Instagram Reels are like short, fun videos where people can show off their creativity, share a laugh, or even teach something cool. When you open Instagram, sometimes you see these Reels from people you don’t even follow, right? That’s what we call “suggested reels.” They pop up based on what Instagram thinks you might like.
Now, why do these suggestions even matter? Well, think about when you watch your favorite TV shows because they make you happy or interested. If Instagram keeps showing you Reels that you enjoy, you’re going to have a lot more fun on the app. It’s kind of like having a smart friend who knows exactly what videos will make you smile or learn something new without you having to search for them.
Let me tell you a quick story. One day, I was really into making a fancy breakfast, but I wasn’t sure how to flip an omelet without making a mess. So, I started watching cooking Reels, and guess what? The next day, my Instagram feed showed me a Reel from a chef flipping omelets perfectly. It was exactly what I needed! This wasn’t just by chance; Instagram learned what I liked and helped me out.
Seeing the right Reels can make your Instagram time a lot more fun and helpful. It’s like the app is getting to know you better so it can make your experience better every time you log in. That’s why understanding how to manage what Reels get suggested to you is super important—it lets you have more control over what you watch, making sure it’s all stuff you really like.
By learning how these suggestions work, you can start to see more videos that match your interests, whether it’s cooking, dancing, or anything else. And don’t worry, we’ll go step-by-step to make it easy to understand how you can make Instagram work best for you.
Table of Contents
Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm for Suggested Reels
Ever wondered how Instagram decides which Reels to show you? It’s like Instagram has a secret recipe that helps it figure out what videos you might like to see next. Let’s dive into how this all works!
Instagram uses something called an algorithm, which is a set of rules and calculations the app uses to pick Reels for you. This algorithm looks at what you do on Instagram to guess what you might enjoy watching next. It’s like if you always laugh at jokes about dogs, your friend starts telling you more dog jokes—that’s what Instagram is doing with Reels.
Here are a couple of big things that tell Instagram what to suggest to you:
- Interactions: This includes every like, comment, share, or even how long you watch a Reel. If you spend time watching cooking Reels and like or comment on them, Instagram will show you more of those.
- Watch History: Instagram keeps track of the Reels you’ve watched before. If you always watch Reels about skateboarding tricks, you’ll start seeing more from other skateboarders.
Let me share a personal story to make this clearer. I love outdoor adventures, so I often watch Reels about hiking and camping. One day, after liking several Reels of mountain trails, Instagram started suggesting videos of beautiful hiking spots I had never heard of. It felt like Instagram knew exactly what I was interested in, making my feed full of exciting new adventures to plan for.
By understanding these patterns, you can start to see why certain Reels pop up in your feed. If you ever find yourself getting bored or seeing stuff that doesn’t interest you, remember, what you interact with shapes what you get. So next time, try interacting with your favorite types of Reels more actively, and watch how your feed begins to change. This way, you take control of what you want to see more of, making your Instagram experience even better!
Method 1: Directly Managing Reel Suggestions
Sometimes, you might feel overwhelmed by all the new videos popping up in your Instagram feed. If you’re looking to simplify your Instagram experience or just want a break from the endless stream of Reels, here’s a straightforward way to manage what you see.
Navigating to Reel Settings
First, let’s find where to adjust these settings:
- Open your Instagram app.
- Go to your profile by tapping your picture at the bottom right.
- Tap on the three lines in the top right corner to open the menu.
- Go to ‘Settings’, then tap on ‘Privacy’, and find the ‘Reels’ option.
This path will take you right where you need to adjust your Reels settings.
Turning Off the “Show Suggested Reels” Feature
Inside the Reels settings, there’s a toggle switch for “Show Suggested Reels.” If you flip this switch to the off position, Instagram will stop showing you Reels from people you don’t follow. It’s pretty simple:
- Find the toggle for “Show Suggested Reels.”
- Tap it, and it will turn from blue to grey, showing that it’s off.
Consequences of Disabling Suggested Reels
Turning off suggested Reels might sound like a good idea to keep your feed simple, but it has its downsides. For instance, you might miss out on discovering some really cool new content or creators that could become your favorites. It also means your Reel feed will be limited to just the people you follow.
Here’s a personal story to illustrate this: I once turned off my suggested Reels because I felt too distracted. It was nice at first because my feed felt more controlled, and I only saw posts from my close friends and favorite creators. However, I soon realized I was missing out on a lot of new trends and inspiring ideas. It felt like I was in a bubble. After a few weeks, I decided to turn the suggestions back on, and suddenly, my feed was vibrant and inspiring again.
By managing your Reel settings, you’re in control of what you see. Remember, this setting isn’t permanent; you can always change it back if you feel like you’re missing out or if you just want a new mix of content. It’s all about finding the right balance that works for you!
Method 2: Tailoring Reels Through Interactions
If you want your Instagram feed to feel just right, interacting with the content you love is key. By engaging with Reels you enjoy, you’re essentially telling Instagram, “Hey, I want more of this!” Let’s explore how your interactions can shape your Instagram experience.
