Instagram Gives Users Control Over Their Reels Algorithm

Instagram has expanded access to its “Your Algorithm” feature, now making it available to all English-speaking users globally. The manual control option, which rolled out in early January 2026, allows users to customize what content appears in their Reels feed by defining their own topics of interest.

How Your Algorithm Works

Users can access the controls by tapping the slider icon in the top right corner of the Reels feed. From there, you can add and remove topics, while viewing examples of videos that fit into each category. Additionally, Instagram is giving people the opportunity to choose three top interests for their Reels feed in 2026, helping to guide the algorithm to better align with personal preferences.

What This Means for Content Creators

For creators and brands, this shift represents a significant change in how the Instagram algorithm prioritizes content. Reels now need to match the topics your audience actively chooses, not just whatever Instagram predicts for them. If there’s a mismatch between your content and users’ chosen interests, your Reels are less likely to surface, even if they’re well-produced.

To optimize content for 2026, creators should focus on keeping Reels under 90 seconds and using keyword-rich captions and subtitles to improve discoverability. Watch time remains the primary ranking signal, with shorter, more impactful videos typically outperforming longer content.

The Double-Edged Sword

While this personalization feature gives users more control, it presents a potential risk for Instagram. AI-recommended Reels have been driving engagement gains, and allowing users to manually dictate what they see could reduce overall Reels usage if not managed carefully.

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