Meta promises ‘fresh start’ with Instagram recommendations reset

Meta has started rolling out a new feature allowing Instagram users to reset the content recommendations they see on the app.

The reset option lets users curate what they see in Explore, Reels, and Feed, or simply make the change “when they want a fresh start,” the company said in a statement.

After a reset, recommendations will gradually personalize again over time based on the content and accounts the user interacts with. During the reset process, Instagram will also provide an option to review the accounts the user is already following.

The move adds to Meta’s broader efforts to make Instagram safer for teenagers. Recent initiatives include the introduction of teen accounts in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia, with plans to expand to more countries in 2025.

Meta is making the reset feature available to everyone globally.

“We want to make sure everyone on Instagram – especially teens – has safe, positive, age-appropriate experiences and feels the time they’re spending on Instagram is valuable,” Meta said.

The feature builds on the tools already offered to Instagram users that allow them to curate what they see in their recommendations.

People can already indicate which recommended content they like or dislike by tapping the three dots in the corner of the post and selecting “Interested” or “Not interested.” There is also a Hidden Words feature allowing users to hide content with certain words or phrases.

Teenage users with teen accounts can also choose topics they want to see more of. Beyond recommendations, they can also switch to a Following Feed that shows content from accounts they follow in chronological order.

Additionally, teen users can add accounts to Favorites list and see content from these accounts more often and higher in their Feed than anything else. There are other features, such as Close Friends, that give users more control over who sees their content, Meta said.

Social media companies have been under increased pressure to do more to protect children from harmful content.

Dozens of US states have sued Meta accusing it of fueling a youth mental health crisis by making their social media platforms addictive. In the EU, Meta was put under investigation for potential breaches of the bloc’s online content rules relating to child safety.

And Australia is moving to ban social media to anyone under 16 years old.