Interacting with Preferred Content
When you find a Reel you really like, don’t just watch and scroll away. Hit that ‘like’ button, leave a comment, or even share it with your friends. Each action sends a strong signal to Instagram about your preferences. It’s like voting for what you want to see more of.
Importance of Liking, Commenting, and Sharing Specific Reels
Every like, comment, and share counts. By actively engaging with Reels that resonate with you, you help the algorithm understand your tastes better. This isn’t just about expressing enjoyment; it’s a strategic move to curate your feed.
How to Use the “Not Interested” Option on Unwanted Reels
Sometimes, you’ll come across a Reel that just isn’t for you. Instead of just scrolling past, you can tap on the three dots (…) on the Reel and select ‘Not Interested.’ This tells Instagram to show you fewer Reels like that one in the future. It’s a quick way to clean up your feed and avoid content that doesn’t interest you.
Here’s a personal story to put this into perspective: I remember when my feed was suddenly full of cooking Reels. Don’t get me wrong, I love good food, but I’m not much of a chef. I started using the ‘Not Interested’ option on these cooking Reels, and over time, I noticed fewer of them in my feed. Instead, more of my feed became filled with tech tutorials and gadget reviews, which I’m really passionate about. This small change made my Instagram time much more enjoyable and tailored to my real interests.
By actively engaging with the content you love and filtering out what you don’t, you can significantly influence what Instagram shows you. This isn’t just about making your feed fun; it’s about making it truly yours. So next time you’re on Instagram, remember that every interaction is an opportunity to refine your feed and make your social media experience better tailored to what you love.
Method 3: Resetting Your Reel Suggestions
Sometimes, no matter how much you tweak your interactions, you might feel like your Instagram feed needs a fresh start. If that’s the case, resetting your reel suggestions can be like hitting the restart button on a video game—it gives you a clean slate. Let’s walk through how you can reset your suggestions to better align with your current interests.
Clearing Watch History to Reset Suggestions
Instagram keeps track of the Reels you watch, which influences the new suggestions you see. To reset this, you can clear your watch history. Here’s how:
- Go to your profile and tap the menu icon in the top right corner.
- Select ‘Settings’ and then ‘Security.’
- Look for an option called ‘Clear Search History’ or ‘Clear Watch History.’
- Confirm your choice to clear the history.
This action tells Instagram to forget what it thinks you like, based on your past watches, and start fresh.
Temporarily Changing Your Activity Pattern on Instagram
Another way to reset your feed is by changing what you do on Instagram. If you usually watch a lot of one type of Reel, try watching different kinds for a while. For example, if you’ve watched a lot of sports Reels, try checking out some music or comedy Reels instead.
Here’s a story from my own experience: Once, my feed was overrun with fitness Reels after I went on a health kick. It was motivating at first, but soon, I wanted more variety. I started watching travel and photography Reels, and after a while, I noticed my feed began to change. New types of videos started to appear, making my Instagram experience much more diverse and enjoyable.
By clearing your watch history and temporarily shifting your focus on Instagram, you can guide the algorithm toward a more varied and refreshing selection of Reels. It’s a way of taking control and ensuring that your social media experience stays exciting and relevant to your evolving interests. Remember, Instagram’s algorithm is dynamic, adapting to your latest activities, so you have the power to shape your feed just the way you like it.
Troubleshooting Common Issues with Suggested Reels
Even with the best settings adjustments, you might sometimes run into issues with suggested Reels not updating as expected or encountering inappropriate content. Here’s how you can address these issues to ensure your Instagram feed stays enjoyable and relevant.
What to Do if Changes Are Not Reflected
If you’ve made changes to your settings or interactions and don’t see any difference in the Reels suggested to you, here are a few steps to try:
- Refresh Your Feed: Sometimes, simply closing and reopening the app can help apply the changes.
- Log Out and Log In: Logging out of your Instagram account and logging back in can help reset the session and apply any pending updates.
- Wait a Little: Changes in algorithm-driven content can sometimes take a bit to show. Give it some time, as the algorithm might still be adjusting to your new preferences.
How to Report Problems with Inappropriate or Repetitive Content
Instagram aims to keep the platform safe and enjoyable for everyone, but sometimes inappropriate or unwanted content slips through. Here’s how you can report it:
- Report Individual Reels: Tap the three dots (…) on the Reel, and select ‘Report.’ You can then follow the prompts to specify what issue you’re reporting, such as it being inappropriate or spam.
- Provide Feedback: If you notice a pattern of unwanted content, you can use the feedback tool in the settings to inform Instagram. Go to your profile, tap the menu, select ‘Settings,’ then ‘Help,’ and choose ‘Report a Problem.’
I remember a time when my feed started showing a lot of Reels that just didn’t align with my interests, and some were even borderline inappropriate. I used these reporting features to flag those Reels. Over the next few days, I noticed a clear improvement in the quality and relevance of the content. It reassured me that taking a moment to report can really make a difference in cleaning up the feed, not just for myself but potentially for others who might run into the same issue.
By actively using these troubleshooting steps, you can help ensure that your Instagram experience remains positive. It’s about taking proactive steps to shape your social media environment into a space that reflects your interests and values.
