As a type A perfectionist, there are few things that give me more satisfaction than a good old spring clean. Come change of seasons, I’m always overcome with the urge to clear out drawers, declutter cupboards, and rearrange shelves.
Doing it is a bit of a slog, of course — but that feeling you get after a good tidy-up? Worth every second.
Now, wouldn’t it be neat if we could do the same for our online spaces?
(You see where I’m going with this) As it happens, you can — on Instagram, at least. And, unlike spring cleaning, it won’t do a number on your back.
In late 2024, the social media platform introduced a way for you to hit the reset button on their Instagram algorithm — completely wiping the slate clean on their home, reels, and explore feeds. The feature started as a test and has since rolled out globally.
Instagram launched this feature with teens in mind (more on this below), but honestly, it’s a wildly underrated new tool for anyone looking to refresh their social media experience without starting from scratch with a new account.
Here’s everything you need to know about this handy feature. Bye-bye, sad late-night doom-scroll. It’s time for a fresh start.
Key takeaways
- Fresh start: Instagram allows users to completely wipe their recommendation algorithm for explore, reels, and the home feed.
- User control: The feature is available to all users (not just teens) to help better match content with current interests or protect mental health.
- What stays: Resetting does not unfollow accounts, remove ads, or delete your existing posts and messages.
- Retraining: After a reset, your initial interactions (likes, shares, watch time) are critical for training the new algorithm.
- Manual review: During the reset process, you have the option to review and unfollow accounts to further refine your experience.
What exactly is an Instagram algorithm reset?
An Instagram algorithm reset is a feature that lets you clear your recommended content across explore, reels, and feeds to start fresh.
To understand this, it’s helpful to know a little bit about how the Instagram algorithm works. Over time, you’ve given Instagram hundreds of thousands of signals about the kinds of content you want to see more of. Likes, comments, and shares are the obvious ones, but even the more subtle, passive signals can shape your feed. Think, time spent lingering on a shocking video you just can’t turn away from — all of those little moments can add up.
Best case scenario, you might find your feeds are no longer helpful for where you’re at in your life (for example, videos about wedding dresses that keep popping up after your wedding). In other cases, your feed might have drifted somewhere that just doesn’t feel good anymore — content that upsets you or that you simply don’t want to see.
So resetting your algorithm isn’t just about decluttering your feed. It’s about taking control of your Instagram experience. I’d argue it’s a really necessary feature as Instagram leans more and more into recommended content — and a genuinely useful way to make sure your feed is working for you, not against you.
As Instagram puts it, they want to give users “new ways to shape their Instagram experience, so it can continue to reflect their passions and interests as they evolve.”
Why would you want to reset your algorithm?
There are plenty of reasons you might want to hit the reset button:
- Your interests have changed (so long, sourdough)
- You’ve been getting too much content on sensitive topics, which may cause distress
- You’re tired of seeing the same types of posts over and over
- You accidentally fell down a rabbit hole of content you’re not actually interested in
- You want to discover new creators and fresh perspectives
And if you’re a creator or manage social media professionally, a reset can be a surprisingly useful research tool. Starting fresh gives you a cleaner look at what Instagram surfaces organically in your niche — without the noise of your own browsing history getting in the way.
The reset feature was developed as part of the platform’s evolving protections for Teen Accounts, which Instagram wants to help cultivate “safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences.”
That said, the content reset feature is available for all users who feel that their feeds no longer reflect who they are.
How to reset your Instagram algorithm in 5 steps
Ready for that fresh start? Here’s how to reset your Instagram recommendations:
- From your profile, tap the three bars in the top right
- Scroll down to the What you see section, and tap Content preferences
- Tap Reset suggested content
- Follow the on-screen instructions and tap Next
- Tap Reset suggested content to confirm
Pro tip: Before you finalize the reset (at step 5 above), Instagram will give you the option to review the accounts you’re following.
If you’re not sure you want a full reset and would prefer to remove certain accounts or add different ad topics, you can do that here, too.
What happens after you reset your Instagram algorithm?
Once you hit that reset button, Instagram essentially treats your account like a new user when it comes to recommendations. Your feeds won’t be empty, though — Instagram will serve you a mix of content to explore in your explore, reels, and other recommended feeds.
