Observed Signal · Sep 19, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 2/5 · Sentiment: Neutral
Instagram and Threads test features to control feed algorithm
Meta is testing new features on Instagram and Threads that aim to give users more control over what appears in their feeds. Instagram is exploring a function that lets users indicate their interests to influence the topics shown, effectively building a keyword-based dashboard for personalized content. Separately, Threads is testing a similar control mechanism under the theme 'Take control of your feed,' using a tagging approach with @threads.algo to signal topics of interest and adjust exposure, though it remains unclear how precise the signaling will be. Both features are in limited testing with no announced rollout date. In addition, Threads now offers a Text Attachment feature allowing posts up to 10,000 characters. The details come from Social-Media expert Alessandro Paluzzi via Threads posts, and official rollout timelines have not been disclosed.
Testing phase for new algorithm-control features on Instagram and Threads; not yet rolled out.
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Meta is testing algorithm-control features on Instagram and Threads.
- Instagram would let users describe interests to influence feed content.
- Threads would use @threads.algo tagging to shape topic visibility.
- Both features are in limited test phase with no rollout date yet.
- Threads adds a Text Attachment feature for posts up to 10,000 characters.
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Dear Algo: Threads rolls out feed-control feature
Meta's Threads has officially rolled out a beta feature called Dear Algo that lets users influence what they see in their feeds. When a post includes the tag Dear Algo, a three-day AI-driven adjustment kicks in to surface more content on a specified topic, providing additional context in the user's personal feed. The feature is available in a limited web and mobile rollout, initially targeting users in the United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Australia, and Canada, with an option to revert the change in settings. The concept originated as a community trend where users signaled preferred content with Dear Algo posts; Meta executives, including Threads Head Connor Hayes and CEO Mark Zuckerberg, described the tests as 'Inspired by all of you.' Industry observers, including Matt Navarra, noted the practical potential for brands and advertisers as real-time signals could better guide content and ad targeting. August 2025 data shows Threads had about 400 million monthly active users.
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Instagram Edits App Now Supports Carousel Creation
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