With 2 billion monthly active users, Instagram is the most loved and used social media platform for entertainment and business purposes, too. From Reels to carousels, Stories to Lives, and even Shopping, Instagram offers a full-on experience.
But be honest—have you ever felt your Instagram feed is stuck in a loop while scrolling? You open the app hoping to discover something fresh and exciting, but see the same old content from creators you no longer like.
You might think, “Wait—why am I missing out on the content I care about?”
You’re not alone. A lot of Instagram users feel this way.
And guess what? It’s all because of the “Instagram Algorithm.” Your activity influences what shows up on your Feed and Explore page.
But here’s the good news: just like most problems, this one has a solution.
And that solution is to ‘Reset’ your Instagram Algorithm.
You can train the algorithm to forget the content you no longer enjoy and show you more of what you love.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to reset your Instagram algorithm. You’ll get easy, actionable steps to refresh your feed and reshape your experience on IG.
What Is the Instagram Algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm decides or determines the order in which content appears in your feed, Explore page, Reels tab, and Stories. It’s not just one algorithm. Instead, it’s a collection of multiple algorithms and classifiers. These systems analyze many factors to predict what content you’ll find appealing.
Instagram referred to the Instagram algorithm as a collection of different algorithms or classifiers, each with its own purpose. They work together to organize content for each user. The main goal of these systems is to show you content Instagram thinks you’ll find interesting and engaging.
Simply put, Instagram’s algorithms want you to stay active on the app more and longer by personalizing your feed and showing you the relevant content!
How the Instagram Algorithm Works in 2025
You have learned about the Instagram algorithm, but do you know how this algorithm works? You would be surprised that the IG algorithm constantly learns from your behavior.
It pays attention to your activities on the platform.
Several key factors that influence what you see are:
- Posts you’ve liked and saved.
- Accounts you follow and frequently interact with.
- Types of content you engage with (e.g., photos, videos, Reels).
- Topics and hashtags you search for.
- Time spent viewing posts.
- Direct shares
Beyond your activity, the algorithm also analyzes the content itself. Important signals include:
- Popularity of the post (likes, comments, shares, saves).
- Recency of the post.
- Length and engagement metrics of videos (especially Reels).
- Information embedded in the content (e.g., captions, hashtags, location tags).
- Finally, the algorithm considers the creator of the content and your relationship with them.
- Factors like their posting frequency and your past interactions contribute to whether their content appears in your feed.
Now, you can see how your actions directly shape the content you encounter on Instagram.
For instance, if you frequently search for “Social Media Management topics” and click or like related posts or creators, the IG algorithm will consider these topics relevant and interesting to you.
And start showing more content of this type.
This is where the reset IG algorithm comes into play!
What Does Instagram Algorithm Reset Mean?
Okay, imagine this: you’re scrolling through your feed, wanting fresh and exciting content, but Instagram keeps showing you recommended content that doesn’t align with your current mood and interests. In this case, what would you do?
You think of a way to wipe out all those suggestions you’re uninterested in, right? The good news is, you can exactly do that now with the Instagram Algorithm Reset – giving your IG a new and fresh look!
In November 2024, Instagram launched the “Reset button,” which allows users to completely reshape their Instagram experience. This feature resets the Instagram algorithm and entirely clears all the recommended content on the users’ Feed, Explore page, and IG Reels.
Here is what Instagram head Adam Mosseri said about this feature:
View this post on Instagram
The Instagram algorithm reset was primarily introduced for teens’ and young users’ accounts to create a positive and safe IG experience. However, now it has become a tool for every Instagram user who wants to reshape and refresh their Instagram and social media experience.
With the Reset option, you can tell Instagram, “Hey, my interests have changed, or maybe you just got the wrong idea about what I like!”
By clearing/resetting the Instagram algorithm, you significantly change the kind of content you see. This involves actively telling Instagram what you “Do” and “Don’t” want to see.
In simple terms, the Instagram algorithm reset is a win-win feature! Following a few steps, you can get what you need to see on your Feed, Reels, and the Explorer page. You can guide the algorithm to show you a better feed reflecting your interests.
Note: No single “reset” button exists; you must go through a step-by-step process and actively signal your preferences to the algorithm afterward!
Instagram Threads
Here is one more aspect to consider. Instagram Threads is also gaining popularity. Note that it’s a separate app focused on text-based conversations. While both apps operate with distinct algorithms, your interactions and interests on both platforms can indirectly influence Instagram’s overall understanding of your preferences. This will eventually affect what you see across both apps over time.
Why Would You Want to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm?
You have taken the big step and hit that Reset button for many reasons. Here are some of them:
- Your Feed Feels Stale: You keep seeing the same types of posts or content from the same accounts and creators, and it’s no longer exciting.
- Evolving Interests: Your hobbies and interests have changed, but your Instagram feed is stuck in the past.
- Irrelevant Content Overload: You’re seeing too many posts that don’t align with what you care about and need now.
- Harmful or Uninspiring Content: You might realize your feed has become too narrow. You want to see a wider variety of viewpoints and curate a more positive and uplifting feed by seeing fewer specific topics or sensitive content that causes distress.
- Desire for Fresh Discovery: You want to see new creators, trends, and perspectives on the platform.
You can actively influence the Instagram algorithm by following those you want to see and resetting it on and off. This will create a more personalized and engaging experience that reflects your current tastes.
