Instagram is testing several new features that could give users more control over the content that appears in their feeds, Reels, and recommendations. The experiments are part of the platform's broader effort to make its "Your Algorithm" feature a bigger part of the overall Instagram experience, allowing users to personalize what they see with just a few taps.
The update was revealed by Instagram chief Adam Mosseri, who shared a preview of several features currently being tested. Rather than hiding personalization tools inside the settings menu, Instagram wants to make them easier to access during everyday browsing, helping users shape their recommendations in real time.
"We want to evolve Your Algorithm from a setting to something that feels central to your experience on Instagram," Mosseri said. He also added, "Some of this is testing now, some is coming soon, some might not work."
One of the new concepts being tested allows users to simply pull down while scrolling through their Instagram feed to instantly open the Your Algorithm menu. From there, users could choose which topics they want to see more often and which ones they would rather avoid, making it quicker to fine-tune their recommendations without leaving the feed.
Instagram is also experimenting with a similar shortcut inside Reels. In one version, swiping up after watching a Reel would bring up a customization screen, allowing users to immediately adjust the types of videos they want recommended. The goal is to make feedback feel like a natural part of using the app instead of requiring users to search through multiple menus.
Another test introduces new buttons directly beneath Reels that let users quickly indicate whether they want to see more or fewer videos similar to the one they're currently watching. These simple controls could help Instagram's recommendation system better understand each user's interests while making the platform feel more responsive to individual preferences.
The changes build on Your Algorithm, a feature Instagram introduced last year to give users greater influence over the platform's recommendation system. Since then, Meta has gradually expanded the feature to more parts of the app as it looks to make recommendations more personalized and transparent.
However, many users responding to Mosseri's announcement said their biggest concern isn't customization tools, but rather seeing more posts from the people they already follow. The most-liked comments under his post shared a similar message, with one user writing, "WE JUST WANT OUR ALGORITHM TO SHOW THE PPL WE FOLLOW."
That feedback highlights an ongoing debate surrounding Instagram's recommendation system. While the platform continues investing in AI-powered content discovery, many longtime users still prefer a feed that prioritizes posts from friends, family, and creators they have intentionally chosen to follow.
Instagram has not announced when these new features will roll out publicly, and Mosseri emphasized that some of the experiments may never become permanent. Still, the tests show the company is continuing to explore new ways to give users greater control over how Instagram's algorithm shapes their daily experience.
