Instagram Tests More Ways to Let Users Control Their Algorithm

Instagram is testing new ways for users to adjust the content recommended across the app.

Instagram head Adam Mosseri showed several possible ways to access Your Algorithm, a feature that lets users specify which topics they want to see more or less often.

Instagram launched Your Algorithm last year and has gradually expanded it to more parts of the app.

Easier Access

Instagram wants to make Your Algorithm a central part of the user experience rather than leaving it as a separate setting.

“We want to evolve Your Algorithm from a setting to something that feels central to your experience on Instagram,” Mosseri said.

However, he said some of the demonstrated changes are currently being tested, some are coming soon, and others may not work.

New Controls

One example showed the Your Algorithm menu appearing after a user pulls down on the main Instagram feed.

Another showed a similar customisation prompt appearing when a user swipes up from a Reel.

Instagram is also testing buttons below each Reel that would allow users to indicate whether they want to see more content like it.

These controls would give users more direct ways to influence the topics and recommendations appearing in their feeds.

Users Want Followed Accounts

Many of the most popular comments under Mosseri’s post focused on a different request.

Users asked Instagram to prioritise posts from the people they already follow rather than showing more recommended content.

“WE JUST WANT OUR ALGORITHM TO SHOW THE PPL WE FOLLOW,” one user wrote.

Instagram has not confirmed when all the demonstrated Your Algorithm controls will become available.