How Do You Get Rid of Suggested Reels on Instagram?

Tired of endlessly scrolling through Suggested Reels on Instagram that have absolutely nothing to do with your interests? You’re not alone. While Instagram’s algorithm aims to be helpful, its suggestions often miss the mark. The good news is, while you can’t eliminate them completely, you can significantly reduce their frequency and improve their relevance. The key lies in actively shaping your Instagram experience and consistently signaling to the algorithm what you don’t want to see.

Here’s how to wrestle back control of your feed:

• Engage (or Don’t!) Wisely: The most immediate impact comes from your actions on the reels themselves. If you see a suggested reel you dislike, tap the three dots in the bottom right corner and select “Not Interested.” This is the most direct way to tell Instagram to show you less of that kind of content. Be consistent! Do this every time you see a reel you dislike.

• Specify Your Reasoning: Instagram often asks why you’re not interested. Choosing the most relevant reason (e.g., “I’m not interested in this topic,” “I see too many reels like this,” or “This content is inappropriate”) provides the algorithm with more precise feedback.

• Explore, But Thoughtfully: The Explore page is another prime breeding ground for suggested content. The same principle applies: mark content as “Not Interested” when it appears.

• Follow Relevant Accounts: The more accounts you follow that align with your genuine interests, the more likely Instagram is to serve you relevant reels. Prune your following list and add accounts that consistently post content you enjoy.

• Search Strategically: What you search for on Instagram heavily influences the algorithm. Search for topics and accounts you actually want to see, rather than just idly browsing.

• Interact with Content You Do Like: It’s not just about avoiding unwanted content; it’s about actively engaging with the content you do enjoy. Like, comment, share, and save reels that resonate with you. This reinforces to the algorithm what you find valuable.

• Mute Annoying Accounts: If there are specific accounts that consistently appear in your suggested reels and annoy you, consider muting them. This doesn’t unfollow them (so they won’t know), but it reduces their visibility.

• Clear Your Search History: Your search history offers clues to Instagram about your interests. Clearing it periodically can help reset the algorithm’s assumptions. Go to Settings > Account > Search History > Clear All.

• Limit Data Collection (Privacy Settings): While this has a broader impact on your Instagram experience, limiting data collection can reduce the algorithm’s ability to track your activity and serve targeted suggestions. Explore your privacy settings to adjust what data Instagram collects. However, understand this may also impact the relevance of all content, including the content you do want to see.

• Take Breaks: Ironically, spending less time on Instagram can sometimes improve your experience. The algorithm has less data to work with, and you might find the suggested content becomes less targeted (and therefore, less annoying).

• Use Third-Party Apps (Carefully): Some third-party apps claim to help curate your Instagram feed, but exercise extreme caution. Many are scams or violate Instagram’s terms of service. It’s generally best to stick with Instagram’s native tools.

• Be Patient and Persistent: The algorithm learns over time. Don’t expect instant results. Consistently applying these strategies over weeks and months will gradually refine your Instagram experience.

Frequently Asked Questions About Suggested Reels

Here are answers to 12 commonly asked questions about managing suggested reels on Instagram:

Can I Turn Off Suggested Reels Completely?

Unfortunately, no, you cannot completely turn off Suggested Reels. Instagram is designed to serve you content it thinks you might be interested in, and Suggested Reels are a key part of that. Instagram intends for suggested reels to remain a part of the user experience. However, you can significantly reduce their frequency and improve their relevance by actively managing your feed and providing feedback to the algorithm.

How Often Should I Use “Not Interested”?

As often as necessary! There’s no limit to how many times you can use the “Not Interested” option. The more frequently you provide this feedback, the more accurately the algorithm can learn your preferences. Don’t hesitate to use it every single time you encounter a suggested reel you dislike.

Does Blocking an Account Stop Suggested Reels from Similar Accounts?

Blocking an account will prevent you from seeing their content, but it doesn’t necessarily stop Instagram from suggesting reels from similar accounts. The algorithm uses a variety of factors to determine suggestions, not just the specific accounts you interact with. Using “Not Interested” is still the best approach.

Will Changing My Interests in My Instagram Profile Affect Suggested Reels?

While Instagram does use the information in your profile (including the categories you select) to inform its algorithm, it has a relatively small impact on Suggested Reels compared to your direct interactions. Your activity within the app (likes, comments, saves, searches, and “Not Interested” selections) has a far greater influence. Ensure your profile interests are as refined as possible, but focus on using the “Not Interested” button religiously.

What’s the Difference Between “Not Interested” and Reporting a Reel?

“Not Interested” tells Instagram you don’t want to see similar content in the future. Reporting a reel is for content that violates Instagram’s community guidelines (e.g., hate speech, violence, nudity). Use “Not Interested” for content you simply dislike or find irrelevant. Use “Report” for content that is genuinely harmful or inappropriate.

Can I See a List of the Accounts I’ve Marked “Not Interested” In?

No, Instagram does not provide a list of the specific accounts or reels you’ve marked as “Not Interested.” The feedback is processed by the algorithm, but you don’t have direct access to that information. You just need to trust that your consistent actions will eventually steer the algorithm in the right direction.

Does Watching a Reel Affect My Future Suggestions, Even if I Don’t Like It?

Yes, even passively watching a reel can signal to Instagram that you’re interested in the topic. The algorithm interprets viewing time as a sign of engagement. If you accidentally watch a reel you dislike, be sure to use “Not Interested” afterwards to counteract that signal. Quickly skip through reels you don’t like to minimize the impact on the algorithm.

How Long Does It Take for My “Not Interested” Selections to Take Effect?

The timeframe varies. The algorithm learns and adapts gradually. You might notice subtle changes in your suggested reels within a few days, but it can take weeks or even months to see a significant improvement. Consistency is key.

Does Following More Accounts Reduce the Number of Suggested Reels?

Potentially, yes. The more accounts you follow that provide content you genuinely enjoy, the more likely Instagram is to prioritize their content in your feed. This, in turn, may reduce the frequency of suggested reels. However, Instagram will still inject suggested content into your feed, even if you follow a large number of accounts.

If I Share a Reel, Will I See More Similar Suggestions?

Yes, sharing a reel strongly signals to the algorithm that you’re interested in that type of content. Expect to see more similar suggestions in the future. This is a good strategy if you want to see more of a particular type of content, but be mindful of it if you’re trying to diversify your feed.

Does Using Instagram on Different Devices Affect Suggested Reels?

Yes, your activity across all devices (phone, tablet, computer) contributes to your overall Instagram profile and influences the algorithm’s suggestions. Be consistent in your engagement habits across all platforms.

Can I Reset the Instagram Algorithm Completely?

There’s no single “reset” button for the Instagram algorithm. However, you can achieve a similar effect by clearing your search history, limiting data collection in your privacy settings, and then actively engaging with content you do want to see. This effectively starts the algorithm with a “clean slate” and allows you to shape its learning from the ground up. Be prepared for the algorithm to take time to relearn your preferences.