Refresh Your Feed: How To Reset Instagram Algorithms

Profile photo of Karen Lin, author

Karen Lin

Uncategorized | Feb 21, 2024

Want More Real Instagram Followers?

Does your Instagram feed feel messy with posts that don’t interest you? It can be hard to stay inspired and come up with new content ideas when your feed is full of irrelevant posts. As Instagram users, we’ve all felt annoyed by the algorithm at some point. 

It’s hard to find real engagement and inspiration when there’s so much algorithm-driven content on your Instagram. And seriously, why are there so many cat videos online?

But you don’t need to lose hope. There’s a way to cut through the chaos of the algorithm. Resetting the Instagram algorithm might sound tough, but it’s doable. If you understand how Instagram’s algorithm works, you can adjust your settings to reclaim control over your feed. 

In this blog, we’ll share practical tips on how to reset Instagram algorithms and regain control of your Instagram timeline. Let’s figure out the algorithm together and boost your Instagram presence.

A person scrolling their Instagram gallery.

Ideas For How To Reset Your Instagram Algorithm

Are you feeling overwhelmed by your Instagram feed? It’s time to take charge and reset the algorithm. Here are some practical steps for resetting the Instagram algorithm:

  • Audit Your Following: Review the accounts you follow. Unfollow accounts that no longer align with your interests or provide valuable content.
  • Engage Meaningfully: Interact with posts that resonate with you by liking, commenting, and saving them. This signals to the algorithm what content you enjoy.
  • Diversify Your Following: Follow accounts that share diverse content to ensure a varied and interesting feed.
  • Explore Different Hashtags: Search for and follow hashtags related to your interests to discover new content beyond your current following.
  • Use the Explore Page Wisely: Navigate the Explore page to discover new accounts and content that align with your interests.
  • Interact with Stories: Engage with Instagram Stories by responding to polls, quizzes, and questions to increase your visibility to those accounts.
  • Customize Your Feed Preferences: Utilize Instagram’s “Following” and “Mute” features to curate your feed. Prioritize content from your favorite accounts while muting less engaging or irrelevant content.

These steps can help you curate a more enjoyable and personalized Instagram experience.

A person exploring an Instagram feed in front of a computer.

How Does the Instagram Algorithm Work?

The Instagram algorithm decides which posts you see first when you scroll through your feed. It picks posts based on user behavior. The algorithm puts the most relevant posts at the top for more people to see, while other posts get pushed down.

The algorithm considers three main things:

  • Your Relationship: If someone likes or comments on your posts often, they’re more likely to see your future posts. So, keeping them engaged with your content matters.
  • User’s Interest: If someone enjoys posts similar to yours, they’ll probably see your posts, too, because they engage with similar content.
  • Post Relevancy: When you post something, Instagram gives it a score based on its relevance to your audience, affecting who sees it.

There are other important things to remember if you’re wondering how the Instagram algorithm works:

  • If users follow many accounts, there’s more competition for their attention in the feed.
  • If users don’t spend much time on Instagram, it’s harder for them to see your content.
  • Business and creator accounts do not inherently receive less reach than personal accounts.
  • Instagram takes down posts that break its rules. If someone keeps breaking the rules, Instagram might suspend their account.
  • If someone posts misinformation, Instagram marks it and lowers its visibility. If they keep doing it, their content becomes even harder to find.

A person is engaging with a post on Instagram.

How To Reset Instagram Explore Page Algorithm

The Explore page is your gateway to discovering new and exciting content. Here’s how you can reset the Instagram Explore page algorithm and find content that piques your interest:

  1. Interact Intentionally: Engage with posts and accounts similar to those you want to see more of on your Explore page.
  2. Clear Your Search History: Removing personalized recommendations can help refresh your Explore page.
  3. Explore Trends: Keep an eye on trending topics and hashtags to uncover fresh and relevant content.
  4. Follow New Hashtags: Explore and follow hashtags related to topics you’re interested in to discover fresh content on your Explore page.
  5. Explore Different Topics: Explore various categories and topics on the Explore page to broaden your content consumption.
  6. Discover New Accounts: Follow accounts recommended to you on the Explore page to diversify your feed and discover content outside your usual interests.
  7. Provide Feedback: Use the “See Fewer Posts Like This” option to refine the content on the Explore page.

Now, you know how to reset the Instagram Explore page algorithm. Personalizing your Explore page preferences allows you to tailor your browsing experience to suit your interests.

A person holding a phone with an Instagram account open on the screen. 

