How to Unfollow Reels on Facebook on iPhone: A Master Guide

So, you’re finding your Facebook feed on your iPhone inundated with Reels you’d rather not see? You’re not alone. The relentless algorithm can sometimes push content at you that simply doesn’t resonate. Thankfully, Facebook provides ways to tailor your experience. You can unfollow Reels, effectively telling the algorithm, “Not my cup of tea.” Here’s how you do it:

How to Unfollow Reels on Facebook on iPhone:

The most straightforward way to unfollow Reels on Facebook directly from your iPhone is through these steps:

1. Identify a Reel you want to unfollow: Scroll through your Facebook feed until you come across a Reel. This is crucial; you need a Reel actively playing to initiate the process.
2. Tap the three-dot menu: At the bottom-right corner of the Reel, you’ll see three vertical dots (…). Tap on this icon. This opens a menu with various options related to the Reel.
3. Select “Hide”: From the options presented, tap the “Hide” option.
4. Choose “Hide all from [Creator’s Name]”: After selecting “Hide”, Facebook will ask you the reason. Here, you’ll see an option like “Hide all from [Creator’s Name]”. Tap on this. This unfollows the specific creator whose Reel you were watching and reduces the likelihood of seeing their Reels in the future.
5. Alternatively, select “Snooze [Creator’s Name] for 30 days”: If you don’t want to permanently unfollow the creator, you can select “Snooze [Creator’s Name] for 30 days.” This option temporarily hides Reels from that creator for a month.

This is the most direct approach. By repeating this process for different creators, you can significantly reduce the number of Reels you see in your feed. Let’s delve into further details and explore alternative methods.

Understanding the Algorithm and Your Feed

The Facebook algorithm is a complex beast, constantly learning your preferences based on your interactions. Liking, commenting, sharing, and even the amount of time you spend watching a Reel all contribute to shaping what you see. Unfollowing creators is a powerful signal to the algorithm that you’re not interested in their content. But it’s not the only tool in your arsenal.

Why Am I Seeing So Many Reels?

Facebook is heavily promoting Reels, trying to compete with platforms like TikTok and Instagram. This means they are actively pushing Reels into users’ feeds, even if those users haven’t explicitly asked for them. Understanding this strategy helps you appreciate why you might need to be proactive in managing your Reel exposure.

Beyond Unfollowing: Taking Control of Your Feed

While unfollowing creators is effective, it’s important to understand that Facebook’s algorithm will still try to show you Reels from other sources. Therefore, consider these additional tactics to refine your Facebook experience:

• Engage selectively: Be mindful of what you like, comment on, and share. The less you engage with Reels, the less Facebook will show them to you.
• Use the “See Less” option: Similar to the “Hide” option, the “See Less” option signals to Facebook that you don’t want to see similar content.
• Adjust your News Feed preferences: Explore the News Feed preferences in your settings. You can prioritize certain friends and pages, which can indirectly reduce the visibility of Reels.
• Explore “Favorites”: Add your closest friends and preferred pages to your “Favorites” list. This ensures you see their content first, potentially pushing Reels further down your feed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are the answers to the frequently asked questions:

1. Will Unfollowing a Creator on Reels Unfollow Them from My Regular Facebook Feed?

No. Unfollowing a creator on Reels is specific to the Reels section of Facebook. It doesn’t affect whether you follow them in your regular News Feed. You’ll still see their regular posts and updates unless you unfollow them separately from your main feed.

2. Can I Unfollow Multiple Creators at Once?

Unfortunately, Facebook doesn’t provide a feature to unfollow multiple creators simultaneously in the Reels section. You must unfollow them individually by using the “Hide all from [Creator’s Name]” option on each Reel you want to unfollow.

3. Is There a Way to Block Reels Entirely from My Facebook Feed?

While there’s no single button to completely block Reels, you can effectively minimize their appearance by consistently using the “Hide” or “See Less” options on Reels you encounter. Repeatedly signaling your disinterest will eventually reduce the number of Reels the algorithm shows you.

4. Does Facebook Notify the Creator When I Unfollow Them from Reels?

No. Facebook does not notify creators when you unfollow them from Reels. Your unfollowing action is discreet and doesn’t alert the creator.

5. Will I Still See Reels If I Don’t Follow Any Creators?

Yes. Even if you don’t follow any specific creators, Facebook’s algorithm will still recommend Reels based on your general interests, past interactions, and the content of your friends and family.

6. What If I Accidentally Unfollowed Someone I Want to Follow Again?

You’ll need to actively search for the creator’s profile and re-follow them. Once you follow them again, their Reels should start appearing in your feed (although it might take some time for the algorithm to catch up).

7. Does Unfollowing on Reels Affect the Reels I See on Instagram?

No. Unfollowing creators on Facebook Reels does not impact the Reels you see on Instagram. The two platforms are connected but maintain separate algorithms for content recommendations.

8. Can I Unfollow Reels on Facebook Using the Mobile Website Instead of the App?

Yes, the process is generally similar on the mobile website. Find a Reel, tap the three dots, and select the appropriate option to hide the content or the creator. However, the app usually offers a smoother and more optimized experience.

9. Will My Friends See the Reels I Like or Comment On?

Yes, depending on your privacy settings. Your friends may see that you liked or commented on a Reel. If you prefer to keep your Reels activity private, review and adjust your Facebook privacy settings accordingly.

10. How Often Does Facebook’s Algorithm Change?

Facebook’s algorithm is constantly being refined and updated, so what works today might not be as effective tomorrow. It’s essential to stay adaptable and continue to manage your feed preferences regularly.

11. Is There a Way to Report Reels That I Find Inappropriate or Offensive?

Yes. If you encounter a Reel that violates Facebook’s Community Standards, you can report it. Tap the three dots on the Reel and select the “Report” option. Facebook will review the report and take action if necessary.

12. Will Creating My Own Reels Affect the Number of Reels I See in My Feed?

Potentially. Creating and sharing your own Reels signals to the algorithm that you are interested in the Reels format. This might, in turn, increase the number of Reels you see in your feed, as Facebook assumes you want to consume more of that type of content.