Instagram Lets All English Users Control Reels Algorithm

• Instagram has activated “Your Algorithm” controls for all English-speaking users worldwide, letting people add or remove Reels topics.
• Controls are accessible from the Reels feed via the top-right slider icon; users can preview example videos for each interest.
• Instagram also lets users set three top interests for 2026 to guide Reels recommendations.
• Meta warns of potential engagement trade-offs, but expects many users will not actively change defaults.

What Instagram announced

On Jan. 13, 2026, Instagram expanded access to its “Your Algorithm” manual controls to all English-speaking accounts globally. The feature, first tested with a limited group in October, allows users to directly influence the topics that surface in their Reels feed.

How the controls work

Within the Reels feed, tap the slider icon in the top-right corner to open the Your Algorithm panel. From there you can add or remove topic tags that describe the kinds of short videos you want to see.

Each topic shows example clips so you can preview the kinds of content categorized under that interest before applying changes.

Pick three top interests for 2026

Instagram is also introducing a simple selection where users can choose up to three priority interests for the year. Those selections act as a stronger signal to the Reels recommender about what to prioritize.

Why Meta is testing manual controls

Meta has been piloting more manual algorithm settings across Instagram, Facebook and Threads as part of a wider effort to give users perceived control over what appears in their feeds. The move addresses calls for greater transparency and personalization options.

At the same time, AI-driven recommendations are the primary engine behind recent Reels engagement gains. Giving users the option to override algorithmic choices creates a potential trade-off between user control and overall time spent on the app.

Platform risk and likely adoption

Meta faces a modest risk that manual controls could reduce Reels usage if many people opt out of AI recommendations. However, history suggests most users value having the option more than they actively use it, so adoption may be limited.

Implications for creators and brands

For creators and marketers, the feature highlights the importance of clear topical signals in captions, tags and metadata. If a significant number of users refine feeds to specific interests, niche creators could see more consistent reach among audiences who opt into those topics.

What to watch next

Monitor whether Instagram publishes adoption metrics or adjusts ranking weight for user-specified interests. How widely people use the Your Algorithm controls will determine if this becomes a meaningful change to Reels distribution—or mainly a reassurance feature for users concerned about algorithmic curation.