Instagram has expanded its algorithm controls to the main feed. This follows an initial launch on Reels in October 2025 and a subsequent rollout to Explore.
This feature allows users to see what topics the recommendation system interests them, add topics they are more interested in, and remove topics they are less interested in.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri announced the change in a public post.
How “Your Algorithm” works and where the controls are available
Instagram’s recommendation system has traditionally relied on content embedding, which groups similar items together in a multi-dimensional space.
Although these embeddings can be represented as numbers, they do not correspond to categories understandable to users. With the advent of larger language models, Instagram can now translate these embeddings into descriptive topics in simple language.
This allows users to see what the system has predicted about their interests and adjust directly to those topics.
To optimize the main feed using its algorithms, users can open Instagram and access the algorithm controls through the feed settings.
There, they can review the list of topics the system has associated with their account, add topics they want to see more of, and remove topics they want to see less of. Any changes made are applied to the ranking model going forward.
Your algorithm is now active on three surfaces:
- Reel from October 2025,
- Explore, and the main feed, which was added this week.
Mosseri noted that the topics are only starting points. Instagram is working on supporting additional inputs including specific people, moods or vibes, and different content types.
Why Instagram added “Your Algorithm” controls and what comes next
Mosseri explained the broader reasoning behind the changes in his announcement. He said that as recommendation algorithms have become the main way to surface content across the industry, who users follow has become less important in shaping their experience.
The system learns from what users tap, view, and share, but users have no way to directly tell the system what they want.
Mosseri acknowledged that algorithmic recommendations are useful, pointing out that Instagram users share recommended content in direct messages billions of times a day.
Nevertheless, he described the lack of user input as a factor that contributes to the feeling that “experiences are happening to them rather than being shaped by them” on social platforms.
Mosseri said future versions of the feature will allow users to more precisely customize their experience. In addition to themes, upcoming controls may include options for specific people, moods, and content formats.
He also noted the long-term possibility of AI creating fully personalized app experiences tailored to individual users in real-time, while noting that such fully personalized experiences could influence shared cultural moments.
Your algorithm controls extended to the main feed are currently being rolled out. Instagram hasn’t provided details on regional availability or whether all users will get the feature at the same time.
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