How Do I Change My Suggested Reels on Instagram

Looking to make your Instagram Reels feed more personalized? Here’s a complete guide on changing your suggested Reels to match your interests using simple but powerful methods that work with Instagram’s algorithm. To address the query, How do I change my suggested reels on Instagram, you can start by using the “Not Interested” option on videos that don’t resonate with you. This simple action sends a clear signal to Instagram’s algorithm that certain types of content aren’t relevant to your interests.
Why Do I Keep Seeing Irrelevant Reels on Instagram?
Instagram’s Reels suggestions are generated by a recommendation algorithm that learns from your activity—likes, shares, views, and follows. But if you’re worrying, “Why am I seeing Reels I’m not interested in?” it may be due to the following reasons:
- You interacted with outdated content
- You haven’t changed your content preferences on daily basis
- Instagram is testing new content to monitor your reaction
Let’s uncover how you can get control and effectively change your suggested Reels. Don’t like videos autoplaying? Here’s how to pause auto-playing Reels.
How to Change Your Suggested Reels on Instagram
1. 📵 Use the “Not Interested” Option
Q: How do I tell Instagram I don’t like a Reel?
Hit the three dots (…) on the Reel → Select “Not Interested.”You can also describe why you dislike it (e.g., irrelevant content, specific keywords). This feedback helps Instagram instantly update your feed.
💡 Pro Tip: The more consistently you mark Reels as "Not Interested," the more refined your recommendations become.
2. ❤️ Engage With Reels You Like
Instagram grasps from your engagement. Here’s how to teach the algorithm:
- Like: Tap the heart on Reels you enjoy
- Comment: Leave relevant or fun comments
- Share: DM Reels to friends or post to Stories
- Save: Bookmark Reels to signal value
Each action trains the system to deliver more of what you love.
3. 🧹 Clear or Edit Your Search History
Your past searches affect your suggested Reels.
How to do it:
- Go to Profile → ☰ Menu → Settings > Security > Search History
- Delete irrelevant searches or clear all
Then, search for relevant topics or creators you’re genuinely interested in to retrain the algorithm. To reduce endless scrolling, here’s how to turn off auto-scroll on Instagram.
4. 👎 Unlike Irrelevant Reels You Previously Liked
Instagram uses your “likes” as a signal—even from the past. If your interests have changed, here’s what to do:
- Profile → ☰ Menu → Your Activity > Interactions > Likes
- Unlike posts that no longer reflect your interests
This sends a clear message to the algorithm about what not to recommend.
5. 👤 Follow Accounts That Align With Your Interests
The accounts you follow shape your suggested Reels. If your feed feels off, reassess who you’re following.
- Unfollow accounts that no longer reflect your tastes
- Follow creators, niches, and communities you actively enjoy
Your follow list acts as a blueprint for Instagram’s recommendations.
6. ⏱️ Limit Time on Irrelevant Reels
Spending time watching random or off-topic Reels—even out of curiosity—confuses the algorithm.
What I do:
- Skip irrelevant content quickly
- Avoiding videos that don’t reflect my interests
Your watch time is one of the strongest signals Instagram uses. Be mindful of it.
⚙️ How Do I Change My Suggested Reels on Instagram to Control Content Sensitivity
Instagram offers three sensitivity settings to control the type of Reels shown in your feed:
🔧 Steps to Access the Settings:
- Open the Instagram app
- Go to Profile → ☰ Menu → Settings and Activity
- Tap What You See → Suggested Content
- Select Sensitive Content
🛡️ Choose From These Options:
- More: Allows more sensitive content
- Standard: Default, balanced option
- Less: Restricts potentially disturbing content
✅ Choose “Less” if you frequently see Reels that feel inappropriate or irrelevant.
🔁 Continue Providing Feedback to the Algorithm
The Instagram algorithm evolves based on your feedback. Keep interacting with Reels:
- Like, share, or comment on what you enjoy
- Use “Not Interested” for unwanted content
- Skip quickly through videos you don’t like
📌 Refresh Your Feed: Want new suggestions? Tap the Reels tab again—Instagram refreshes the feed with updated picks.
Why Are Suggested Reels Important?
Suggested Reels are how Instagram helps you:
- Discover new creators
- Stay updated with your interests
- Explore trending and viral content
But if not tailored, they clutter your feed with irrelevant videos. That’s why tweaking your preferences is crucial for a better experience.
🧠 How Does Instagram Decide What Reels to Suggest?
Instagram uses a mix of the following data points:
Factor | Description |
User Activity | Likes, shares, saves, comments |
Search History | Keywords and hashtags you’ve searched |
Engagement | Time spent on Reels, frequency of interaction |
Reel Metadata | Captions, audio, hashtags used |
Popularity | Trending or viral Reels gain visibility |
Understanding these helps you reverse engineer your content feed.
🎯 Additional Tips to Improve Reels Suggestions
- 🔍 Explore New Interests: Search hashtags or creators in your current interests
- ⚠️ Report Inappropriate Content: Use “Report” under the three dots to keep your feed clean
- ⚙️ Tweak Content Control Settings: Go to Settings > Privacy > Sensitive Content Control
Even small actions make a noticeable difference.
🌟 My Personal Experience
When I started customizing my Reels, it took a few days to notice real change. But with consistent feedback—especially using “Not Interested” and saving the Reels I loved—Instagram began curating content that actually made me smile or inspired me.
Now, I discover new creators in my niche daily, and my feed finally reflects my personality. Patience and persistence really pay off.
🙋 FAQs
Q1: Can I permanently stop certain types of Reels?
While you can’t permanently block categories, using “Not Interested” regularly and adjusting sensitivity settings can significantly reduce unwanted Reels.
How long does it take for changes to reflect in my feed?
Most users see noticeable improvements within 3–7 days of consistent interaction and feedback.
Will clearing my search history reset my Reels?
It won’t fully reset, but it will influence future recommendations if paired with updated search behavior.
Can I turn off suggested Reels completely?
No, suggested Reels are a core feature, but you can heavily customize what shows up.
🧩 Final Thoughts
Changing your suggested Reels on Instagram isn’t about fighting the algorithm—it’s about working with it. Use Instagram’s built-in tools like:
- “Not Interested”
- Sensitive content settings
- Search history and liked posts
By taking small but intentional steps, you’ll train the app to reflect who you are now—not who you were months ago.
So, if you’ve been thinking, “How do I change my suggested reels on Instagram ?” now you have the blueprint. Give it a try today, and make your feed truly yours.

Hi, I’m Ethan Cole, the writer behind techmogi.com. I cover tech topics like how-to guides, digital tools, social media tips, and everyday tech fixes. I enjoy breaking down complex information into simple, useful content that anyone can understand. If you’re looking for clear, no-nonsense tech advice, you’ll feel right at home here.