Instagram Tests New Interface to Customise Algorithm Recommendations

Instagram is currently testing new, more accessible ways for users to refine their feed and Reels recommendations. The platform is exploring shortcuts that allow users to pull down on the feed or swipe up on a Reel to open the 'Your Algorithm' settings menu, providing more immediate control over content. These features, previewed by Instagram head Adam Mosseri, also include interactive buttons that let users indicate whether they wish to see more or less of specific video types while they browse.

The initiative builds on the existing 'Your Algorithm' feature introduced in 2025, which enables users to specify topic preferences. Instagram aims to make these controls central to the browsing experience, reducing the need for users to navigate deep into settings menus to reshape their feed. By moving beyond passive indicators like watch time and likes, the platform is considering potential 'chatbot-like' interactions, where users could describe the types of content they want to see, such as fitness or travel clips, to actively steer their recommendation engine.

While the tests aim to empower users, public feedback has remained divided. Many users have expressed a preference for prioritizing content from accounts they already follow, specifically calling for a return to chronological or follower-focused feeds rather than expanded algorithm-based controls. Meta has confirmed these are active experiments and has not yet provided a definitive timeline for a global rollout, noting that not every feature tested will necessarily become permanent. The ongoing development reflects Meta's broader strategy to balance personalized engagement with greater user autonomy in managing the digital experience.