As you interact with content by liking, sharing, or engaging with it, Instagram will begin personalizing your recommendations again based on these new signals.
| Feature | Status After Reset |
|---|---|
| Explore and reels recommendations | Wiped / Reset to default |
| Accounts you follow | Unchanged |
| Your posts and stories | Unchanged |
| Direct messages (DMs) | Unchanged |
| Ad preferences | Unchanged |
Here’s a helpful way to visualize what it will be like: think moving to a new neighborhood while keeping all your furniture and friends.
Other ways to shape your Instagram experience
If you don’t fancy a full reset, there are still plenty of tools on Instagram that will help you be more intentional about curating your feeds.
Here are some other features you might want to try:
- Select Hide for content you’d rather skip (as above, you’ll find the option by tapping the three dots on a post in your feeds).
- Use Hidden Words to filter out posts with specific phrases (found in the same menu above, but under the How others can interact with you section).
- Switch to your Following feed to see posts chronologically (tap the Instagram logo on your home feed to switch).
- Create a Favorites list to prioritize content from accounts you love (found in the What you see section). Currently, you’re able to curate a list of 50 favorites.
- Topic selection (for teens): If you’re a teen (or a parent helping one), look into topic selection — Instagram lets teens in select countries choose topics they want to see more of, from books and travel to cooking and sports. It’s a great way to shape recommendations without a full reset.
Ready for a reset?
Let’s go back to my spring cleaning analogy: you know how, when you clear out your closet, you rediscover clothes you love and haven’t worn in ages, or make space for a new style you’re thinking of trying.
It’s a bit like that. Sometimes, you don’t quite know what you need until you’ve taken stock of what you have.
That said, you’ll need to be intentional about how you engage after the reset. Those first few days are important for training the algorithm on what you actually want to see. A few things to keep in mind:
- Like and comment on posts that genuinely interest you
- Skip past content you don’t want more of — lingering sends a signal, even if you don’t engage
- Follow new accounts that match the kind of content you want in your feed
- Use the favorites and hide options early on to give the algorithm a head start
Ready for that fresh start? Hit reset, be intentional about what you engage with in those first few days, and watch your feed rebuild into something that actually works for you.
The, it’s time to shape what comes next. With Buffer, you can plan and schedule content that aligns with your goals, so your Instagram works for you. Create your free account.
FAQ about the Instagram algorithm reset
What is an Instagram algorithm reset, in simple terms?
It’s a way to clear out your recommended content on Instagram so you can start fresh. Your explore page, reels, and home recommendations get reset, like you’re a brand-new user. It doesn’t delete anything — it just gives you a clean slate for what you see next.
What actually changes when you reset your Instagram algorithm?
Your recommendations are wiped and reset to default. That means explore, reels, and suggested posts will feel new again. Everything else — your followers, posts, messages, and ads — stays exactly the same.
Will I lose followers or posts if I reset my Instagram algorithm?
Nope, nothing like that. Your account stays intact, including your followers, content, and DMs. The reset only affects what Instagram shows you, not what you’ve already built.
Why would someone want to reset their Instagram feed?
Usually, it’s because their feed just doesn’t feel right anymore. Maybe your interests have changed, or you’ve fallen into a content rabbit hole you didn’t mean to. It’s a simple way to take back control and make your feed feel useful (and enjoyable) again.
How long does it take for Instagram to relearn your preferences?
Pretty quickly, actually. Within a few days of liking, skipping, and engaging with content, Instagram starts rebuilding your feed. The more intentional you are early on, the better your recommendations will get.
What should I do right after resetting my algorithm?
Be a little picky (in a good way). Engage with content you genuinely enjoy, and scroll past anything you don’t. Those first interactions send strong signals, so they really shape what your new feed becomes.
Can I reset my Instagram algorithm more than once?
Yes, you can. There’s no one-time limit on using the feature. That said, you probably won’t need to do it often if you’re actively shaping your feed as you go.
Does resetting help with mental health or screen habits?
It can. If your feed is filled with content that feels overwhelming or negative, a reset gives you a chance to start fresh. From there, you can intentionally build a space that feels more positive and aligned with what you need.
