The instagram explore page is a valuable feature designed to help users discover photos, videos, and stories tailored to their specific interests and activity. It is powered by an intricate algorithm that curates suggestions based on your previous interactions, search history, and the accounts you follow.
However, even the most sophisticated algorithm can grow stale. Whether your personal interests have evolved or you have found yourself scrolling through triggering or irrelevant content, there comes a time when hitting the “reset button” becomes necessary.
Fortunately, instagram has introduced both a comprehensive new reset feature and manual methods allowing users to regain complete control of their experience. This guide outlines both strategies, ensuring your instagram feed returns to being a source of inspiration and enjoyment.
Instagram Algorithm & Explore Page:
To effectively reset your feeds, it helps to understand what signals the platform uses. instagram collects hundreds of thousands of signals—including likes, comments, shares, and even the time spent lingering on a video—to shape your suggested content.
Why Your Feed Needs a "Spring Clean" (Reasons for Irrelevance):
There are several common reasons why users seek to reset their personalized feeds:
changing interests:
Content that resonated a few months ago may no longer be relevant. For example, your interests may shift from fitness to travel photography.
skewed assumptions:
One-off interactions, such as clicking on a few videos out of sheer curiosity, can lead to an influx of similar, irrelevant content that clutters your feed.
sensitive topics:
You may be receiving too much content on sensitive subjects, which may cause distress.
accidental rabbit holes:
Falling down a rabbit hole of content you are not genuinely interested in will still train the algorithm incorrectly.
external interference:
If someone else has accessed your account and engaged with content outside of your normal tastes, the algorithm will incorporate those interactions.
The Benefits of a Refreshed Feed:
Resetting your instagram experience is not merely about decluttering; it is about taking control. The primary advantage is a refreshed, tailored feed that is genuinely exciting and engaging. Other benefits include:
saving time:
A personalized explore page helps you discover content that truly interests you without needing to wade through irrelevant posts.
refining digital identity:
By curating your feed, you align your social media experience with your current preferences and evolving hobbies.
boosting inspiration:
A well-curated feed can serve as a source of inspiration, enhancing your content strategy by showing up-to-date and interesting material.
The Full Algorithm Reset (The New Feature):
In november 2024, instagram quietly launched a feature that allows users to completely wipe the slate clean on their recommended content across the explore, reels, and home feeds.
This feature was developed as part of the platform’s protections for teen accounts, aiming to help cultivate “safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences”. However, this content reset feature is available to all users who feel their feeds no longer reflect who they are.
How to Reset Suggested Content on instagram? (5 Steps)
Follow these steps to initiate a full algorithm reset and start fresh:
From your profile, tap the three-bar ‘more options’ icon in the top right.
Scroll down to ‘what you see,’ and tap ‘content preferences.’
Tap ‘reset suggested content.’
Follow the on-screen instructions and tap ‘next.’
Tap ‘reset suggested content’ to confirm.
What Changes vs. What Stays the Same After a Full Reset?
Once you confirm the reset, your recommendations will begin with a clean slate, mixing in various content for you to explore.
What Stays the Same?
The accounts you follow.
The ads you see.
Your existing posts, stories, or direct messages.
Pro Tip: Before you finalize the reset (at step 5), instagram provides an option to review the accounts you are following. You can use this window to manually unfollow irrelevant accounts or add different ad topics before completing the full wipe.
Manual Curation Steps to Fine-Tune Your Feed:
If a full reset is unavailable or if you prefer to fine-tune your feed gradually, several intentional steps can be taken to send clear signals to the algorithm.
Clear Your Search History (The Step-by-Step Guide)
instagram’s algorithm incorporates your search inputs when personalizing your explore feed. Clearing this history removes one significant layer of personalization data:
Open the instagram app.
Tap on your profile icon on the bottom right corner.
Tap on the burger menu icon on the top right corner.
Tap on the settings option.
Tap on the security option.
Under the data and history section, look for the search history option and tap on it.
Tap on the clear all option and confirm the prompt.
Using the "not interested" Feature:
This feature is critical for negative reinforcement, allowing you to flag content that you do not want to see. This option is available on your reels and explore feeds:
Tap on the magnifying glass icon to view the explore page.
Select a post that you do not like.
Tap the three-dot menu icon of that particular post.
Tap on the not interested button. The post will be removed from the feed.
Audit and Unfollow Irrelevant Accounts:
The accounts you follow are a crucial factor in the content displayed on your explore page. Regularly auditing your list sends a clear signal about current preferences:
Navigate to your profile page.
Tap on following to see your complete list.
Identify any accounts whose content no longer aligns with your interests.
Tap on the following button next to their name to unfollow them.
Actively Interact with Preferred Content:
To effectively reset and guide the algorithm, you must start proactively interacting with the content you wish to see more of.
Search for hashtags related to your current interests and explore the top posts.
Engage with relevant posts by liking, commenting, saving, or sharing them.
You can also tap “interested” on posts (via the three dots) to signa
Repeating this positive reinforcement regularly helps instagram recognize your updated interests and adjust recommendations accordingly.
Clearing App Cache (android Specific Instruction):
Clearing the app cache can help reset the explore page by getting rid of temporary saved data that may be influencing the algorithm. Note that this step is explicitly applicable to android users:
Go to settings on your android device.
Select apps or applications manager.
Find and tap on the instagram app.
Tap on storage.
Select clear cache.
Maintaining a Relevant Explore Page:
Once you have initiated the reset, the first few days post-reset are crucial for training the algorithm on what you actually want to see.
Be mindful of every interaction:
Every like, comment, and save influences the algorithm, so engage thoughtfully with content that genuinely interests you.
Continuous negative filtering:
Consistently utilize the “not interested” feature. The more often you use this tool, the more refined your explore page will become in avoiding content you want to skip.
Avoid clickbait:
Refrain from engaging with trendy or sensational content that does not align with your core preferences.
Utilize top hashtags:
Search for and engage with content under your top current hashtags regularly to send clear, recurring signals to instagram about your true interests.
Adjust for evolution:
If your interests evolve again, make a concerted effort to engage with new, relevant content to guide the algorithm in the correct direction.
Ready for Your Business Boost?
Now that you’ve successfully streamlined your personal instagram experience and refined your digital identity, consider applying the same level of intentionality to your professional presence. Leveraging powerful social media tools can help you revamp your content strategy and manage your online presence efficiently.
