Instagram is currently testing new options that would let users manage their own algorithm on Threads, its competitor to X.
This upcoming feature was spotted in development by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi, who found related code and shared with TechCrunch that it connects to similar algorithm customization tools being built for Instagram. When reached for comment, Instagram stated that this tool is still an internal prototype and hasn’t been rolled out to users yet.
Still, the Instagram profile intended for this feature, @threads.algo, is already active and followed by a number of Meta engineers.
Image Credits: screenshot from Threads (opens in a new window)
Paluzzi’s research suggests that Threads users would see a prompt explaining that tagging this account would let them indicate what content they want to see more or less of in their feed.
This concept is much like what Elon Musk recently announced for X. Musk posted that a future version of his platform would let people tag Grok, X’s AI assistant, to instantly adjust their feed, and that the X algorithm would become “entirely AI-driven by November.”
On Threads, this algorithm customization is part of Instagram’s broader push to update its main app, putting more focus on Reels and personalized recommendations. Instagram revealed on Wednesday that users will soon have more direct control over their feed by selecting topics they want to see more or less often.
This isn’t the first time Instagram has tried to give users more control. In 2022, the platform introduced alternative feeds (Following and Favorites), and in 2023, Threads users gained the ability to toggle between the main For You feed and a Following feed.
These updates follow years of Congressional scrutiny over how social media algorithms impact young people. Such concerns have also inspired newer, open platforms like Bluesky, where users can choose their own algorithms and moderation settings.
In a Wednesday Instagram post, head Adam Mosseri showed how users could tap a button at the top of their feed to open a menu where they can pick suggested topics to see more of, or search and add their own. From the same screen, users can also enter topics they’d prefer to see less frequently.
Image Credits:Instagram
Instagram noted that this tool could help the algorithm better reflect users’ shifting interests and moods. For example, if your favorite soccer team isn’t doing well, you might want to temporarily see fewer soccer posts.
Threads, on the other hand, delivers a different user experience. Posts, comments, and updates move quickly, especially during breaking news or major events, much like X. Because of this, it might not be practical for users to adjust settings every time they want to tweak their algorithm. A more immediate way to “tag the algorithm” could be more effective.
People using text-based social platforms are already used to interacting by replying to posts to take action. Besides tools that turn long threads into more readable posts, X users often tag Grok to get answers about other users’ content.
Also on Wednesday, Mosseri announced that Instagram is being redesigned to focus more on Reels, direct messages, and recommendations.
Instagram has not shared any additional details about if or when the algorithm customization feature will be available to the public.
