Instagram has introduced a new feature that lets users reset their recommendations algorithm with a simple tap. This tool offers a way to wipe the slate clean, clearing the app’s memory of past interactions, likes, and habits to provide a fresh start for exploring content.
The new reset button is part of Instagram’s “Content Preferences” settings. By selecting the “Reset Content Suggestion” option, users can restart how their Explore, Feed, and Reels recommendations are shaped. This feature doesn’t impact your followers or ad topics, but it resets the algorithm’s understanding of your preferences. Instagram assures users that the algorithm will start adapting again based on future interactions. However, the reset action is irreversible, offering a definitive break from past content associations.
This addition is particularly useful for users looking to refine their content experiences, especially those overwhelmed by irrelevant or outdated recommendations. It also underscores Instagram’s broader efforts to prioritise user agency, aligning with other tools like chronological Following Feeds and topic preferences for teenagers.
Meta, Instagram’s parent company, positions this as part of their broader mission to make the platform more user-friendly. In recent months, Meta has emphasised giving users more control, especially in the context of growing scrutiny around how algorithms influence social media behaviour.
Historically, platforms like YouTube and TikTok have experimented with similar features. TikTok, for instance, allows users to adjust recommendations by marking content as “Not Interested.” Instagram’s move, however, takes this a step further by offering a complete reset—a rare level of control in the social media ecosystem.
While this feature is still being tested in select markets, it has already sparked discussions about how algorithms should serve user interests. This development could set a precedent for other platforms to adopt more customisable tools for managing recommendations.
For those eager to try the feature, keep an eye on Instagram’s app updates. As the platform rolls out this innovation, it may soon become a standard tool for curating a more personalised and enjoyable experience.
