Instagram is rolling out new algorithm controls to all English-speaking users worldwide. The feature lets you personalize topics recommended by the Reels feed. Meta is also adding a 'build your 2026 algorithm' option. Users can highlight three specific interests for the coming year, giving them more direct influence over what appears in their feed.

The tool analyzes your recent activity to suggest topics. You can remove suggestions or add entirely new categories. A separate field lets you identify content you want to see less of. This move is Meta's latest attempt to address user frustration with opaque algorithmic feeds, a common complaint across social media platforms.

Testing revealed mixed results on accuracy. One user added 'snowboarding' and immediately saw a freestyle skiing clip incorrectly tagged. However, the system adjusted quickly after the change. It provides a valuable escape hatch for users stuck in a rabbit hole from a brief, fleeting interest.

Notably, the controls do not extend to advertising. Attempts to add 'ads' to the 'see less' list return an error. You can successfully add 'sponsored content,' but the system seems designed to protect Meta's core revenue stream while giving users more control over organic content.