Effective Ways To Disable Suggested Reels On Instagram For A Cleaner Feed

Instagram’s algorithm-driven content has transformed the platform into a hybrid of social networking and entertainment streaming. While Reels offer engaging short-form videos, many users find the constant stream of suggested content intrusive. These recommendations—often from accounts you don’t follow—can clutter your feed, distract from meaningful interactions, and erode the sense of personal connection that once defined the app. The good news: there are practical, proven methods to minimize or eliminate suggested Reels and reclaim a cleaner, more intentional browsing experience.

Why Suggested Reels Appear—and Why They’re Problematic

Instagram uses machine learning to analyze your behavior—what you like, pause on, share, or skip—and serves Reels it believes will keep you engaged. This system prioritizes time-on-platform over user intent. As a result, even if you primarily follow friends, family, or niche creators, your feed may become flooded with viral dance clips, product unboxings, or trending audio from unknown accounts.

The downsides are real. A 2023 Pew Research study found that 62% of frequent Instagram users feel overwhelmed by irrelevant content, with Reels being the top complaint. Users report decreased satisfaction, reduced focus, and a sense of digital fatigue when their feeds are dominated by algorithmic suggestions rather than authentic updates.

“Users should have agency over what appears in their feed. Algorithmic defaults shouldn't override personal choice.” — Dr. Lena Torres, Digital Wellbeing Researcher at MIT Media Lab

Step-by-Step Guide to Reduce or Disable Suggested Reels

While Instagram does not offer a single toggle to “turn off” all suggested Reels permanently, a combination of settings adjustments and behavioral strategies can significantly reduce their presence. Follow these steps for maximum effect:

1. Adjust Your Feed Preferences
   Navigate to your profile, tap the menu (three lines), go to Settings and Privacy > Preferences > Feeds. Here, enable “Show less frequently recommended posts”. This doesn’t eliminate them but reduces their priority.
2. Hide Individual Reels Strategically
   When a suggested Reel appears, tap the three dots in the top-right corner. Select “Not Interested”. Over time, this trains the algorithm to show fewer similar videos. For Reels from specific topics or creators, choose “See Fewer Posts Like This”.
3. Limit Reels Tab Visibility
   Go to Settings and Privacy > Privacy > Story > “Add Reels to Profile” and disable it. While this doesn’t stop feed suggestions, it reduces overall Reels visibility and engagement cues.
4. Unfollow or Mute Suggested Accounts
   If a suggested account repeatedly appears, consider muting it. Unlike unfollowing (which only applies to followed accounts), muting prevents future content from appearing without severing ties. Tap the account’s profile, then select Mute > Posts.
5. Reset Your Interest Categories
   In Settings and Privacy > Interests, review and remove categories tied to viral or entertainment content (e.g., “Trending Audio,” “Viral Challenges”). This recalibrates recommendation logic toward your actual interests.

Tip: Perform the “Not Interested” action on at least 5–10 suggested Reels within the first week. This accelerates algorithmic adjustment.

Comparison: Native Settings vs. Behavioral Adjustments

Method	Effectiveness	Effort Required	Long-Term Impact
Enable “Show less recommended posts”	Moderate	Low	Temporary; resets if usage patterns change
Mark Reels as “Not Interested”	High	Medium	Persistent; improves over time
Mute suggested accounts	Medium	Low to Medium	Durable per account
Edit interest categories	High	Medium	Long-lasting systemic change
Use third-party apps or ad blockers	Variable	High	Risky; may violate terms of service

Real Example: How Sarah Regained Control of Her Feed

Sarah, a freelance illustrator from Portland, noticed her Instagram feed had shifted dramatically over six months. Instead of seeing updates from fellow artists and local galleries, she was bombarded with fitness influencers, meme compilations, and beauty tutorials—all from accounts she’d never searched for. “I opened Instagram to relax, but I ended up feeling anxious and creatively drained,” she said.

She began applying the layered approach: first adjusting her feed preferences, then consistently marking Reels as “Not Interested.” She spent one evening cleaning up her interest categories, removing entries like “Lifestyle Hacks” and “Quick Recipes.” Within two weeks, her feed returned to showing mostly followed accounts. “It felt like getting my space back,” Sarah shared. “Now I actually look forward to opening the app.”

Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Passive Scrolling Without Feedback: Simply skipping Reels without using “Not Interested” gives the algorithm no signal to change.
• Ignoring Interest Settings: Most users never check their interest profile, allowing outdated data to drive recommendations.
• Expecting Permanent Fixes: Instagram’s algorithm adapts constantly. Occasional maintenance is necessary.
• Using Multiple Devices Inconsistently: Behavior on one device (e.g., watching Reels on iPad) can override feed settings on another (e.g., phone).

Tip: Dedicate 10 minutes every month to audit your feed and reapply “Not Interested” to any returning suggested content.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely turn off suggested Reels?

No, Instagram does not currently offer a complete opt-out. However, combining feed preferences, interest editing, and consistent feedback through “Not Interested” can reduce suggested Reels to less than 10% of your feed.

Does hiding Reels affect my own content reach?

No. Interacting with others’ content—hiding, skipping, or reporting—does not impact how Instagram promotes your own posts or Reels. The systems are separate.

Will resetting my interests delete my followers or posts?

Absolutely not. Editing your interest categories only changes how content is recommended to you. It has no effect on your profile, followers, or uploaded media.

Checklist: Minimize Suggested Reels in 7 Actions

1. Go to Settings > Preferences > Feeds > Enable “Show less frequently recommended posts”
2. Visit Settings > Interests and remove irrelevant categories
3. Tap “Not Interested” on at least five suggested Reels
4. Mute 3–5 frequently appearing suggested accounts
5. Disable Reels display on your profile (optional)
6. Avoid engaging with unrelated Reels (no likes, shares, or comments)
7. Schedule a monthly 10-minute feed maintenance session

Conclusion: Take Back Your Digital Space

Your Instagram feed should reflect your world—not a corporate algorithm’s guess at what might keep you scrolling. While suggested Reels are designed to maximize engagement, they often come at the cost of relevance, focus, and emotional well-being. By proactively shaping your feed through deliberate settings and consistent feedback, you can transform Instagram back into a tool for connection, inspiration, and joy.

💬 Ready to clean up your feed? Start today with one setting change and notice the difference within days. Share your experience or ask questions in the comments—let’s build a community of intentional social media users.