Instagram is testing a new way to let users fine-tune their feeds by adding or removing topics that match their interests.
The feature, first rolling out on Reels, will soon expand to Explore and possibly Threads, giving users more say over what the algorithm recommends.
The test was announced alongside a milestone update from Instagram head Adam Mosseri, who revealed that Instagram has reached a new high in monthly active users. “While we’ve evolved over the years, we want to continue to stand for creativity in everything we do,” Mosseri said, adding that messaging, Reels, and recommendations have driven most of our recent growth.
He noted that Instagram will focus on organising the app around these key areas in the coming months. But as recommendations become a bigger part of the platform, Mosseri said the company recognises the need to “give you more control over your experience.” The upcoming algorithm-tuning feature aims to do just that. Letting users shape their feeds by managing what topics appear.
And now, the new section called “Your Algorithm” showcases topics according to your recent activity on Instagram. You can tap “Add” or “See less” depending on your preference.
Reactions from users have been mixed. Some welcomed the update, hailing it as a “great first step” and a useful tool to “keep my feed in check.” Others have reacted more skeptically, with some asking for the return to chronological feeds or simply to “just see people I follow.” A number of comments also questioned whether this update would be collecting more user data or rely too heavily on AI recommendations.
Still, others appreciated that the platform is at least acknowledging user feedback. “Sounds like a step in the right direction,” one commenter said, while another added, “Finally, some control over what we actually see.”
If successful, this feature could mark one of the most user-centric algorithm updates Instagram has made yet — blending the power of AI-driven recommendations with the kind of personalization users have been demanding for years.
