Observed Signal · Dec 11, 2025 · Technical Release · Source: OnlineMarketing.de · Impact: 4/5 · Sentiment: Positive
Instagram tests Your Algorithm: user control
Instagram is testing a US-only feature called Your Algorithm that lets users see which Reels the algorithm deems relevant and actively influence what they see. The feature presents an overview of the user’s interests, showing topics Instagram assigns to their profile and allowing users to add or reduce topics, even sharing their personal interests profile in Stories. Instagram describes it as a new way to see and control your algorithm, with Meta’s Chris Cox calling the rollout a step toward a more controllable Instagram experience. The test starts in the United States and will roll out gradually to all English-speaking users; there is no confirmed timeline for German-speaking users. The update is described as expanding beyond Reels to potentially Explore Feed and other surfaces in the future. Separately, Meta announced Edits updates to templates, storyboards, and remix features to aid reel creation.
Major platform feature test with potential industry impact on transparency and control of recommendations
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Key Takeaways & Evidence Grounding
- Instagram is testing a US feature named Your Algorithm.
- The feature reveals which Reels the algorithm considers relevant.
- Users can adjust topics and influence what Reels they see.
- Rollout begins in the USA and will expand to English-speaking users; German rollout timeline unclear.
- Meta's Edits team adds templates, storyboards, and remix features for easier Reel creation.
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Instagram tests new ways to customize 'Your Algorithm'
Instagram is experimenting with additional ways for users to access and personalize "Your Algorithm," the app’s tool for specifying topics they want to see more or less of. In a post, Instagram head Adam Mosseri showed UI tests including pulling down on the feed to open a Your Algorithm menu, swiping up from a Reel to access customization, and buttons beneath Reels to indicate whether a user wants to see more content like that. Mosseri said some changes are testing now, some are coming soon, and some may not ship. Instagram originally launched Your Algorithm in December 2025. Several users responded asking the algorithm to prioritize content from accounts they follow.
Instagram adds quick controls for Your Algorithm
Instagram is testing new quick-access controls for its 'Your Algorithm' personalization tool so users can adjust recommendations directly in the Home Feed and while watching Reels. Early previews show 'Your Algorithm' could open via a pull-down in the Home Feed or a swipe out of a Reel, and in-feed buttons like 'more of this' and 'less of that' are being trialled to change recommendations in real time without leaving the current content. Meta says some features are already being tested or prepared and others may be abandoned. Instagram also plans to let users actively select topics (e.g., fitness, travel, recipes) to influence future recommendations, which could shift which engagement signals matter for creators, brands and measurement on the platform.
Instagram Rolls Out 'Your Algorithm' to Explore
Instagram has extended its personalization feature 'Your Algorithm' to the Explore page worldwide. The tool, which lets users indicate which Reels they want to see more or less of, was previously rolled out globally in the Reels feed after an initial U.S. introduction in December 2025 and a worldwide Reels rollout in January 2026. Platform head Adam Mosseri announced the Explore rollout via Instagram’s Broadcast Channel, noting users can access it by tapping two hearts at the top right of Explore. The rollout is gradual: not all users (including many in Germany) have access yet. The feature also plans to allow selection of top‑3 interests in 2026 to refine individual Reels experiences.
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