Instagram Tests New Ways to Customize 'Your Algorithm'

Instagram users could soon see more ways to tune their content, according to a recent post from Instagram head Adam Mosseri. Specifically, Mosseri was showing off new ways that users might access Your Algorithm, a feature that allows them to specify which topics they want to see more of, and less of. Instagram launched Your Algorithm last year and has been introducing it to more areas of the app.

Mosseri said, “We want to evolve Your Algorithm from a setting to something that feels central to your experience on Instagram.” He also noted, “Some of this is testing now, some is coming soon, some might not work.” The examples in his post include one where pulling down in your Instagram feed eventually brings up the Your Algorithm menu, and another where swiping up from a Reel could bring up a similar customization prompt. A third shows buttons beneath each Reel to indicate whether or not you want to see more Reels like it. The most popular comments on Mosseri’s post all make the same request.

As one user put it, “WE JUST WANT OUR ALGORITHM TO SHOW THE PPL WE FOLLOW.” Why this matters: Instagram's efforts to enhance user control over their content feed reflect a broader industry trend towards transparency and customization. As social media platforms continue to evolve, users are demanding more agency over what they see and interact with. For developers and businesses, this means adapting to a more nuanced algorithm that prioritizes user preferences.

For consumers, it offers a more personalized experience, but also raises questions about the impact on content discovery and the potential for echo chambers. As Instagram continues to test and refine its features, it will be crucial to strike a balance between user control and the serendipity that makes social media so valuable.