Instagram empowers users with control over content recommendations and adds transparency tool for creators

Instagram is testing a new feature that empowers users with more control over their content preferences and introducing transparency tools for creators.

The social media platform now offers an "Interested" button for recommended posts, allowing users to signal their interest in specific content types. This new control extends existing personalization options like the "Not Interested" and the ability to snooze recommendations.

Additionally, Instagram is experimenting with transparency notifications to assist creators in understanding the potential limitations of their content's reach, particularly for Reels. The notifications aim to inform creators when their Reels may have limited distribution to non-followers due to watermarks. While Instagram hasn't specified the types of watermarks, it likely refers to the prevalence of TikTok content being reposted as Reels.

Adam Mosseri, head of Instagram, announced the new features in a blog post that emphasized the transparency of the app's algorithms and ranking processes. The platform aims to increase engagement by growing the reach of engaging content rather than suppressing it to drive ad purchases.

“Contrary to what you might have heard, it’s in our interest as a business to ensure that creators are able to reach their audiences and get discovered so they can continue to grow and thrive on Instagram,” Mosseri wrote.

The blog post goes into great depth on how content is ranked in various areas of the app.

• The Feed is ranked based on user activity, such as liked, shared, saved, or commented posts, and takes into account post popularity and the relevance of the account to the user.
• Story rankings consider factors like how frequently users view an account's Stories and engage with them.
• The Explore page is ranked based on post popularity, user interaction history, and connections with the account.
• Reels are ranked according to user preferences, such as liked and saved Reels, Reel popularity, and interaction with the account.

Users should update their Instagram app to access the latest version and take advantage of the new features.