You want to know how to reset Instagram algorithm? Is it because you scroll through Instagram and see posts that don’t match your current interests?
Well, that happens because of how the algorithm works. And it’s frustrating to deal with that and can hurt your creative inspiration. That’s why it’s important to give your feed a fresh start.
This article will guide you through clearing the Instagram algorithm and explain why you need to do that. Keep reading!
What Is an Instagram Algorithm Reset?
An Instagram algorithm reset is a feature that can help you refresh and fine-tune your content feed.
You can use it when your Explore page, Reels, or main Feed show irrelevant content. This feature lets you make your scrolling experience more about what you’re into right now.
When you reset the Instagram algorithm, you signal that you’re ready for new preferences. Meta calls this a “fresh start.”
This helps you see a wider variety of posts, more relevant content, and personalized suggestions that match your interests.
This works because resetting your Instagram algorithm clears your past likes, follows, and viewing history. Instagram then starts fresh to learn what you like.
Think of it as a complete refresh for your feed that helps you find new accounts and popular topics you like.
For example, if you’re into games like Elden Ring as a gaming content creator, a reset algorithm on Instagram can show you more Reels about that game.
This proactive approach keeps your Instagram feed interesting and updated with your current interests. It also helps you avoid becoming boring due to content you no longer enjoy
Also, did you know Instagram’s algorithm reset is initially meant to protect young users from inappropriate content?
Instagram stated: “We want to make sure everyone on Instagram – especially teens – has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they’re spending on Instagram is valuable“
Why You Might Want to Reset the Instagram Algorithm
Before you learn how to reset the Instagram algorithm, it’s important to understand why you might want to do that:
1. Reclaim Relevancy Fast
The Instagram algorithm learns from your past activity and then shows you more content similar to what you’ve engaged with before. But if your interests change, this can hold you back.
For example, if you’ve shifted from Clash Royale to Valorant as your main interest, your feed might still show you Supercell’s games unless you reset the Instagram algorithm.
2. Get Out of Your Bubble
The last thing you want is for your feed to be filled with the same creators and topics, creating a loop. You need to break out of your echo chamber.
Resetting the Instagram algorithm interrupts those feedback loops across Explore, Reels, and Feed. This opens doors to new niches, collaborators, and trending formats that reflect current goals.
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3. Optimize Pivots
When you switch up your niche or content type, the algorithm might not get it right away. It could keep showing content from your old niche, which doesn’t help with your transition.
Let’s say you’re a beauty influencer like Huda Kattan. You’re transitioning from makeup tutorials to sustainable skincare. Your feed might get stuck on old glam trends.
That’s why you need to do an Instagram algorithm reset. This helps you find useful content, like eco-friendly beauty brands and their packaging, DIY skincare with natural ingredients, and more.
4. Clean Up Algorithmic Noise
What happens if you interact with content or people you wish you hadn’t? Your feed will keep showing you that type of content based on that interaction, even if you change your mind about it.
How can you fix it? Cleaning up algorithmic noise removes unwanted signals that can confuse the algorithm about your preferences. This stops off-brand content from showing up in your feed.
5. Reduce Exposure to Sensitive Content
This goes beyond simply removing algorithmic noise. It’s about protecting yourself from sensitive content and ensuring Instagram offers an age-appropriate experience.
This is especially important for you as a young creator. You might come across inappropriate content while scrolling through your feed or exploring new pages on Instagram.
How to Reset Instagram Algorithm
Here’s a step-by-step guide to resetting your Instagram algorithm for a fresh content experience:
- Go to Your Profile — Open the Instagram app. Tap your profile picture at the bottom right of the screen. This will lead you to your profile page.
- Access Your Settings — On your profile page, look for the three-line menu in the top right corner. Tap it to go to the Settings and Privacy menu.
- Find Content Preferences — Scroll down to the Settings and Privacy part to find the section called What You See. Tap on Content Preferences to go to the next step.
- Initiate the Reset — On the Content preferences page, you’ll find an option for managing your suggested content. Tap on Reset Suggested Content.
- Confirm Your Fresh Start — Instagram will show you information on the screen that explains what happens when you reset. If you want to see totally new content, tap Next to confirm you want a fresh start.
- Improve Your Feed (Optional but Recommended) — You can unfollow accounts whose content you no longer wish to see, or you can opt to see fewer ads related to specific topics that don’t interest you.
- Instant Reset Option — For an immediate reset, tap Reset suggested content. A confirmation pop-up will appear. Tap to confirm.
That’s how to reset Instagram algorithm. Easy right?
What Happens After Instagram Algorithm Reset?
Right after the Instagram algorithm resets, your Explore page, Reels, and Feed suggestions shift to a more neutral, generic mix.
It might feel a bit random at first. You can also expect to see trending, popular content for Reels. Think viral memes or global hits, rather than your niche favorites.
Keep in mind that Instagram algorithm works by looking at:
- Post details: When it was posted, video length, and location.
- Popularity: How often people have engaged with them recently.
- Your activity: What you’ve liked and shown interest in.
- Your history: How often you interact, like commenting on each other’s posts.
To see more of what you like, just start interacting with posts you enjoy. And it takes a little while for your feed to show you exactly what you like.
What to Do After You Clear the Algorithm?
You’ve learned how to clear the Instagram algorithm. Now, what to do next?
- Engage with content that fits your niche — Like, comment on, save, and share posts, Reels, or Stories related to your niche. For example, if you’re a fitness influencer, interact with fitness tips. This tells the algorithm what you want to see more of.
- Mark posts or Reels as “Not Interested” — This is how you blacklist content you don’t want to see. To do this, tap the three dots on the post and choose that option. This will make your Explore and Feed pages more relevant and less cluttered.
- Unfollow or mute accounts — You could already do this when resetting your Instagram algorithm. Simply put, if you don’t want to see content from certain people, you can unfollow them. If you prefer not to let them know, muting someone on Instagram is a good solution.
- Use the Hidden Words feature — You can find it in Settings and Activity > Hidden Words. This feature automatically hides comments and direct messages that have words, phrases, or emojis you pick. This will help you focus and avoid mean people, making things more enjoyable.
- Curate your Close Friends — Update this private list in your profile to add followers for exclusive Stories. It builds loyalty after a reset, strengthening connections with your fans.
- Prioritize shares over likes — Focus on getting people to share your posts, not just like them. Shares tell the algorithm your content is valuable, which helps it reach more people than likes do.
- Engage before posting — Before posting your content on Instagram, spend 10-15 minutes liking or commenting on friends’ posts. This connects your account to popular topics, boosting initial engagement for your uploads.
- DMing with key accounts — When your Instagram algorithm resets, it seeks new info to improve recommendations. Sending Insta DMs about collaborations quickly provides this.
Related: Instagram Views Hack to Boost Followers
How to Reset Instagram Feed: A Wrap Up
Whether you want to quickly make your feed relevant again or clean up algorithmic noise that shows you content you don’t like, resetting the Instagram algorithm is recommended.
This post showed you how to reset the Instagram algorithm and explained what to do after you’ve done it to get a refreshed feed that will inspire you.
That’s it for now. We hope this information helps. If you like content like this, subscribe to Gank’s blog for the latest Instagram tips and tricks. And don’t hesitate to join Gank to earn more from your content.