How To Reset Instagram Feed Algorithm

Your Instagram feed is your digital showcase, so it’s essential to reset its algorithm for maximum impact. Here’s how to reset your Instagram feed algorithm:

  1. Curate Your Following: Regularly review the accounts you follow and unfollow those that no longer resonate with you. But see how many people you can unfollow on Instagram before you do so. 
  2. Engage Authentically: Like, comment, and share content from accounts you genuinely enjoy to increase visibility and engagement.
  3. Experiment With Content: Try posting at different times and exploring diverse content formats to gauge audience response.
  4. Engage With Relevant Content: Interact with posts that align with your interests so the algorithm knows the type of content you want to see more of.
  5. Follow Accounts Carefully: Choose to follow accounts that consistently share content you enjoy to ensure a more curated and personalized feed.
  6. Utilize the “Following” Tab: Regularly check the “Following” tab to ensure you don’t miss updates from your favorite accounts amidst the algorithm-curated feed.
  7. Discover New Accounts: Explore the “Discover” section to find new accounts and content creators that align with your interests.
  8. Provide Feedback: Use the “Hide Post” option to inform the algorithm when certain content is irrelevant or interesting to you.
  9. Stay Active: Regularly engage with posts by liking, commenting, and sharing to maintain an active presence on Instagram.

By actively managing your feed, you can ensure it reflects your interests and preferences.

A woman doing her skincare routine in front of the mirror while recording on Instagram Live.

How To Reset Instagram Reels Algorithm

Instagram Reels offer a platform for creativity and entertainment. Here’s how to reset the Instagram Reels algorithm and boost your content’s visibility:

  1. Engage with Reels Content: Interact with Reels that capture your interest by liking, commenting, and sharing to signal your preferences to the algorithm.
  2. Follow Relevant Hashtags: Follow hashtags related to topics you enjoy to discover new and trending Reel content in your feed.
  3. Explore Different Genres: Take some time to explore various Reel categories, including comedy, music, and lifestyle, to diversify your feed.
  4. Discover New Creators: Follow and engage with Reel creators recommended on the Explore page to discover fresh content outside your usual feed.
  5. Share Your Favorites: Share Reels you enjoy with your followers to increase their visibility and support the creators behind the content.
  6. Provide Feedback: Use the “Not Interested” option to inform the algorithm when certain Reels do not resonate with you. This refines your Reel recommendations over time.

By optimizing your Reels strategy, you can expand your reach and connect with a broader audience.

A person is scrolling through their Instagram Feed.

How To Clear Instagram Search Suggestions

Your Instagram search history influences the recommendations you see on the platform. Here’s how to clear Instagram search suggestions and refine your browsing experience:

  1. Access Account Settings: Navigate to your Instagram account settings to locate the option to clear your search history.
  2. Clear Search History Regularly: Make it a habit to check your search history periodically to ensure your suggestions remain relevant and up-to-date.
  3. Adjust Privacy Settings: Review and adjust your privacy settings to control the information Instagram uses to personalize your search suggestions.
  4. Explore Varied Interests: Actively engage with diverse types of content to influence your search suggestions and discover new topics and accounts.
  5. Utilize Private Browsing: Consider using Instagram in private or incognito mode to prevent your searches from influencing your recommendations. You can use this by using tools like Anonymous Story Viewer. 
  6. Customize Your Experience: Take advantage of Instagram’s search and explore features to tailor your browsing experience and discover content that aligns with your interests.

By managing your search history, you can ensure a more tailored and relevant browsing experience on Instagram.

A phone placed on the table with an Instagram post on the screen.

What Happens When You Reset The Instagram Algorithm

Instagram relies on a complex algorithm to curate content tailored to your interests on your Explore page. It’s all about keeping you engaged and entertained while you browse.

However, over time, your Explore page might lose appeal and become more of a chore to scroll through. So, what exactly happens when you reset the algorithm?

By following the tips shared in this post, you’re giving Instagram a refresher on your preferences.

Instagram can be quite addictive. Sometimes, we find ourselves spending too much time on the platform, consuming content that doesn’t captivate us. Resetting the algorithm can help customize your Explore page and even liven up your news feed.

  • For regular Instagram users: You’ll discover more engaging content on your Explore page that aligns with your interests. Instagram takes note of what piques your curiosity.
  • For entrepreneurs and creators: You’ll uncover more relevant content to spark inspiration and establish meaningful connections to boost your page’s growth.

An  Instagram profile on a black smartphone screen.

Boost Your Instagram Influence With Path Social

Resetting the Instagram algorithm empowers you to take control of your browsing experience and maximize your content’s visibility. By implementing the abovementioned strategies, you can curate a feed that reflects your interests and engages your audience effectively. 

Now that you know how to reset Instagram algorithm, let’s decode the algorithm together and elevate your Instagram presence.

At Path Social, we’ve spent years developing our in-house platform of Instagram influencers and a proprietary AI targeting algorithm. Our approach ensures that your content reaches organic users who are genuinely interested. 

With our proven strategies, you’ll build an Instagram community that lasts. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to grow and gain Instagram followers today. Reach out to us, and let’s elevate your Instagram presence together!