How to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm in Easy Steps
So, are you ready for a whole new, fresh start on IG? If yes, follow the steps below to reset the Instagram algorithm/recommendations on Android or iPhone:
1. Go to Your Profile: Tap your picture at the bottom right to open your IG profile.
2. Open Settings: Tap the three horizontal lines at the top right, then “Settings and activity.”
3: Find Content Preferences: Scroll down to “What you see” and tap “Content preferences.”
4: Start the Reset: Now tap the “Reset suggested content” option.
After that, it’s time to reset the IG algorithm!
But before proceeding to that option, it provides you with a 3-step confirmation process to rethink/review your decision:
- Review the Reset Details
- Review Followed Accounts & Ad Topics
- The Final Question
Pro Tip: To make your experience more engaging and personalized, you can unfollow the accounts you no longer want to follow and add various new ad topics.
5: Confirm Your Choice: If you’re sure about the reset (it can’t be undone), tap “Next” and hit the “Reset suggested content” to confirm your preferences.
And with that, it’s done! You have cleared your previous recommended content across Explore, Reels, and Feed. Now, be ready to have a breathtaking fresh start on the IG!
Here is a Quick Reset Checklist for a super quick Reset!
What Happens After You Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
You’ve taken the necessary steps, toggled the “Reset suggested content” option, and told Instagram to ignore its current suggestions.
What’s next? Though you may know what will happen next, here’s what you can likely expect.
- Your feed’s Explore page, Reels, and other suggested posts will show mixed content. You’ll see a broader range of topics and creators, not just the usual ones. But the algorithm will take some time to adjust to your wants!
- Get ready to discover accounts you’ve never stumbled upon before. It’s a chance to find fresh inspiration!
- Some of the suggested content might initially seem random, as Instagram recalibrates what it thinks you like.
- Since your immediate preferences are less defined, the ads you see might initially be more general.
However, the Instagram algorithm is a smart cookie. It will again start paying close attention to your new interactions(likes, shares, followers, and engaging patterns) to understand your current tastes and recommend content based on them. So, be mindful of your activities after the reset, as it’s an opportunity to shape your future Instagram experience actively.
Remember, the more you engage with what you like, the faster the algorithm will catch on and show you more.
What Doesn’t Change After You Reset Your Instagram Algorithm?
However, it’s also essential to note what hitting that “reset suggested content” button doesn’t do.
Here’s what remains the same even after the Instagram algorithm reset:
- Your Following List: The accounts you follow will remain there (you can unfollow them manually during the review procedure).
- Your Followers: Your audience remains the same. This action doesn’t affect who is following you.
- Your Posted Content: All your photos, videos, Reels, and Stories will still be on your profile. This reset is about what you see, not what you’ve shared. Even your conversations and message history will remain untouched.
- Your Saved Posts: Your bookmarked and saved posts will still be in your saved collections.
- The Ads You See (Long Term): While you might initially see slightly more general ads, the ad algorithm will eventually re-target you based on your broader activity and interests.
Reset Suggested Content vs. Account Data Reset: What’s the Difference
Do not confuse the Instagram algorithm reset with the account data reset. They might sound similar, but they serve very different purposes. Here’s a quick comparison to help clarify:
Note: The Instagram algorithm reset does NOT reset your account history or personal data; it only resets Instagram’s suggested content algorithm.
Wrap Up
So, there you have it!
The answer to your question of “how to reset my Instagram algorithm” is. Follow the steps mentioned in this guide, reset the existing IG algorithm, and take control of what you see on your feed, the Explorer page, and the Reels section.
However, remember to be conscious of your post-reset activities, as the Instagram algorithm observes you. Every like, save, share, and follow will heavily influence what appears. So, engage mindfully and tell Instagram what content you would love to see.
Be patient, consistent, and enjoy curating a feed that inspires and entertains you. It might take a little time and effort, but the reward is a feed that’s much more enjoyable and relevant to you.
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FAQs
How Do I Reset the Suggested Content on Instagram?
To reset the suggested content on Instagram, do the following:
- Go to your profile settings,
- Then “What you see” and “Content preferences,”
- Now, toggle “Reset suggested content.”
And you’ve successfully reset the content Instagram suggests on your feed.
Is There a Way to Reset What You See on Instagram?
While there isn’t a single “reset all” button, you can influence what you see on Instagram. Unfollow accounts you’re not interested in, mute content, actively engage with preferred content, and use the “Not Interested” option on unwanted posts. The “Reset suggested content” feature also helps adjust recommendations.
How Do You Clear Instagram’s Cache Algorithm?
You cannot directly clear Instagram’s “cache algorithm” as it’s a server-side system. However, you can clear the app’s cache on your device to resolve general performance issues, though it won’t reset the content selection process.
How Do You Reset Your Data on Instagram?
You can’t entirely reset your data on Instagram, but you can manage certain aspects. You can remove saved posts, clear your search history and the app’s cache, and adjust your ad preferences within your account settings. This will give your feed a fresh breath.
How Do I Reset My IG Algorithm?
You influence your Instagram algorithm by actively managing your interactions. For example, you can unfollow irrelevant accounts, engage with desired content, and use features like “Not Interested” and “Reset suggested content.” These actions help retrain the algorithm over time.
