Instagram launched the Explore page and recommendations engine back in 2012. The goal is to show users content that aligns with their interests, even if they don’t already follow the accounts posting that content.
Over the years, Instagram has updated and refined its recommendation algorithm. Today, the Explore page takes into account multiple signals to curate a feed of content it believes you’ll enjoy engaging with.
When you open the Explore tab, you’ll see a mix of posts, Stories, IGTV videos, and Reels based on accounts you follow, posts you’ve previously liked or saved, hashtags you’ve searched for, your location settings, and more.
The content changes frequently and is personalized to each user. Instagram is constantly tracking the types of posts you engage with so it can continue serving you relevant content over time.
How to Change Your Instagram Explore Page
Instagram’s algorithm for recommending Explore page content is complex. They do not share exact details publicly for proprietary reasons.
However, we know the algorithm looks at engagement metrics on posts to determine relevance. If a large percentage of people who see a certain post engage with it, that signals it is interesting, relevant content.
Machine learning allows Instagram’s algorithm to get smarter over time. Tracking the posts you enjoy versus the ones you skip past, it can refine its understanding of your interests.
No one signal dominates the others. But taken together, these various behavioral signals on Instagram provide the algorithm with enough data to curate a customized Explore page.
Clear Your Search History
One simple way to change up your Explore page is by clearing your search history. Instagram uses terms you’ve searched for to recommend relevant posts.
To clear your search history on Instagram:
- Go to your profile
- Tap the menu icon (3 horizontal lines)
- Select Your Activity
- Choose Recent Searches
- Tap Clear All to delete your search history
With your previous searches erased, Instagram won’t have those terms to reference when recommending posts for your Explore page.
Over time as you search for new topics, your Explore feed will adjust to align with your evolving interests.
Mark Posts as “Not Interested”
Another tactic is to actively mark specific posts as “Not Interested” so Instagram knows not to show you similar content.
To mark a post on your Explore page as not relevant:
- Tap the three-dot icon above the post
- Select Not Interested
- Choose a reason why (Irrelevant, Inappropriate, Spam, etc.)
Instagram will then minimize recommendations for that post and other similar content on your Explore page.
Get in the habit of consistently marking content as not relevant, and your Explore feed will learn to avoid those types of posts over time.
Control Ads on Your Feed
The advertisements displayed on Instagram can also impact the organic posts you see on your Explore page.
When you click on or engage with an Instagram ad, that signals interest to the algorithm. You may see more posts related to that ad’s topic.
You have many options for managing the ads on your feed:
- Tap the three-dot icon on ads and select Hide to remove individual ads
- Go to your account Settings and Ad Preferences to choose topics you want to see less of
Restricting certain ad categories ensures your Explore recommendations will align more closely with the organic content you care about.
Impact of Follow or Unfollow Accounts
The accounts you follow on Instagram are a strong signal for determining Explore page content. When you follow someone, you’re indicating general interest in their content.
If you want to change up your Explore feed, take stock of who you currently follow. Consider whether their posts reflect the type of content you want to see more of.
Some suggestions:
- Unfollow accounts posting content that is no longer relevant to you
- Follow creators in your new areas of interest
- Temporarily mute accounts that post too frequently so their content doesn’t dominate
As you refine the mix of accounts in your Following feed, your Explore recommendations will shift as well.
Maintain Customized Explore Page
Tailoring your Explore page is an ongoing process. The recommendations will continually change as the algorithm detects new signals.
To maintain a customized feed over the long term, focus on building helpful habits like:
- Consistently tapping posts you enjoy to signal relevance
- Ignoring or marking as Not Interested any irrelevant posts
- Following hashtags and topics you want to see more of
- Restricting hashtags and keywords you don’t like
The more data you provide about your true interests, the better the job Instagram can do curating content for your Explore feed.
Additionally, check in periodically to audit your Following list, Ad Preferences, and search history. Cleaning these up every month ensures minimal outdated signals are impacting your recommendations.
Staying active and intentional with your behavior on Instagram will allow the Explore algorithm to achieve maximum personalization over time.
Conclusion
Trying to change your entire Explore page overnight isn’t realistic. But by implementing a few of these tips daily, you can gradually improve your recommendations.
We recommend starting small. Maybe focus on clearing your search history and unfollowing many outdated accounts to start.
Over time as you build helpful habits, you’ll condition the Instagram algorithm to better align with your current interests.
The Explore page is intended to connect you with inspiring content. Don’t settle for irrelevant posts just because it’s the default. Take control and tailor your Explore feed to showcase what matters most to you.
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