Currently, Instagram is testing new algorithm control settings for its Reels feature. This will soon give users more control over the types of short-videos that appear in their Reels feed. For instance, a new “Your Algorithm” section will allow you to see the topic groups the app believes you’re interested in and then to add or remove those topics yourself.

How the New Controls Work

• In Reels feed settings there’s a new menu showing the topics Instagram has tagged to your account.
• You can remove topics you no longer want to see or add topics you do wish to view.
• Instagram has suggested some sample Reels it recommends under each topic group, so that you can decide whether the category is for you.
• The aim is to make the process of recommendations more transparent and give users more control.

Why This Matters

There are a few reasons the change is important:

Greater control: Users often feel that they’re at the mercy of algorithmic recommendations — this feature gives them ways to nudge what they see.

Transparency We will provide you with all topic areas we have placed your account in so you know why certain Reels are showing on Explore.

Better experience: If you curate the topics we show you, you’re more likely to see content you like — and less of what you don’t.

But there is a catch: historically, many users never change these settings despite of offer of help even if they have the option.

 What You Can Do Right Now

•  See if your app includes the “Your Algorithm” setting (it’s rolling out gradually).
• Go to the Reels settings, find your topic-list and explore it ,  delete topics that feel uninteresting.
• Follow topics you care about and the app will show articles about them.
• Utilize this feature as a reminder to go through my feed and ask myself if videos like these are still relevant and interesting to me

Conclusion

This move by Instagram is one small step toward affording users greater control over what they view. Though algorithms will always be central to content recommendations, allowing users the choice of whether to opt-in or out of topic groups is a significant move. And if you spend a few minutes personalizing your settings, there’s a chance that your Reels feed could become better tailored to what you’re looking for.