Why Does My Instagram Feed Show Random Posts And How To Fix The Algorithm

If you've opened Instagram recently only to find posts from accounts you don’t follow, obscure creators, or outdated viral videos, you're not alone. The platform's shift from a chronological timeline to an algorithm-driven feed has transformed how users experience content. While the intention is to show you what Instagram thinks you'll enjoy most, many users feel disconnected from their close connections and frustrated by irrelevant suggestions. Understanding why this happens — and more importantly, how to influence it — can restore relevance and enjoyment to your daily scrolling.

How Instagram’s Algorithm Works Today

Instagram no longer displays posts in reverse chronological order. Instead, the app uses a complex recommendation system that prioritizes engagement, relationships, timeliness, and user behavior. According to Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, the algorithm aims to “show people the posts they care about most first.” This means your feed isn't just shaped by who you follow, but by signals such as:

• Interest: Predicted likelihood you’ll engage with a post based on past behavior (likes, shares, time spent).
• Relationship: How closely you interact with the account (DMs, comments, tags).
• Frequency: How often you open the app — heavier users see fresher content.
• Following: The more accounts you follow, the more diluted your feed becomes.
• Timeliness: Newer posts are favored over older ones.

The result? A feed filled with content from both followed accounts and non-followed recommendations — sometimes up to 40% of what you see may be suggested posts. These appear under labels like “Suggested for You” or blend seamlessly into your main feed.

“People don’t want to miss out on the moments and stories from the people they care about most.” — Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

Why Random Posts Appear in Your Feed

The appearance of unfamiliar content isn't random — it's intentional. Instagram uses machine learning models trained on billions of interactions to predict what will keep you engaged. Here’s why you’re seeing posts from accounts you’ve never followed:

1. Engagement Patterns Influence Recommendations

If you frequently pause on pet videos, even from strangers, the algorithm assumes you prefer them over updates from friends. It tracks micro-behaviors: dwell time, swipe speed, and whether you rewatch a Reel. Over time, these patterns train the system to serve similar content.

2. Reduced Interaction with Close Connections

When you stop liking or commenting on posts from people you know, Instagram interprets this as decreased interest. As a result, those accounts get deprioritized, making room for trending or high-engagement public content.

3. Suggested Content Placement

Instagram now inserts recommended posts directly into your main feed, not just in Explore or Reels. These are pulled from across the platform based on topics you’ve shown interest in — travel, fitness, memes, etc.

4. Account Following Inflation

Following thousands of accounts overwhelms the algorithm. With limited space per session, Instagram must choose which posts to surface. If some accounts consistently generate higher engagement, they dominate your feed — even if you’d rather see quieter friends.

Tip: Regularly clean your following list. Unfollow inactive or irrelevant accounts to improve feed quality.

Step-by-Step Guide to Regain Control of Your Feed

You can’t turn off the algorithm entirely, but you *can* train it to reflect your preferences. Follow this sequence to shape a more personalized and meaningful feed.

1. Reset Your Interest Categories
   Go to Settings → Interests. Tap “Clear All” to erase accumulated topic associations. This removes bias from past accidental engagements.
2. Use the “Not Interested” Feature
   When a suggested post appears, tap the three dots above it and select “Not Interested.” This tells Instagram to reduce similar content.
3. Re-Engage With Priority Accounts
   Like, comment, and share posts from friends and creators you value. Direct messages about their content amplify relationship signals.
4. Hide Suggested Posts Temporarily
   Long-press any suggested post and choose “Hide.” While temporary, repeated use trains the system over time.
5. Switch to Following Feed Occasionally
   Tap the Instagram logo at the top of your home screen to toggle to “Following,” which shows only posts from accounts you follow — in chronological order.
6. Adjust Notification Preferences
   Enable notifications for key accounts (Settings → Notifications → Post), ensuring you don’t miss their updates even if they’re buried in the feed.

Do’s and Don’ts of Managing Your Instagram Experience

Do’s	Don’ts
Do interact meaningfully with close contacts’ content weekly.	Don’t endlessly scroll without engaging — passive use confuses the algorithm.
Do clear your interest history every few months.	Don’t ignore suggested posts; actively hide or report irrelevant ones.
Do use the “Following” feed for check-ins with trusted circles.	Don’t follow thousands of accounts — curate a focused list.
Do report misleading or low-quality recommendations.	Don’t assume the algorithm knows your preferences — it learns from your actions.

Real Example: Restoring a Personalized Feed

Sophie, a freelance designer in Portland, noticed her feed was flooded with fitness influencers and meme pages despite following mostly artists and photographers. She hadn’t commented in weeks due to burnout, and her engagement dropped. After two months, her closest friends’ posts rarely appeared.

She decided to reset her feed using the steps above. First, she cleared her interest data. Then, she spent 10 minutes each morning liking and commenting on recent posts from 15 priority accounts. She hid five suggested posts per day and switched to the Following feed every Sunday to catch up manually.

Within three weeks, her main feed shifted dramatically. Posts from her creative community returned to the top, while random recommendations decreased by nearly 70%. Her average session time dropped, but her satisfaction increased — she felt reconnected, not drained.

Checklist: Optimize Your Instagram Feed in One Session

Action Plan: Take back control of your Instagram feed in under 20 minutes.

• ✅ Clear your interest history (Settings → Interests → Clear All)
• ✅ Hide 3–5 suggested posts using the “Not Interested” option
• ✅ Like or comment on 5 recent posts from close friends or favorite creators
• ✅ Switch to “Following” feed and browse for 2 minutes
• ✅ Unfollow 10 inactive or irrelevant accounts
• ✅ Enable post notifications for 2–3 key accounts

FAQ: Common Questions About Instagram’s Algorithm

Can I completely disable suggested posts?

No, Instagram does not allow full removal of suggested content in the main feed. However, you can minimize them by hiding posts, clearing interests, and prioritizing interaction with followed accounts. Using the “Following” feed temporarily bypasses suggestions entirely.

Does using Reels affect my main feed?

Yes. Heavy Reels consumption signals to Instagram that you prefer short-form video, which influences both Reels and feed recommendations. If you want more photo-based or static content, balance your usage and engage with those formats deliberately.

How often should I reset my feed settings?

Every 6–8 weeks is ideal. User interests evolve, and periodic resets prevent the algorithm from becoming outdated or overly narrow. Combine this with regular following list audits for best results.

Conclusion: Shape Your Feed, Not Let It Shape You

Your Instagram feed doesn’t have to feel like a slot machine of randomness. While the algorithm operates behind the scenes, your behavior is the primary lever controlling what appears. Small, consistent actions — commenting on a friend’s photo, hiding irrelevant suggestions, resetting interests — compound into a significantly improved experience.

Instead of passively consuming whatever Instagram serves, take ownership. Train the system to reflect your values, relationships, and interests. A curated feed isn’t just more enjoyable — it’s more human. Start today, and within weeks, you’ll notice fewer distractions and more meaningful connections.

💬 Have you successfully reshaped your Instagram feed? Share your strategy in the comments — your tip could help someone else reclaim their timeline.