Learn how to control what Instagram shows you in Reels — add and remove topics, train the algorithm faster, and use Instagram's 'Your Algorithm' settings to shape your feed. Step-by-step guide.
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TL;DR
TL;DR
Instagram’s new algorithm control provides a simplified view of the AI topics powering your Reels recommendations. In Your Algorithm, you can review everything IG thinks you’re interested in, then add topics you want (more of) or remove topics you don’t—right inside the Reels tab. You can also preview example Reels per topic so decisions are concrete.
Instagram head Adam Mosseri confirmed the public test and framed it as giving people a say in what they see first, starting in the US, Reels-only, with a goal to expand later.
Algorithm transparency has been a recurring ask. This control is noteworthy because it moves from “invisible signals” (watch time, rewatches, shares) to explicit user intent you can set in seconds. Analysts call it one of the most digestible implementations of custom algorithm control in a mainstream app.
It also fits a broader 2026 theme: IG has shared more guidance on ranking and leaned into Reels/DMs as growth engines (watch history, Reels-first layouts, more recs). The more you can shape inputs, the more relevant your feed—and the better your creative or brand performs.
Tip for social pros: If your brand pivoted (e.g., from beauty → wellness), this is the fastest way to clean up the “ghost interests” that kept showing you irrelevant Reels, then align your posting calendar with the refreshed topic map.
Understanding how the algorithm works from a viewer's perspective gives you a direct insight into how to optimise your content as a creator. If Instagram shows users content based on their explicit topic preferences and engagement signals, the implication for creators is clear: your content needs to trigger the right signals consistently to appear in the right people's feeds.
Three things the algorithm weights most heavily for Reels distribution:
The algorithm interprets saves as "I want to return to this" and shares as "I want someone else to see this." Both signals indicate high value. Design Reels with a reason to save (checklist, template, step-by-step guide) or a reason to share (relatable situation, controversial take, useful tool for a specific person).
Early engagement signals tell the algorithm the content is resonating. The fastest way to generate early comments: end your Reel with a specific question or keyword CTA ("Comment 'yes' if this happened to you"). Set up a comment-to-DM automation so every comment also triggers a DM — doubling the engagement signal and capturing a lead simultaneously.
The algorithm measures not just how many people watched but what percentage completed the video. Shorter Reels (7–15 seconds) have higher completion rates by default. If you need more time, front-load the most compelling content and use pattern interrupts (cuts, text overlays, changes in scene) every 3–4 seconds to hold attention.
The algorithm questions creators and brands ask most often, and what the data actually shows:
The single most underused lever: turning comment engagement into DM conversations. Every comment that converts into a DM doubles the engagement signal your post sends to the algorithm, and creates a lead at the same time. Read our guide on Instagram DM Automation for the exact setup.
This is the closest thing to a “reprogram your feed” button Instagram has shipped: visible topics, concrete examples, instant edits. Use it to remove noise, amp relevance, and if you’re a business, bridge content to conversations that convert.
Algorithms are smart. You’re smarter, with controls and a plan.
Set up comment-to-DM automation so every Reel engagement automatically starts a conversation
Use Reels → Your Algorithm to add/remove topic interests and preview example Reels. Train it by watching fully, saving, sharing, and tapping “Not Interested.”
Remove topics you don’t want, add the ones you do, then engage intentionally for a week (save/share the “right” Reels, skip fast on “wrong” ones). For big resets (new niche), this is faster than passively retraining.
In Your Algorithm, delete mismatched topics. Also long-press any Reel → Not Interested. Short watch time + explicit negative signals reduce similar suggestions.
Yes—this test is exactly that. It’s limited to Reels initially and rolling out gradually.
No—there’s no notification for profile views. (Unchanged by this feature.)
These are community heuristics, not official policies (e.g., 5-3-1 for engaging with others, 4-1-1 for content mix, 3-second hook for videos). They’re still useful when combined with topic controls: hook fast, mix value/promo content, and engage outward to teach the algorithm where you play.
There’s no fixed pay for follower counts. Payouts (when available) come from bonuses, creator funds, ad revenue share, or brand deals—not guaranteed by this feature.
Instagram's Reels algorithm prioritises content based on predicted engagement — specifically saves, shares, comments, and watch completion rate. It also factors in topic relevance (matching your content to viewers who have expressed interest in similar topics via "Your Algorithm" controls) and relationship signals (accounts you interact with frequently). For creators, the fastest way to improve distribution is to design content that earns saves and shares, not just likes, and to use comment CTAs that generate early engagement velocity.
Yes, DM volume is a strong engagement signal that Instagram interprets as high-value content. When a Reel generates a spike in DMs (especially from a keyword comment trigger), it signals to the algorithm that the content drove meaningful action beyond passive viewing. This is one reason comment-to-DM automation is effective for creators, it simultaneously captures leads and sends a positive distribution signal.
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