Instagram Gives Users More Control, Reels Algorithm Can Now Be Regulated According To Taste

JAKARTA - Instagram has finally opened up a bit of its secret kitchen. After years users have complained about Reels feeds that feel like a surprise box sometimes funny, sometimes strange, sometimes it makes you wonder why this platform appears on the screen. This platform releases an update that allows users to control Reels algorithms much more personally.

This update adds a new icon that reveals a list of topics that Instagram says represent user viewing habits. The list is not in the form of code that is difficult to understand, but topics that are read from the duration of watch, likes, shares, to fast swipe. This list can be edited: users can add interest they want to see more often or delete topics they want to avoid.

In other words, instead of guessing user preferences, the Reels algorithm will now be manually directed by their choice. Instagram says the algorithm will automatically customize, drive a feed in the direction users have chosen. The company is also preparing an interest list sharing option via Stories, so followers can add the same topic recommendations to their feed.

This move comes after years of criticism that Instagram has been too closed about how content is chosen and why certain videos just appear. With this new feature, the 'hidden algorithm' no longer completely determines the user experience. Its role comes down as a digital courier, just delivering videos based on a selection of topics that have been set.

Implications can penetrate the advertising business. The easier it is to remove topics, the less likely a content category dominates the feed before users approve it. This can affect how ads are displayed and how new interests are usually formed through digital social interactions.

Instagram, like other platforms, is struggling to maintain relevance among young people who are now more critical of content-traveling algorithms and conveniences. By giving users more control, the company hopes that the experience of watching Reels feels more like a personal playlist, not like being in theaters playing random movies.