How to Reset Instagram Algorithm: Refresh Your Feed for Better Content

How to reset Instagram algorithm is a question many of us ask when our feed stops showing us content we like. 

Maybe you’re seeing too many posts that don’t align with your current interests or your Instagram Explore page feels stale and old. 

The algorithm is designed to serve you based on your past interactions but sometimes those preferences change. 

Lucky for us there are ways to refresh your Instagram Explore feed so it shows you new content and brings back the fun of scrolling.

Let’s get into this step-by-step guide to some practical ways you can reset or adjust the Instagram algorithm and start seeing content that matches what you want to see.

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work?

reset Instagram algorithm

First things first, what is the Instagram algorithm? 

Instagram’s algorithm is a set of rules that decides what you see and in what order. It’s based on things like your activity, the accounts you interact with, and the type of content you engage with. 

So if you’ve been watching a lot of cat videos lately you’ll see more cats in your Instagram Explore feed.

But here’s the thing: your behavior shapes this algorithm. If you’ve liked or hovered over posts you don’t care about your Instagram Explore feed might start to get wonky.

How to Reset Instagram Algorithm?

Now let’s get into how you can actually reset or adjust that algorithm to show you more of what you love on your Instagram Explore page.

1. Buy Instagram Followers for a Boost

If you’re looking to give your profile an extra push, buying Instagram followers from trusted platforms like ours can be a strategic option. 

We offer high-quality followers that can help boost your social proof, making your profile appear more popular and attracting organic growth. 

This can complement your strategy by enhancing your visibility and engagement and showing off more on other Instagram’s Explore page.

2. Clear Search History on Your Instagram App

One of the easiest ways to start fresh is to clear your search history. It tells Instagram your preferences might be changing.

  • Open the Instagram app.
  • Tap on your profile picture at the bottom right.
  • Go to the three lines at the top right and tap on Settings.
  • Scroll to Security and select Clear Search History.

Clearing your search history won’t change your Instagram feed overnight but it lets Instagram know you’re looking for new interests.

Why It Works: The Instagram app uses your search behavior to determine what you might want to see more of. IPhone users can just uninstall the app and reinstall it.

Clearing your search history wipes the slate clean on your Instagram explore page, at least a little.

3. Unfollow or Mute Accounts 

Your feed gets cluttered because you follow accounts that no longer align with your interests. If that’s the case it’s time to unfollow.

Go through your following list and ask yourself if the content still interests you.

If you’re not ready to unfollow you can also mute an account. This keeps their posts from showing up in your Instagram Explore feed without the commitment of unfollowing them.

4. Engage With New Content

If you want Instagram to show you different relevant content, you have to teach it what you like.

  • Search for new hashtags and accounts.
  • Spend time engaging with this new content by liking, commenting, or saving posts.
  • Watch Stories or Reels from accounts you’re genuinely interested in.

Pro Tip: Be consistent. For example, if you like art, the more you engage with new content with art hashtags, the faster Instagram will pick up on your new preferences about art.

5. Adjust Your Explore Feed

reset insta algorithm

Ever feel like your Instagram Explore page is stuck showing you the same type of content? You can change that.

  • Tap on the magnifying glass search icon at the bottom.
  • Find a post you don’t like and tap on it.
  • Tap the three dots at the top right and choose Not Interested.

This action will tell Instagram to show you less of that type of content on your Explore page. It’s like fine-tuning your feed one post at a time.

Refresh Your Instagram Explore Feed

Instagram Explore page can get stale if you don’t tend to it. 

You don’t have to uninstall Instagram, and refreshing it isn’t an overnight process but with consistent effort, it will start to show you new things.

Steps to Take:

  • Explore new relevant hashtags.
  • Watch and interact with different types of Reels.
  • Like and save posts related to your new hobbies or interests.

6. Use the “Not Interested” Feature Often

We forget that Instagram has built-in tools to help us manage our feeds.

  • When you see a post you don’t like, tap the three dots and choose Not Interested.
  • This will tell Instagram you want to see less of that.

Tip: Don’t use this on posts you might still be interested in. Use it only when you’re sure you don’t want to see more of that. 

But even if you change your mind later, you can undo the not interested feature on Instagram.

7. Don’t Interact on Posts You Don’t Like

If you want to reset your Instagram algorithm, pay attention to your interactions. Even just pausing on a post for a few seconds can affect the type of content you see.

Tip: Scroll past content on your Instagram explore page you don’t like as fast as you can. The more time you spend on a post, the more Instagram thinks you want to see similar content.

How Long Does It Take to Reset the Algorithm?

So, how long does it take for Instagram to catch up with your new behavior? This can vary. Some people start to see changes in a few days, others in a couple of weeks.

Consistent engagement with new content can show results in 7-14 days. Just be consistent and:

  • Spend more time on new accounts.
  • Don’t interact with content you don’t want to see.
  • Use the “Not Interested” feature often.

Conclusion

After you learn how to reset Instagram algorithm, start with resetting your Instagram algorithm can be a total game changer if you’re sick of the same old same old on your feed. 

It takes some time and effort but the result is a feed that reflects your current interests.
Remember, social media is all about finding content that brings you joy or value. 

By doing these you can take back control of your Instagram feed and make it a place you love to visit.

Try out these tips and see how they work for you. You might be surprised at how quickly your feed starts to look fresh and relevant again.

Frequently Asked Questions

reset algorithm

Can I reset the algorithm?

You can’t reset the algorithm but you can influence it. Change your behavior. 

Engage with new types of content, unfollow or mute accounts you’re no longer interested in, and use the “Not Interested” feature. 

How do I reset suggested content on Instagram?

Reset suggested content by clearing your search history, marking posts as “Not Interested” and engaging with new and different content. 

This tells Instagram your interests have changed.

Can I change the algorithm?

You can’t change the algorithm itself, but you can teach it to show you what you want on your Explore page. 

Your interactions dictate what appears on your feed so change your activity to match your preferences from your recent searches.

How do I fix my Instagram post algorithm?

If your posts aren’t getting the reach you want try varying your content, posting at optimal times, and engaging more with your audience and other Instagram users. 

For your Instagram explore page adjust what you like and follow to get more relevant posts on the Instagram app. 

Luka L.

Luka Lucheski is a digital marketing strategist and content creator with over 5 years of experience in social media growth and engagement. As a leading writer at SidesMedia, Luka has helped brands increase their online visibility through data-driven content strategies featured in top marketing publications. Committed to delivering accurate and relevant insights, Luka blends creativity with analytics to provide readers with actionable advice.

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