If you’re also facing issues with pausing Instagram reels, we’ve got you covered. Check out our detailed guide on how to pause Instagram reels.
Advanced Tips and Tricks
To really tailor your Instagram experience, diving deeper into the platform’s features can offer more control over what pops up in your feed. Here are a couple of advanced strategies to help fine-tune your Instagram Reels suggestions.
Following Specific Hashtags or Creators to Influence Reel Suggestions
One effective way to shape your feed is by following specific hashtags or creators that align with your interests. When you follow a hashtag, Instagram includes posts and Reels tagged with it in your feed, which can introduce you to new content creators. Similarly, following creators who post content you enjoy can signal to Instagram’s algorithm what you like.
For instance, I’m a big fan of street photography, so I started following #streetphotography and several well-known photographers in that niche. Before long, my feed began to feature more Reels and posts related to this style, enhancing my daily dose of inspiration and connecting me with a community that shares my passion.
Utilizing the Explore Page to Refine Content Preferences
The Explore page is another powerful tool at your disposal. It’s designed to show you content from across Instagram that you might not see otherwise, based on what you’ve liked and interacted with previously. Spending some time on the Explore page and interacting with content there can further refine what shows up in your suggestions.
Here’s a tip: When you find something you like on the Explore page, don’t just scroll past it—engage with it! Like it, comment on it, and share it if you feel inclined. I once spent an afternoon exploring different gardening Reels through the Explore page. By the evening, my feed had adjusted to show more gardening tips, DIY plant care, and even some local plant nurseries. It was like having a personalized garden show right on my phone!
By actively following certain hashtags and creators and using the Explore page thoughtfully, you can make Instagram work better for you. These actions help you discover more of what you love and less of what you don’t, ensuring that every scroll through Instagram is as engaging as it can be.
If you want to make your Instagram more private, check out our guide on How To Hide Followers on Instagram. It will help you keep control of who sees your account, just like changing your suggested reels.
Future Updates and Considerations
Instagram keeps changing, and it’s exciting to think about what new features might come next! Here’s how you can stay ready for any changes, especially those that help you customize what you see on Instagram.
Possible New Features for Customizing Content
Instagram is always thinking of new ways to make your feed even better. Soon, we might get more controls that let us decide not just what types of videos we see, but also how often we see them. Imagine having a set of sliders for different topics like “animals,” “science,” or “cooking,” and you can slide them up or down to get more or less of those videos in your feed. That would let you make your Instagram feed feel just right for you.
Keeping Up with Instagram’s Changes
It’s good to know about Instagram’s new updates or changes. You can follow tech blogs, join groups online that talk about Instagram, or watch for news directly from Instagram. This helps you use all the fun new tools right away.
I remember once reading about a new video feature on a tech blog before most people knew about it. I tried it out early and made some really cool videos that not many others were making yet. This made my videos stand out and get noticed by more people.
It’s not just about trying new things, though. When Instagram changes how it decides what videos to show you, knowing about these changes can help you keep seeing videos you like. So, by staying up-to-date, you can make sure Instagram is always fun and interesting for you.
By looking forward to new changes and staying informed, you can quickly adapt and make sure Instagram is always showing you the best videos for your interests.
FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Can I Permanently Remove Specific Suggested Reels?
Currently, Instagram doesn’t allow you to permanently remove specific suggested Reels. However, you can use the “Not Interested” option on individual Reels to tell Instagram to show you fewer videos like those. Although this doesn’t remove the suggestions completely forever, it does help in reducing their frequency.
Why Do Certain Reels Keep Appearing Even After Expressing Disinterest?
Sometimes, you might notice that certain types of Reels keep popping up even if you’ve marked them as “Not Interested.” This can happen because the Instagram algorithm is constantly learning and adjusting based on a wide range of signals, including your overall activity. If the algorithm still thinks these Reels are relevant based on other things you watch or like, it might continue to show them. Consistently using the “Not Interested” option can help refine your preferences over time.
How Often Should I Adjust My Reel Preferences for Best Results?
Adjusting your Reel preferences doesn’t have to be a frequent task. You might want to tweak them occasionally when you notice changes in the types of Reels you’re seeing that don’t match your interests. A good time to check your settings is when you find yourself consistently not enjoying the suggested content, or when your interests have shifted significantly.
Conclusion
Instagram has lots of ways to help you control and change the suggested Reels you see. You can manage your settings, engage more with content you like, reset your preferences, or fix issues. Each way helps make your time on Instagram better.
You can turn off suggested Reels to make your feed simpler. You can also like and comment more on the videos you enjoy to help Instagram learn what to show you. If you want to see different kinds of videos, you might clear your watch history or change what you watch for a little while. If you see videos you don’t like, you can report them to Instagram.
I encourage you to try out these settings. When I started to interact more with the Reels I liked, my feed quickly began to show more videos that interested me, making my browsing much more fun and personal. It was like finding the perfect song on the radio.
So, don’t be shy about changing your settings and exploring new content. The more you personalize your interactions and settings, the more you’ll enjoy the Reels on Instagram. Go ahead and make your Instagram journey just right for you!