Instagram Is Testing New ‘Your Algorithm’ Controls: Here’s What They Mean for Creators and Everyday Users

Instagram is preparing to give users even greater control over their feeds. The Meta-owned platform is testing new features that expand its ‘Your Algorithm’ setting, allowing users to directly influence the type of content recommended across Reels and the main feed. The move reflects Instagram’s growing focus on personalisation, giving users easier ways to tell the platform what they enjoy, what they want less of and how recommendations should evolve over time.

What Is Instagram’s ‘Your Algorithm’ Feature?

Instagram first introduced ‘Your Algorithm’ in 2025 as a tool that lets users customise recommendations by selecting topics they want to see more or less often.

Instead of relying entirely on engagement signals like likes, shares and watch time, the feature gives users direct input into how Instagram recommends content.

Now, Instagram wants to make those controls easier to access throughout the app.

Also read: Instagram Is Testing Multiple Captions For Carousel Posts: Here’s What Creators Need To Know

What’s Changing?

According to Instagram Head Adam Mosseri, the company is testing several new ways to surface the feature.

One test allows users to access ‘Your Algorithm’ simply by pulling down on their home feed.

Another introduces the option to swipe up from a Reel to open recommendation controls.

Instagram is also testing buttons beneath Reels that allow users to instantly indicate whether they want to see more or less content like that particular video.

Rather than searching through Settings, users will be able to adjust recommendations while browsing.

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Why Is Instagram Making These Changes?

Instagram says the goal is to make content recommendations feel more personalised and transparent.

The platform wants users to have greater control over their feeds instead of relying solely on machine learning to predict their interests.

As recommendation algorithms become increasingly important across social media, platforms are facing growing pressure to explain how they work and give users more control over them.

What Does This Mean for Creators?

For creators, the update could make audience preferences even more important.

If users actively tell Instagram they want to see more of a particular content style, creators producing similar videos could benefit from stronger recommendations.

Conversely, repeated “Show me less” signals may reduce the reach of content that audiences find repetitive or irrelevant.

The tests reinforce the importance of creating engaging, high-quality content that encourages positive viewer interactions.

Not Everyone Is Happy

Despite the new controls, many users responded to Adam Mosseri’s announcement by asking for something different.

Several of the most-liked comments requested that Instagram prioritise posts from accounts users already follow rather than recommended content.

Others continued calling for a chronological feed instead of algorithm-driven recommendations.

The reaction highlights an ongoing debate between personalised discovery and giving users a simpler, follower-first experience.

When Will the New Features Launch?

For now, Instagram says these features are only being tested.

Adam Mosseri noted that some experiments may never become permanent features, and Meta has not announced a timeline for a wider rollout.

If introduced globally, the changes would further expand Instagram’s efforts to give users more control over what appears in their feeds while continuing to refine its recommendation system.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Instagram’s ‘Your Algorithm’ feature?

It is a personalisation tool that lets users choose the types of content they want to see more or less frequently.

What new features is Instagram testing?

Instagram is testing quicker access to ‘Your Algorithm’ through the feed, Reels and new recommendation buttons.

Will users be able to customise Reels recommendations?

Yes. One test allows users to tell Instagram they want more or fewer videos similar to a particular Reel.

When will the update be available?

Meta has not announced an official release date. The features are currently being tested.

Why does this matter for creators?

Direct user feedback may increasingly influence which creators and videos are recommended across Instagram.