The primary Instagram Reels algorithm update for 2026 is the global rollout of "Your Algorithm," a feature launched in December 2025 that lets all English-speaking users manually customize their Reels feed by adding, reviewing, or down-ranking topics of interest. This includes selecting up to three top interests to guide the algorithm for the year, accessible via the menu in your profile under Content Preferences or directly from the Reels feed slider icon.
Key Changes and How It Works
- User Control Expansion: After initial testing in October 2025, the feature now allows users to see Instagram's predicted interests based on activity, add new ones (e.g., by typing and confirming), and refresh the feed for tailored content. This shifts from pure AI prediction to user-driven inputs, potentially impacting engagement if users override recommendations.
- Reels-Specific Signals: The algorithm prioritizes entertainment with factors like watch time (favoring full views), rewatches, reshares, quick interactions, and follow-up actions such as following creators. Shorter Reels (under 90 seconds) perform better as they're more likely to be watched completely.
- Broader 2026 Tips for Creators:
- Match content to user-selected topics to boost visibility, as mismatches reduce surfacing even for high-quality videos.
- Avoid third-party logos or watermarks (e.g., from TikTok editors), which demote Reels; use clean versions for Instagram.
- Post recent, preferred formats quickly; the separate Reels algorithm considers user activity, interaction history, and performance metrics like rapid likes/comments over poster-follower relationships.
Instagram's Reels algorithm operates independently from Feed, Stories, and Explore, focusing on discovery and entertainment via AI scoring of video pools. No major signal overhauls beyond "Your Algorithm" are detailed in early 2026 sources, though Adam Mosseri emphasizes nuanced adjustments for fairer performance assessment across account sizes.
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