Over the past time, Instagram has begun testing a new controller that allows users to personalize the topics that the Reels algorithm suggests. To date, Meta has deployed this feature for all English-speaking users globally, while adding the ability to highlight priority topics in the coming year.
Accordingly, the system will display a list of topics that Meta's AI believes users are interested in, based on recent activity. Users can remove, add new categories, or specify content they want to see less.
From a long-term perspective, the move to expand algorithmic control shows that Meta is looking for a balance between two goals: keeping users on the platform longer and reducing the feeling of being led by uncontrollable proposals.
However, the big question remains the level of "authentism" that users are given. Current tools mainly affect entertainment content in Reels, while core elements such as advertising, sponsored content or commercial priority are still out of control. This shows that personalization still serves business strategies more than giving full rights to users.
