Instagram’s new artificial intelligence tool lets you control your algorithm

Instagram is launching a new tool called Your algorithmand gives you direct control over the videos that fill your Reels tab. Your interests change as time goes by. Now your feed can change with you in real time.

Instagram says this new feature uses AI to help you see the themes shaping your reels and adjust them with a few taps. It has already begun to be implemented in the United States and will soon be implemented worldwide in English.

Sign up to receive my FREE CyberGuy report

Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive offers delivered straight to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Guide to Surviving Scams, free when you join me CYBERGUY.COM fact sheet

5 SOCIAL MEDIA SAFETY TIPS TO PROTECT YOUR PRIVACY ONLINE

Why Instagram created its Reels algorithm

Instagram wants your feed to reflect what matters to you right now. Your algorithm gives you a clear view of the topics Instagram thinks you like and then lets you adjust them while watching Reels.

First, click the reels icon. It looks like a play button inside a rounded rectangle at the bottom of your screen.

How to view and control your Reels algorithm

When you watch a reel, look for the small icon in the upper right corner. They look like two lines with hearts.

Tap that icon to open Your algorithm. From there, you can guide your feed using three controls.

1) See your top interests

At the top of the screen, you’ll see a list of topics that Instagram thinks match your interests. This gives you a snapshot of what shapes your reels.

2) Adjust your preferences

You can write the topics you want to see more or less of. Your Reels feed updates based on those changes. You can also choose what you want to see less of by tapping Addand then enter a topic you want Instagram to reduce in your feed.

SOCIAL MEDIA VERIFICATION SYSTEMS LOSE POWER AS SCAMMERS BUY VERIFICATION MARKS TO APPEAR LEGITIMATE

3) Share your algorithm

If you want to show your friends what topics shape your feed, tap the Share in story option on the Your Algorithm screen. Instagram will open a preview of the story. Then tap Your story to publish it or close friends if you want a smaller group to see it.

Instagram says this is just the beginning. The company plans to soon bring the same level of control to the Explore tab and other parts of the app.

What does this mean to you?

This update puts you in charge of the content you spend your time with. Instead of waiting for the algorithm to read your signals, you can now tell it what you want. That means fewer random videos and more topics that reflect your current interests. It can also help you discover new creators that match what you enjoy right now.

Take my quiz: How safe is your online security?

Do you think your devices and data are really protected? Take this quick quiz to see where you stand digitally. From passwords to Wi-Fi settings, you’ll get a personalized breakdown of what you’re doing well and what you need to improve. Take my quiz here: Cyberguy.com

Kurt’s Key Takeaways

Its algorithm gives you a new level of control that seems long overdue. It makes Reels more personal and reduces the guesswork that often shapes social media. As this expands to more parts of Instagram, your experience may seem more intentional and less overwhelming.

What topics do you plan to add or remove first with Your Algorithm? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE News APP

Sign up to receive my FREE CyberGuy report Get my best tech tips, urgent security alerts, and exclusive offers delivered right to your inbox. Plus, you’ll get instant access to my Ultimate Guide to Surviving Scams, free when you join me CYBERGUY.COM fact sheet

Copyright 2025 CyberGuy.com. All rights reserved.