How to Reset Your IG Algorithm: Take Back Control of Your Feed (2025)
You open Instagram, scroll for five seconds, and think, Why am I seeing this? A random meme here, a cooking reel there, and not a single post from the people or brands you actually care about.
The algorithm’s not broken, it’s just doing its job based on what you’ve taught it. If your feed feels off, it’s time to learn how to reset your IG algorithm and take back control. In this guide, I’ll show you how to retrain your feed so it reflects your interests, not Instagram’s guesses.
What is the Instagram Algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm is the system that decides what shows up on your feed, Stories, Reels, and Explore page. It studies your behavior: what you like, save, share, and linger on, to serve up content it thinks you want more of.
In other words, it’s Instagram’s way of curating your experience. If you’ve been scrolling without intention, the algorithm has been learning from that too. Over time, it floods your feed with random content that doesn’t reflect your interests or your goals.
How the IG Algorithm Works
The Instagram algorithm is a set of smaller algorithms working together across different parts of the app. Each area (Stories, Explore, Reels, and Search) uses its own signals to decide what you see and when you see it.
Instagram Stories
Stories prioritize the accounts you engage with most. The algorithm looks at who you message, react to, or tap through quickly. The more you interact, the more their Stories show up first in your lineup.
Explore Page
The Explore page is Instagram’s discovery hub. It’s fueled by your past behavior: what you’ve liked, saved, or searched. It uses those patterns to introduce you to new creators or topics that align with your interests.
Reels
The Reels algorithm focuses on entertainment value. It pushes content that keeps viewers watching longer and encourages likes, saves, and shares. Even small accounts can reach massive audiences if their Reels grab attention early.
Search Results
Search results work like a mini search engine. Instagram matches your keywords and hashtags to relevant posts, profiles, and audio. The more optimized your captions, alt text, and bios, the easier it is for your content to surface.
Why Reset Your Instagram Algorithm?
Your feed reflects your behavior, and sometimes, it’s learned all the wrong things. If you’ve been casually scrolling, liking random posts, or following accounts that don’t align with your goals, the algorithm starts feeding you more of that same noise. Over time, your feed stops serving you and starts serving distraction.
Resetting your Instagram algorithm gives you a clean slate. It helps Instagram relearn what you actually care about: your niche, your audience, and your professional goals. A reset will refresh your feed, improve relevance, and help you reengage with content that truly supports your brand or business.
5 Steps to Reset Your Instagram Algorithm
If your feed feels off, cluttered, or just plain chaotic, don’t panic. You don’t need to delete your account; you just need to teach Instagram what you actually want to see. Here’s how to reset your IG algorithm step by step.
Step #1: Curate Your Following List
Start by unfollowing accounts that don’t inspire, educate, or align with your goals. The algorithm pays close attention to who you follow, so trimming that list helps it refocus on what matters most to you and your brand.
Step #2: Manage Your Interactions
Be intentional with your likes, saves, and comments. Every interaction teaches the algorithm what to serve you more of. Stop engaging with content that doesn’t align with your interests, and focus on the accounts you actually want in your feed.
Step #3: View the Following Feed
In the upper left corner, where it says Instagram, tap and select the drop-down Following option. You will then see accounts you follow, in the order they have posted.
Step #4: Clear Your Search and Explore History
Your search and Explore tabs hold a digital record of your past habits. Clearing them signals to Instagram that you’re starting fresh. Go to Settings → Search History → Clear All, and let the algorithm reset its understanding of your preferences.
Step #5: Engage With New Content
Now it’s time to rebuild. Follow new creators in your niche, interact with posts that align with your current goals, and engage consistently. Within a few days, you’ll start noticing your feed becoming more relevant, balanced, and intentional.
What to Expect After Resetting Your IG Algorithm
When you reset your Instagram algorithm, your feed won’t fix itself overnight. It needs time to understand what you care about now. Here’s what you’ll notice along the way.
Random Content
Right after a reset, your feed may look messy. Expect to see random posts, unfamiliar creators, or topics that feel out of place. That’s normal. Instagram is testing what grabs your attention so it can start rebuilding your preferences from scratch.
Algorithm Relearning
Over the next few days or weeks, the algorithm begins to “relearn” your interests. The more you interact with content that aligns with your niche or goals, the faster your feed recalibrates. Consistency is key because your engagement teaches the system what to prioritize.
What Doesn't Change
Resetting doesn’t affect your followers, your content, or your post history. It only impacts what you see on your feed and Explore page. Your past performance, saved posts, and analytics remain intact. The difference is in how the algorithm starts serving you new content going forward.
Tips for a Healthier Instagram Feed
Once you’ve reset your algorithm, the goal is to keep your feed intentional. A healthy Instagram feed reflects your interests, your goals, and your mindset. Here’s how to maintain it:
Be selective about who you follow.
Every follow is a signal to the algorithm. Stick to accounts that educate, motivate, or align with your business and personal growth. Quality over quantity keeps your feed valuable.
Engage with purpose.
Don’t scroll aimlessly. Like, comment, and save only the content that genuinely connects with you or your audience. Purposeful engagement teaches Instagram what matters most.
Balance your content consumption.
Follow a mix of creators: industry peers, thought leaders, and a few accounts that inspire creativity. This balance keeps your feed fresh without turning it into noise.
Use the “Not Interested” option.
If you see posts that feel irrelevant, tap “Not Interested.” It’s one of the fastest ways to retrain your feed to show you more of what you actually want.
Spend less time scrolling, more time creating.
A healthier feed isn’t just about what you consume; it’s about what you contribute. Posting consistently and authentically helps shape the algorithm around your content, not just everyone else’s.
IG Algorithm: Frequently Asked Questions
Will resetting my algorithm delete my followers?
No, resetting your Instagram algorithm won’t delete your followers or your posts. It only affects what content appears on your feed, Explore page, and suggested posts. Your profile, audience, and engagement history all stay the same.
How long does it take for the algorithm to adjust after a reset?
It usually takes about one to two weeks for the Instagram algorithm to recalibrate after a reset. The more intentionally you engage with new content, liking, saving, and commenting on posts that fit your interests, the faster your feed adjusts.
Can I undo an Instagram algorithm reset?
You can’t directly undo a reset, but you can retrain the algorithm again by interacting with the content you want to see. Instagram’s system is dynamic; it continuously adapts to your behavior, so your feed will always evolve based on your current engagement.
Does resetting affect the ads I see on Instagram?
Yes. Resetting your IG algorithm also refreshes your ad targeting. You may see a wider variety of ads for a short period, but as you start engaging again, the platform fine-tunes your ad experience to match your new interests.
Can you manually reset your Instagram Explore page?
Yes. Go to your profile, tap Settings → Search History → Clear All to reset your Explore page. This removes past activity so Instagram can start showing you new, relevant posts based on your latest engagement.
Work with Instagram Strategy Expert, Queen Bee Jackie
If your Instagram feed feels out of control, it’s time to reset more than your algorithm; it’s time to reset your strategy. I’ll help you build an intentional Instagram presence that gets seen, connects with your audience, and drives real results. Let’s make the algorithm work for you, not against you.
