doing so. This article provides direct steps for Instagram reset algorithm procedures to gain control over your feed. We will show you all necessary steps to improve your Instagram use through clearing your search history and interacting with new content while adjusting your following list.
Understanding the Instagram Algorithm
The computing system modifies different website areas in distinct ways. The Feed algorithm shows your first updates coming from the accounts that receive your most active engagement which includes your connections and preferred creators. The Stories presentation format works identically to Feed by displaying updates from those accounts which you actively see or connect with.
Your past activity on the platform drives the content selection process on Explore as it matches trending and relevant items to show you. The algorithm for Reels serves up videos based on your viewing history because Instagram seeks to create continuous scrolling through video suggestions matching your previous preferences. The system experiences imperfect performance since it can develop a circular pattern which keeps showing one style of content repeatedly without variation.
The algorithm creates such loops because you repeatedly view contents from a specific category no matter what your intentions were. The moment you view three cooking videos your Instagram news feed will transform into a continuous stream of food-related content despite its being unrelated to your main interests. Open-ended viewing results in fewer worthwhile interactions through Instagram since your feed repeats the same content over time. Purposeful modifications to how you handle content enable users to modify the algorithm thus restoring diversity in their feed.
Steps to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
The process to reset your Instagram algorithm depends on purposeful modifications to your behavioral patterns on the platform. Adapting your actions on Instagram enables you to shape which content will be suggested to you. The following list presents steps for updating your feed content while receiving targeted recommendations.
1. Clear Your Search History
Instagram uses your search history to refine recommendations. To reset this:
Go to your profile and tap the menu (☰) in the top right.
Select “Your activity” → “Recent searches.”
Tap “Clear all” to remove past searches.
This prevents Instagram from associating your past searches with future recommendations.
2. Unfollow and Mute Irrelevant Accounts
The algorithm prioritizes content from accounts you follow. If your feed is cluttered with irrelevant posts, unfollow or mute them:
Visit the profile of an account you no longer find relevant.
Tap “Following” → “Unfollow” or “Mute” (to stop seeing their posts without unfollowing).
This helps Instagram understand that you’re no longer interested in that content.
3. Engage with New Content
Actively engaging with fresh content can shift your algorithm:
Like, comment on, and save posts that align with your current interests.
Watch and share Reels or posts in different categories to train the algorithm.
The more you interact with diverse content, the more Instagram adapts.
4. Use the “Not Interested” Option
Instagram allows you to manually refine your recommendations:
On the Explore page, tap on a post you don’t like.
Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) and select “Not Interested.”
For Reels, tap the menu and select “Not Interested” or “Show fewer posts like this.”
Regularly doing this helps Instagram remove unwanted content from your feed.
5. Follow New Accounts and Hashtags
To introduce variety, follow accounts and hashtags related to your evolving interests:
Search for topics you want to see more of.
Follow new creators or industry-related pages.
Engage with posts under relevant hashtags to influence Instagram’s recommendations.
6. Limit Time on Certain Content Types
Instagram tracks your watch time and engagement. If your feed feels repetitive, reduce time spent on unwanted content:
Scroll past content you don’t want to encourage.
Avoid lingering on posts you don’t find interesting.
This signals to the algorithm that those topics are no longer relevant.
7. Restart the App & Log Out (Optional Hard Reset)
For a deeper reset, you can:
Log out of Instagram and log back in.
Clear the Instagram app cache (Settings → Apps → Instagram → Clear Cache).
Reinstall the Instagram app for a fresh start.
While this doesn’t erase preferences completely, it can help recalibrate recommendations.
Maintaining a Healthy Instagram Feed
Regular attention is needed to keep your Instagram feed actively displaying interesting and appropriate content. The algorithm detects evolving preferences through user interactions that align with personal interests which happen when users like and comment and share relevant content. You should establish a discipline to eliminate unwanted content through the “Not Interested” option or account unfollowing for those profiles that ceased to interest you.
Preserving an active social media presence through new creator follow-ups and distinct hashtag exploration alongside multiple content type exploration will stop algorithmic repetition. The combination of schedule-setting for screen time and payment attention to your usage habits enables balanced social media use which prevents overwhelming feelings. Your consistent interaction selection maintains your Instagram feed in an exciting and fresh state.
26th February Instagram algorithm
The instance of abrupt graphic violent content delivery to Instagram users occurred through their Reels feeds during February 2025 while users maintained their sensitive content control settings active. Users raised major worries about Instagram’s content moderation system and algorithmic operations after this specific event occurred.
The Incident Unfolds
Many users discovered graphic videos showing violent content including murder depictions as well as cartel operations since the system failed to activate its “sensitive content” alert system. The unexpected surge of graphic content made many users feel ill at ease which in turn caused them to discuss the matter on social media platforms.
Meta’s Response
Meta Platforms acknowledged the error in their program before providing an apology to their users. The company addressed the problem yet it failed to describe the underlying reason that caused the malfunction. The company declared its dedication to deleting graphic violent media while assigning descriptive warnings for adult content. The incident took place not long after Meta implemented new content moderation policies where it canceled its U.S. fact-checking program but introduced a community notes system that faces questions about its control over content.
Implications for Content Moderation
This case presents the difficulties social media services encounter while maintaining automated content moderation with protection for their users. The increased use of automated tools by Meta following the reduction in human content moderators makes people wonder whether machines can provide sufficient protection against harmful material. The event emphasizes the requirement for strong preventative measures which combat dangerous content distribution alongside safety measures to shield users from distressing material.
User Trust and Platform Responsibility
Unwanted content exposure together with damaged user trust in Instagram’s content safety became a direct result of this platform failure. Platform evolution demands that reliable content moderation systems stay reliable while transparent policy change communication works to protect user trust and platform safety.
Meta Apologizes for Instagram Reels Content Error
Meta’s Official Apology Regarding Instagram Algorithm Issue “We sincerely apologize for the recent issue affecting Instagram’s Reels feed, where some users were unexpectedly shown graphic and violent content without proper content warnings. This was the result of an error in our content moderation systems, and we understand the distress it may have caused.
Our teams have identified and resolved the issue to ensure that sensitive content is appropriately filtered moving forward. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and enjoyable experience for our users and will continue improving our content moderation tools.
We appreciate your patience and feedback as we work to enhance our platform’s reliability. If you encounter any further issues, please report them through the Instagram app”