Instagram Launches AI Tool for Reels Algorithm Control

Instagram unveiled a new AI-powered feature on Wednesday that allows users to view and customize the algorithm driving their Reels feed, marking a step toward greater transparency in content recommendations. The tool, named Your Algorithm, rolled out immediately in the United States and is set to expand to other English-speaking regions soon.

Accessible via a new icon in the upper right corner of the Reels tab, resembling two lines with hearts, the feature displays a summary of topics Instagram believes users are interested in. These topics are generated by AI based on user activity, including watch time, likes, shares, and swipes. For instance, a user might see a description such as "Lately you've been into creativity, sports hype, fitness motivation, and skateboarding."

Users can then adjust their preferences by selecting topics to see more or less of, or by typing in new ones to incorporate. The algorithm updates recommendations in real time to reflect these changes, shifting the feed toward user-directed content. Additionally, individuals can share their personalized interest list to their Instagram Story, allowing followers to view and potentially adopt similar topics.