How to Reset Instagram Algorithm: A Simple Guide

How to Reset Instagram Algorithm

Table of Contents

If you’re looking for tips on how to reset Instagram algorithm, you’re in the right place. 

The Instagram algorithm shapes your experience by showing you content based on your behavior, such as what you like, comment on, save, and share. 

Over time, this can lead to a cluttered Instagram Explore feed filled with posts that don’t interest you. By resetting the algorithm, you can create a more personalized and enjoyable Instagram experience.

Understanding the Instagram Algorithm

The Instagram algorithm is essentially a tool that decides what appears on your Explore feed and Instagram Explore page. 

It considers various factors such as:

  • User Interaction: The more you interact with specific content (like photos, videos, and stories), the more you will see similar content.
  • Content Relevance: The algorithm favors recent and popular content that is similar to what you engage with.
  • Relationships: Posts from people you interact with regularly will appear more often.

Understanding these factors can help you manage and reset your Explore feed more effectively.

Why Should You Reset Your Instagram Algorithm?

Reseting Instagram Algorithm

Resetting the Instagram algorithm can help refresh your Explore feed and make it more relevant to your current interests. 

Maybe you’ve started liking new types of content, or perhaps your personalized feed is filled with posts you don’t care about anymore. 

A reset can help with that.

Benefits of Resetting the Algorithm

  • More Relevant Content: See posts that align with your current interests.
  • Better Engagement: Engaging with content you enjoy means more meaningful interactions.
  • Improved Discoverability: Find new and interesting accounts that align with what you actually want to see.

Steps to Reset the Instagram Algorithm

Below are actionable steps to reset your Instagram algorithm. 

You don’t need to do all of them, but combining several can make a big difference.

1. Unfollow Accounts You Don’t Interact With

One of the easiest ways to reset your algorithm is to unfollow accounts that no longer interest you. To do this:

  • Go to your profile and tap on “Following.”
  • Scroll through the list and unfollow any accounts that you feel clutter your feed.

By doing this, you signal to the Instagram app that you no longer want to see content from these accounts, and it will adjust your feed accordingly.

2. Clear Your Search History

Your search history also influences what you see on the Instagram app. To clear it:

  • Go to your profile and tap the three lines at the top.
  • Select “Your Activity” > “Recent Searches.”
  • Tap “Clear All” to remove your search history.

Clearing your search history helps reset the algorithm by removing old data about what you’ve searched for, which can affect what content is suggested to you.

3. Use the “Not Interested” Option

When you see posts on your Instagram Explore page that don’t interest you, use the “Not Interested” option:

  • Tap the three dots at the top of a post.
  • Select “Not Interested.”

This tells the Instagram app you don’t want to see similar posts in the future. You’ll need to repeat this regularly to help retrain the algorithm.

How to Maintain a Reset Instagram Algorithm

Reset the Instagram Algorithm

Once you’ve taken steps to reset your algorithm, you need to maintain it. 

Here are some ways to keep your Instagram feed fresh and relevant:

1. Engage with Content You Like

The more you engage with the content you enjoy, such as liking, commenting, and sharing, the more the Instagram app learns about your preferences. 

Try to be intentional about interacting with content that genuinely interests you.

2. Use the Mute Option

If you don’t want to unfollow someone but also don’t want to see their posts, you can use the Mute option:

  • Go to the account’s profile.
  • Tap “Following” and select “Mute.”
  • Choose whether to mute posts, stories, or both.

This allows you to clean up your Instagram feed without unfollowing people you know or care about.

3. Experiment with Different Content Types

Instagram offers various types of content: posts, Reels, Stories, and IGTV. 

Mix up your interactions:

  • Spend time watching and liking Reels if you want more video content.
  • Engage with IGTV videos if you prefer longer-form content.

By interacting with different types of content, you help the algorithm diversify your Instagram feed.

