How to reset the Instagram algorithm

When we use Instagram , in addition to seeing posts from people we follow, we can also access others that the app decides might be interesting to us, especially when we use the Explore tab. But although the posts that appear there are curated based on our tastes, we may eventually get tired of seeing the same thing all the time. And that’s when we might be interested in resetting the algorithm .

Just as we can’t directly reset TikTok’s algorithm, we can’t do it with Instagram’s either , but we can take some steps to change what the social network offers us.

• Indicate the reels that do not interest you
• Unfollow accounts that don’t interest you
• Delete search history
• Clear the Instagram app cache

Indicate the reels that do not interest you

For Instagram to modify the content we see on the platform, it’s important that we make it clear what we like. The posts we share, comment on, or like are the first thing the algorithm considers.

But in addition to telling the social network what we like, it’s important to also make it clear what we don’t . And to help us with this task, Reels have an option that allows us to tell the social network we’re not interested in them.

When you’re watching a reel, you’ll see an icon with three dots in the bottom right corner . Clicking on it will reveal the menu that appears in the image. And if you click the “Not interested” option , you’ll be letting the platform know that you’re not interested in the reel, which it will also take into account when showing you in the future.

By clicking “Not Interested,” we’re telling the platform that we don’t want to see that Reel again or similar ones. Therefore, by using this option, we can gradually shape the algorithm that shows us what we see.

Unfollow accounts that don’t interest you

Another point that Instagram takes into account when deciding what content the algorithm shows us is the accounts we follow .

So, for example, if we want Instagram to show us soccer-related content, it would be helpful to follow several accounts related to that topic. But if we want to avoid a particular topic, we’ll have to unfollow the related accounts.

Sometimes we start following an account at a certain point, but later lose interest in its topic. Therefore, to get the algorithm to our liking or to radically change it, it’s important to clean it up from time to time . The goal is to only follow accounts related to topics that might be interesting to you.

To unfollow an account, simply tap the three-dot icon next to each of their posts. A menu will open where you can tap Unfollow and unfollow the account.

You won’t need to block those Instagram accounts or delete the comments you’ve made on them. Simply unfollowing them will signal to the algorithm that you’re not interested in the type of content they post .

Delete search history

Another point that Instagram also takes into account when organizing its algorithm is the searches we make on the platform.

Therefore, if we want to reset the algorithm and have it start practically from scratch, one of the most useful things we can do is delete our search history , so that these are not recorded and the platform knows what we are interested in.

To do this, simply click on the magnifying glass and then on the text box to perform a search. All of our recent searches will appear, and an X will appear next to each one . Simply clicking on it will delete the search.

If we want to delete all searches at once, we’ll have to click on the See all option. Later, when the list of all the searches we’ve performed appears, we’ll have to click on the text that says Delete all .

To ensure the algorithm is fully tailored to our needs , it’s best to only eliminate searches related to topics for which we don’t want any results to appear in our social media feed.

Clear the Instagram app cache

Every time we use the Instagram app, it stores information on our phone to help it load faster and use less data.

But this also has a drawback: the algorithm may not fully follow all the steps we’ve taken so far because it still has information on the device related to accounts and videos we were previously following.

Therefore, if we want to get the Instagram algorithm to our liking, it’s important to clear the cache at some point.

To clear the cache on an Android phone, go to the Settings menu and then the Applications section . In the list of apps installed on your phone, select Instagram. On the screen that appears with information about the app, tap Storage. You’ll then be taken to a screen where you can access Clear Cache . This will delete any information stored on your phone.

If you tend to access Instagram from several different devices (for example, a mobile phone and a tablet), it’s best to clear the cache on all of them , eliminating all traces of your previous experience on the platform.