Instagram introduces a reset button to restart your recommendations algorithm
A simple tap and the algorithm forgets everything it knows about your habits, likes, and interactions.
Instagram has been rolling out feature after feature lately, all with one clear goal: to make your time on the platform as seamless and enjoyable as possible. From safety tools for teens to tweaks that give users more control, it feels like Instagram is in a new era of prioritizing personalization.
The latest addition is an Algorithm Reset button that allows its over 2 billion monthly active users to wipe the slate clean and rebuild their feed from scratch.
This new feature allows users to hit a reset button in the content preferences section of their settings. The moment you do, Instagram wipes its memory of your past interactions and begins building recommendations from scratch.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
Why is this such a big deal? For one, it gives users the power to shake things up if the algorithm starts feeling stale or irrelevant. Maybe you’ve grown tired of an endless stream of cat videos (no judgment) or you’ve developed a new interest that isn’t reflected in your current feed. The reset offers a way out, letting Instagram recalibrate and learn about the content and accounts that now align with your evolving preferences.
But the reset isn’t just a clean break—it’s an opportunity for reflection. Users are encouraged to review who they follow and unfollow any accounts that no longer resonate with their interests. Instagram also suggests revisiting ad topics to avoid retracing steps that led to a less enjoyable experience in the first place.
Emmanuel Oyedeji
While the reset button is available to all users, Meta has emphasized its potential for teens. With safety in mind, the feature allows younger users to step away from content they find inappropriate or overwhelming. It complements Instagram’s broader push to protect teen users, including updates like limiting adult interactions and improving moderation tools.
Interestingly, the algorithm reset also highlights how Instagram is keeping up with—or perhaps even outpacing—its competitors. Platforms like TikTok and YouTubebehaviour have fine-tuned their recommendation engines but haven’t yet offered anything as straightforward as a reset button. TikTok’s algorithm thrives on subtle shifts in user behavior, but it lacks the explicit option to start fresh. YouTube also offers some control through watch history management, but that’s more of a workaround than a direct solution.
Instagram’s move stands out in this crowded space. By giving users the ability to completely rebuild their experience, the platform is leaning into transparency and trust—two things users increasingly demand in today’s digital world.
