Quick Answer: You can't fully reset Instagram's algorithm, but you can retrain it within 1-2 weeks by clearing search history, using "Not Interested" on unwanted content, unfollowing irrelevant accounts, and actively engaging with content you want to see more of.
Understanding Instagram's Algorithm
Before you can reset Instagram's algorithm, you need to understand that Instagram doesn't have just one algorithm—it has multiple algorithms working across different parts of the app. Each one evaluates different signals to decide what content to show you.
| Algorithm Type | What It Controls | Primary Ranking Signals |
|---|---|---|
| Feed Algorithm | Your main home feed | Relationship strength, engagement history, post recency |
| Reels Algorithm | Reels tab and in-feed reels | Watch time, completion rate, audio trends, engagement |
| Explore Algorithm | Explore page discovery | Content similar to what you engage with, trending topics |
| Stories Algorithm | Story feed order | How often you view someone's stories, DM frequency |
Each algorithm learns from your behavior independently, which means you need to address each one differently if you want to change what Instagram shows you.
Step-by-Step: How to Reset Instagram's Algorithm
Step 1: Clear Your Search History
Your search history influences what appears in your Explore page and search suggestions. Here's how to clear it:
- Go to your profile and tap the three horizontal lines (menu) in the top right
- Tap Settings and privacy
- Scroll down and tap Account Center
- Tap Your information and permissions
- Select Search history
- Tap Clear all and confirm
This removes all past searches from Instagram's memory, giving you a clean slate for search-based recommendations.
Step 2: Use "Not Interested" Aggressively
The "Not Interested" feature is your most powerful tool for retraining the algorithm. Instagram responds quickly to these signals.
How to use it:
- On Reels: Tap the three dots on any reel you don't want to see, select Not Interested
- On Feed posts: Tap the three dots on a post, select Not Interested
- On Explore: Long-press any post and select Not Interested
Do this consistently for 3-5 days on every piece of content that doesn't align with what you want to see. The algorithm will start adjusting within 24-48 hours.
Step 3: Unfollow Irrelevant Accounts
Your following list heavily influences your feed and recommendations. If you're seeing content you don't care about, it's time to clean house.
Audit Your Following
Unfollow accounts you haven't engaged with in 6+ months or that post content you consistently skip.
Mute Instead of Unfollow
For accounts you want to keep but don't need in your feed, use the "Mute" feature instead of unfollowing.
Add to Favorites
Tap "Favorite" on accounts you love to prioritize their content at the top of your feed.
Step 4: Engage with Content You Want to See
The algorithm learns fastest from positive signals. Here's what Instagram considers strong engagement:
- Watching reels to completion (most powerful signal for the Reels algorithm)
- Liking and commenting (shows genuine interest)
- Saving posts (signals high-value content to you)
- Sharing to DMs or stories (strongest engagement signal)
- Visiting profiles (shows curiosity about the creator)
Spend 10-15 minutes daily for one week actively engaging with content you want more of. The algorithm will adapt quickly.
Step 5: Refresh Your Reels Feed Strategically
Instagram's Reels algorithm is particularly responsive to recent behavior. If your Reels feed is showing irrelevant content, use this strategy:
- Skip reels you're not interested in within 1-2 seconds (low watch time signals disinterest)
- Watch reels you like all the way through (high completion rate signals interest)
- Like, comment, or share reels that match your preferences
- Use "Not Interested" on content themes you want to eliminate
The Reels algorithm adjusts faster than the main feed—expect changes within 3-4 days of consistent behavior.