Quick Ways to Reset the Instagram Algorithm

ActionHow It HelpsSteps to Follow
Unfollow AccountsReduces clutter by removing unwanted contentProfile > Following > Unfollow
Clear Search HistoryResets suggested content based on searchesProfile > Your Activity > Recent Searches > Clear All
“Not Interested” OptionDirectly signals content preferencesTap three dots on a post > “Not Interested”
Engage with Preferred PostsTeaches the algorithm what content to showLike, comment, and share posts you enjoy
Mute AccountsHides posts without unfollowingProfile > Following > Mute

Long-Term Strategy for Managing the Algorithm

Resetting your Instagram algorithm isn’t a one-time fix. It requires regular maintenance:

  • Regularly Review Followed Accounts: Make it a habit to review the accounts you follow every few months. Unfollow those that no longer align with your interests.
  • Engage Intentionally: Be mindful of what you like, comment on, and share. These actions directly impact your Instagram feed.
  • Stay Updated on Instagram Features: Instagram updates its features regularly. Stay informed and make the most of tools like “Close Friends” or “Favorites” to control your Instagram Explore feed better.

Conclusion

If you’re wondering how to reset Instagram algorithm, remember that it takes consistent effort. 

Regularly unfollowing irrelevant accounts, clearing your search history, using the “Not Interested” option, and engaging more with content you like can significantly impact what you see. 

This helps you enjoy a more personalized Instagram experience. 

Take control of your Instagram Explore feed by following these steps, and you’ll find that your Instagram becomes much more enjoyable and tailored to your interests.

Frequently Asked Questions

New Instagram Algorithm

Is there a way to reset the algorithm on Instagram?

Yes, but there isn’t a simple “reset” button to press. 

The Instagram algorithm is based on your actions: what you like, comment on, save, and share. 

To reset it, you need to change how you interact with content. Start by unfollowing accounts you don’t find interesting anymore. 

You can also use the “Not Interested” option on posts that don’t match your interests. Clearing your search history and stopping engagement with content that no longer interests you also helps. 

By doing these things, Instagram will start showing you different types of content based on your new behavior.

How do I reset my Instagram search feed?

To reset your Instagram search feed, you need to clear your search history. 

This is because Instagram uses your search activity to suggest relevant content and accounts. To do this, go to your profile and tap the three lines at the top. 

Then, select “Your Activity” and go to “Recent Searches.” Tap “Clear All” to remove your Instagram search history. 

This will reset your search feed, meaning Instagram will not suggest accounts and content based on your past searches anymore. 

However, you need to do this regularly if you want to keep your Explore feed fresh.

Is it possible to change the Instagram algorithm?

You can’t change Instagram’s algorithm directly, but you can influence how it works for you. 

The algorithm is designed to adapt to Instagram users. It learns from what you engage with the most. 

For example, if you like, comment on, or share a lot of food posts, Instagram will show you more food content. 

If you want to see something different, start interacting with new types of content. 

Follow new accounts, like different kinds of posts, and stop interacting with things that don’t interest you anymore. 

Over time, your feed will change based on your new interactions.

How do you reset your flow on Instagram?

To reset your flow on Instagram, focus on changing your engagement habits. Start by cleaning up who you follow. If some accounts are no longer relevant to you, unfollow them. 

Next, use the “Not Interested” option when you see posts on your Instagram Explore page that don’t interest you. 

Also, engage more with the type of content you want to see. For example, if you want more fitness content, start liking and commenting on fitness posts. 

These actions will help retrain the algorithm to show you more of what you enjoy, making your Instagram flow feel more refreshing and relevant.

Sasho is a skilled content writer at TweSocial who loves creating content that does more than just share information; it makes an impact. With a keen eye for detail and a genuine love for storytelling, Sasho helps brands capture attention and stand out in busy markets. Drawing on a strong background in Social Media Management, he takes complex ideas and turns them into simple, engaging messages that speak directly to readers.