How to reset your Instagram feed and retrain the reels algorithm for a fresh start from unwanted content

If your Instagram Reels feed has started showing the same kind of videos again and again or maybe the type of content that you do not want to see, it may not be because there is nothing else to watch. Instagram builds recommendations around what users do on the app, including the Reels they watch, like, share, save and comment on. Even spending extra time on a video without actually liking it can become a signal.

That can sometimes leave users stuck in a loop of content they were interested in once but no longer want to see. An accidental interaction can also push a topic into recommendations more often than expected. The good part is that Instagram has a built-in option to reset suggested content and start training its recommendations again.

Instagram has a reset option for suggested content

Instagram introduced the reset feature as part of its efforts to give users more control over recommendations. Although it was initially linked to the platform's work around Teen Accounts, the feature is available to users generally.


The reset affects recommended content across Reels, Explore and the main feed. It does not delete your account or remove the people you follow. Your existing posts, stories and direct messages also remain intact.

Instagram describes the idea as giving users new ways to shape their experience as their interests change.

How to reset your Instagram Reels algorithm

To reset your recommendations, open Instagram and go to your profile. Then:

• Tap the three-line menu in the top-right corner.
• Go to Content preferences under the What you see section.
• Select Reset suggested content.
• Read the information shown by Instagram and tap Next.
• Confirm by selecting Reset suggested content again.

Instagram may also give you the option to review the accounts you follow before completing the reset. This can be useful if some of the accounts you followed in the past are no longer relevant.

One important point is that Instagram says the reset cannot be reversed.

What happens after the reset

The reset does not mean your Reels page will suddenly become empty. Instagram will continue recommending videos, but the recommendations will be rebuilt based on your activity.

This is where your behaviour after the reset becomes important. If you repeatedly watch, like, save or share a certain type of Reel, Instagram will gradually understand that you want more of it.

Similarly, quickly moving past content you dislike and using the Not Interested option can help tell Instagram what you do not want.

Be careful about what you interact with next

After resetting, avoid interacting with content simply because it catches your attention for a few seconds. Watching something to the end, replaying it or spending time on it can influence recommendations even when you do not intend to follow that topic.

Instead, search for subjects you actually want to see, follow creators you genuinely enjoy and engage with posts that match your current interests. You can also use Favorites to prioritise accounts you like.

If you do not want to completely reset everything, Instagram also provides options such as Not Interested, muting accounts, managing searches and using Hidden Words to filter certain content.

So, if your Reels feed has become a never-ending stream of the same trends, memes or topics you are no longer interested in, you do not necessarily need to create a new Instagram account. A reset, followed by more careful interaction, can give your recommendations a much-needed fresh start.