How to Train the Algorithm to Show YOUR Content to More People
If you're a creator, resetting the algorithm from the creator perspective means understanding what signals Instagram rewards:
Signals That Boost Your Reels
| Ranking Signal | What Instagram Measures | How to Optimize |
|---|---|---|
| Watch Time | Average % of your reel watched | Hook viewers in first 2 seconds, keep videos under 30s |
| Engagement Rate | Likes, comments, shares, saves per view | Ask questions, create shareable content, use CTAs |
| Audio Trends | Use of trending sounds | Jump on audio trends early, but make content original |
| Content Type | Original vs. reposted content | Create original content; Instagram deprioritizes TikTok reposts |
| Consistency | Posting frequency and timing | Post 3-5 reels/week at times when your audience is active |
What the Reels Algorithm Penalizes
- Reposted content from TikTok (watermarks, aspect ratios that don't fit)
- Low-resolution videos (less than 1080x1920px)
- Content with text-heavy overlays that cover most of the video
- Clickbait or misleading hooks that cause viewers to drop off quickly
- Reels that violate community guidelines (even if not removed, they're deprioritized)
How to Measure If Your "Reset" Is Working
After implementing changes to your content strategy, you need to track whether your engagement is actually improving. Look for these metrics over a 2-3 week period:
- Average watch time percentage increasing (aim for 60%+ completion rate)
- Engagement rate (total engagements ÷ views) trending upward
- Reach to non-followers increasing (shown in Instagram Insights)
- Profile visits and follows from reels growing
After resetting your approach, track whether your engagement improves over the next few weeks. Tools like IShort can help you analyze which content types, lengths, and posting times drive the best performance for your specific audience.
Pro Tip: Focus on Watch Time, Not Just Views
Instagram's algorithm prioritizes quality over quantity. A reel with 5,000 views and 70% average watch time will outperform a reel with 20,000 views and 20% watch time. Create content that keeps viewers watching, not just scrolling.
How Long Does It Take to Reset the Algorithm?
The Instagram algorithm adapts to your behavior at different speeds depending on the section:
- Reels: 3-5 days of consistent new behavior
- Explore: 5-7 days of new engagement patterns
- Main Feed: 1-2 weeks as relationship signals are slower to change
- Stories: 3-5 days based on viewing frequency
You'll start seeing changes within the first week, but give it at least two weeks of consistent behavior for a full "reset."
Common Mistakes When Trying to Reset Instagram's Algorithm
1. Deleting and Reinstalling the App
This does nothing. Your algorithm preferences are stored on Instagram's servers, not your device. Reinstalling won't reset anything.
2. Creating a New Account
While this gives you a clean slate, you lose all your followers, content, and engagement history. It's far more effective to retrain your existing account.
3. Only Clearing Data, Not Changing Behavior
Clearing search history helps, but if you continue engaging with the same content, you'll end up right back where you started. You need to actively change your engagement patterns.
4. Expecting Instant Results
Algorithms learn from patterns over time. Don't give up after 2-3 days. Stick with new behaviors for at least 1-2 weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you completely reset the Instagram algorithm?
You cannot completely reset the Instagram algorithm to factory settings, but you can significantly influence what it shows you by clearing your search history, using "Not Interested" on irrelevant content, unfollowing inactive accounts, and engaging with the type of content you want to see more of. The algorithm adapts to your behavior within 1-2 weeks.
How long does it take to reset Instagram algorithm?
It typically takes 1-2 weeks of consistent new engagement patterns for the Instagram algorithm to adapt to your preferences. The algorithm responds to recent activity more heavily than older activity, so fresh interactions will quickly influence your feed, reels, and explore page.
Does clearing search history reset Instagram algorithm?
Clearing search history removes one data point the algorithm uses, but it won't completely reset your recommendations. Instagram's algorithm primarily relies on your engagement patterns (likes, comments, shares, watch time) rather than just search history. However, clearing searches can help remove unwanted suggestions based on past searches.
How does Instagram's Reels algorithm work?
Instagram's Reels algorithm prioritizes content based on watch time (completion rate), engagement (likes, comments, shares, saves), audio usage, and the type of content you create and interact with. It favors original content over reposts and shows you reels similar to ones you've watched completely or engaged with recently.
Final Thoughts
Resetting Instagram's algorithm isn't about gaming the system—it's about retraining it to align with your actual interests. Whether you're a casual user tired of irrelevant content or a creator looking to improve reach, the principles are the same: clear old signals, send new signals, and give the algorithm time to learn.
The algorithm is designed to keep you engaged, which means it wants to show you content you'll interact with. Once you consistently demonstrate what you do and don't want to see, Instagram will adapt surprisingly quickly.
Start with the steps above, be consistent for at least one week, and you'll notice a significant shift in what appears in your feed, reels, and explore page.