“Your Algorithm” lets Instagram users control their Reels algorithm
A newly announced Instagram tool lifts the lid on “the algorithm” and lets users decide which Reels they see.”
Instagram is taking a major step towards transparency by seemingly giving users direct control over their Reels algorithm. Announced today (10th December), the new feature, called “Your Algorithm”, allows people to see what topics shape their recommendations and adjust them based on their interests. The rollout begins in the US and will expand globally in English soon, according to Instagram’s announcement.
Explaining the tool, Instagram said, “Today, we’re excited to announce a new way to control your Instagram experience, starting with the Reels tab.” The company added that as users’ interests change, “using AI, your algorithm can change with you.” The goal is to make recommendations feel more relevant and personal over time.
When watching Reels, users will now see a small icon in the upper right corner that looks like two lines with hearts. Tapping this opens the Your Algorithm panel. Inside, users can view a summary of the topics Instagram believes they care about most. This summary is generated using AI and based on activity such as what people watch, like, share, or quickly scroll past. As TechCrunch reported, this could appear as something like, “Lately you’ve been into creativity, sports hype, fitness motivation, and skateboarding.”
Below the summary is a list of topics currently influencing the feed. Users can choose which subjects they want to see more or less of. They can also type in new topics that are not already listed. Instagram confirms that after making changes, “your Reels will reflect your choices.” Users can also choose to share their interest summary to their Story, allowing followers to see what shapes their feed.
The update places Instagram slightly ahead of competitors. TikTok introduced its “Manage Topics” feature last year, but it only offers a limited number of broad categories. Instagram’s version is fully personalised and allows users to add custom topics, making it more detailed and flexible.
TechRadar described social media algorithms as “black boxes” that quietly control what people see. This update begins to lift that curtain. It also follows years of criticism around safety and content control, particularly for younger users. Until now, most updates focused on parental tools, making this one of the first major steps to give everyday users direct influence over recommendations.
For now, the Your Algorithm tool only works with Reels. Instagram says it plans to bring this level of control to Explore and “more places in the app soon.” The company also noted, “We’re still early in this journey, and will keep refining and improving the experience over time.”