Why Is My Instagram Feed Showing Random Posts And How To Reset It

If you’ve opened Instagram recently only to find your feed flooded with posts from accounts you don’t follow, strangers’ travel photos, or viral videos from niche creators you’ve never interacted with, you’re not alone. Many users report that their once-curated feed has become unpredictable, filled with content that feels irrelevant or out of context. This shift isn’t random—it’s the result of algorithmic changes, engagement tracking, and Instagram’s push toward discovery-based content. Understanding why this happens and knowing how to regain control of your feed is essential for a more enjoyable and intentional social media experience.

Why Instagram Shows Random Posts in Your Feed

Instagram no longer operates solely on a chronological or follower-based model. The platform uses a complex recommendation algorithm designed to keep users engaged by introducing new content beyond what you directly follow. While this can help surface interesting creators and trends, it often leads to a cluttered, impersonal feed.

The primary reasons your feed may be showing random posts include:

• Algorithmic Recommendations: Instagram’s AI analyzes your behavior—likes, saves, shares, time spent on posts—and surfaces similar content, even from accounts you don’t follow.
• “Suggested Posts” Feature: After you’ve seen all new posts from accounts you follow, Instagram fills the rest of your scroll with suggested content.
• Engagement Triggers: Accidentally liking or pausing on a post can signal interest, prompting the algorithm to show more like it.
• Explore Page Influence: Content you engage with on the Explore page often leaks into your main feed.
• Following Inactive Accounts: If you follow accounts that rarely post, Instagram compensates by showing more recommendations.

Tip: Avoid lingering too long on posts you're not interested in—Instagram interprets screen time as engagement.

How Instagram’s Algorithm Decides What You See

To understand how to fix your feed, it helps to know how the system works behind the scenes. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes content based on four key signals:

1. Interest: Predicts how much you’ll care about a post based on past interactions.
2. Recency: Favors newer posts, though not strictly chronological.
3. Relationship: Prioritizes content from accounts you frequently interact with (DMs, comments, tags).
4. Frequency: How often you open the app—more usage leads to broader content suggestions.

According to Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, the platform aims to balance “what you want to see” with “what might interest you.” In a 2022 update, he stated:

“We’re moving toward a mix where ~15% of what people see is recommended content. Our goal is to help users discover new things while still centering the experience around the people they follow.” — Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

However, user feedback suggests that number often feels much higher—especially after extended use or passive scrolling.

Step-by-Step Guide to Reset Your Instagram Feed

Resetting your Instagram feed doesn’t require deleting your account or unfollowing everyone. Instead, it involves recalibrating the algorithm through intentional behavior. Follow these steps to restore a more personalized, predictable feed:

1. Unfollow Inactive or Irrelevant Accounts: Go through your following list and remove accounts that no longer align with your interests. A leaner following list forces Instagram to focus on quality over filler.
2. Engage Intentionally: For 3–5 days, only like, comment, or save posts from accounts you truly enjoy. Avoid double-tapping random content out of habit.
3. Use the “Not Interested” Option: When a random post appears, tap the three dots above it and select “Not Interested.” This tells the algorithm to reduce similar content.
4. Clear Your Ad Preferences: While not directly tied to the feed, resetting ad data can reduce off-topic recommendations. Go to Settings > Ads > Ad Preferences > Reset Advertising ID.
5. Re-Follow Key Creators: Re-engage with 10–15 favorite accounts by liking their last few posts. This reinforces your preferences.
6. Limit Time on Explore: Reduce visits to the Explore page, or avoid engaging with posts there unless genuinely interested.
7. Enable “Following” Feed (If Available): Some users have access to a secondary “Following” tab that shows only posts from accounts you follow. Toggle between it and the Home feed as needed.

Tip: Perform this reset every few months to maintain feed accuracy, especially after periods of passive scrolling.

Checklist: Regain Control of Your Instagram Feed

Use this actionable checklist to systematically reset and maintain your Instagram feed:

• ☐ Unfollow at least 20 inactive or low-value accounts
• ☐ Engage meaningfully with 10 preferred accounts daily for 3 days
• ☐ Mark 5+ random posts as “Not Interested”
• ☐ Avoid using the Explore page for one week
• ☐ Turn off post notifications for accounts that spam your feed
• ☐ Check if the “Following” feed option is available in your app
• ☐ Reset your ad preferences under Settings > Ads
• ☐ Review your saved collections—ensure they reflect current interests

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

Do	Don’t
Do regularly curate who you follow	Don’t follow hundreds of accounts without periodic cleanup
Do use “Not Interested” to train the algorithm	Don’t ignore unwanted content—each view trains the system
Do comment on posts from close friends and favorite creators	Don’t rely only on likes—comments carry more weight
Do revisit old posts from accounts you love to re-establish connection	Don’t assume Instagram remembers your preferences without reinforcement
Do limit mindless scrolling sessions	Don’t spend 30+ minutes in passive consumption mode

Real Example: How Sarah Fixed Her Overloaded Feed

Sarah, a freelance designer in Portland, noticed her Instagram feed had become overwhelming. She followed mostly illustrators, crafters, and design studios, but lately, her feed was dominated by fitness influencers, pet reels, and political commentary—none of which she engaged with intentionally.

After researching the issue, she realized that during a late-night scroll, she had lingered on a dog video and accidentally liked a workout post. Instagram interpreted this as a new interest and began flooding her feed with similar content.

She applied the reset method: unfollowed 40 inactive accounts, actively commented on posts from five favorite artists, and marked ten random posts as “Not Interested.” Within four days, her feed returned to its usual mix of creative inspiration. She now performs a monthly “feed audit” to prevent future drift.

“The algorithm isn’t broken—it just needs clear signals. Once I started treating my feed like a curated space, not a passive stream, everything changed.” — Sarah T., Graphic Designer

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I completely disable suggested posts on Instagram?

No, you cannot fully disable suggested posts, but you can minimize them. After viewing all new posts from accounts you follow, Instagram will display “Suggested Posts” at the bottom. To reduce them, increase engagement with followed accounts so the app doesn’t need to fill gaps. Additionally, marking posts as “Not Interested” gradually reduces their frequency.

Why do I keep seeing posts from people I blocked?

You shouldn’t see posts from blocked users in your main feed. However, if you encounter their content, it may appear in public spaces like hashtag pages, shared stories, or group DMs. Ensure you’ve properly blocked the account (not just unfollowed or restricted). Go to their profile > Menu > Block to confirm.

Does using Instagram less help fix my feed?

Yes—paradoxically, using Instagram less can improve your feed quality. Heavy usage triggers the algorithm to cast a wider net for content. By reducing session length and increasing intentionality, you give Instagram clearer signals about your preferences, leading to a more accurate feed over time.

Conclusion: Take Back Control of Your Digital Experience

Your Instagram feed should reflect your interests, connections, and values—not the whims of an unchecked algorithm. The influx of random posts is not inevitable; it’s a byproduct of passive usage and unclear behavioral signals. By understanding how Instagram’s system works and taking deliberate action, you can reset and maintain a feed that feels personal, relevant, and enjoyable.

Start today: unfollow a few accounts, engage with someone whose work inspires you, and mark one irrelevant post as “Not Interested.” Small actions compound into meaningful change. Social media should serve you—not the other way around.

💬 Have you successfully reset your Instagram feed? Share your experience or tips in the comments—your insight could help others reclaim their digital space.