According to Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, the era of “transparency and control” over content visibility has arrived.
Instagram reveals a new feature for U.S. users that empowers them to take charge of the content they encounter.
Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, shared the details of the platform’s latest addition: “Your Algorithm.” As Mosseri explained, this feature will allow users to “view and influence” the content tailored for them in Reels. Reportedly, Instagram utilizes its AI technology to present users with what it thinks they are interested in. If you’re curious about why certain Reels appear in your feed, this will provide the clarity you seek.
In his video, Mosseri describes how users can access “Your Algorithm” and adjust their preferences accordingly.
This feature is being launched today (Dec 10) for users in the U.S., and an additional blog post provided further insights. While in Reels, users will soon see an icon in the top right corner (it resembles two hearts on individual tracks). From that point, you can access “Your Algorithm,” offering a quick glimpse of what Instagram’s AI believes aligns with your interests. Users will discover two key categories: “what you wish to see more of” and “what you wish to see less of.”
The first category encompasses everything the AI already assumes you enjoy, and you can modify topics from there. The second category, what you wish to see less of, pertains to subjects you prefer to avoid while browsing Reels. The recommendations Instagram provides will “adjust” based on your settings in Your Algorithm. Finally, the post notes that users can “share” their preferences, a brief AI-generated summary encapsulating everything.
Mosseri mentioned that there’s enthusiasm for a “world with transparency and control” regarding user visibility on Instagram.
It’s your algorithm
This marks only the start for Instagram. Mosseri’s announcement indicated that while Reels is the initial focus, efforts are underway to extend “Your Algorithm” to the primary Instagram feed and the search tab. The inclusion of the search tab is particularly designed to display items you’ve selected.
U.S. users are the first to access this in Reels today; however, the company is already aspiring to expand it to more English-speaking users worldwide “soon.”
Recently, Instagram’s AI has been active, as the platform began relying on its software to identify teenage users. The objective is to activate its protections aimed at younger users on the platform. It was mentioned that the AI would flag underage users even if their birthdays suggest they are adults. If flagged, Instagram’s Teen Account settings will automatically take effect, limiting who can reach out to them and managing the content they view.
