How to Remove Suggested Reels on Instagram
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, used by billions of people to connect, share, and explore. Over the years, Instagram has evolved beyond being a simple photo-sharing app. Today, it includes features such as Stories, IGTV, Reels, Shopping, and even algorithm-based suggestions. While these features can be fun, they can also sometimes feel overwhelming. One of the most common complaints from users is about suggested Reels that appear on their feed.
If you have ever scrolled through Instagram and felt annoyed by random Reels that don’t interest you, you are not alone. Many users want to know: How do you remove suggested Reels on Instagram?
This detailed guide will walk you through everything you need to know about suggested Reels, why they appear, and most importantly, how to reduce or remove them from your Instagram experience.
What Are Suggested Reels on Instagram?
Reels are Instagram’s answer to TikTok — short-form videos designed to be entertaining, educational, or engaging. Instagram shows you suggested Reels in your main feed and Explore page, even from accounts you don’t follow.
These suggestions are driven by Instagram’s algorithm, which tries to guess what content might interest you based on:
Accounts you follow.
Posts you like, share, or comment on.
Reels you’ve previously watched or engaged with.
Topics Instagram thinks you might be interested in.
While the algorithm’s goal is to keep you engaged, not all suggestions are relevant or enjoyable. For example, if you like one cat video, Instagram might flood your feed with endless cat Reels.
Why Do People Want to Remove Suggested Reels?
Not everyone enjoys the flood of suggested Reels. Some common reasons users want to get rid of them include:
Content Overload – Too many suggested Reels can clutter your feed.
Irrelevant Recommendations – Instagram might show you things you don’t care about.
Distraction – Suggested Reels can eat up time and reduce productivity.
Data Conces – The algorithm tracks your activity to personalize suggestions, which some users dislike.
A Cleaner Feed – Some people simply want to see posts from friends and family instead of random creators.
Can You Completely Remove Suggested Reels?
Here’s the truth: Instagram does not allow you to permanently disable suggested Reels. However, there are several effective ways to control or minimize them so that your experience is closer to what you want.
Let’s go through the different methods step by step.
1. Use the “Not Interested” Option
When you see a Reel that doesn’t interest you, you can tell Instagram directly.
Steps:
Open Instagram and scroll until you see a suggested Reel.
Tap the three-dot menu (â‹®) on the Reel.
Select “Not Interested.”
Instagram will then stop showing you similar Reels.
This won’t remove all suggested Reels, but over time, the algorithm leas your preferences.
2. Clear Your Instagram Search and Watch History
Instagram relies on your past activity to recommend content. Clearing your history can help reset what’s being suggested.
Steps:
Go to your Instagram profile page.
Tap the three-line menu (☰) in the top right coer.
Go to Settings & Privacy.
Tap Search History and clear it.
Also, consider clearing Reels watch history if available.
This reduces the amount of irrelevant content Instagram recommends.
3. Limit Data Instagram Uses
You can reduce how much Instagram relies on activity tracking to show suggestions.
Steps:
Go to Settings & Privacy.
Navigate to Suggested Content.
Adjust or tu off certain personalization options.
By limiting how Instagram tracks your interactions, you’ll see fewer unwanted suggestions.
4. Mute or Block Accounts
Sometimes suggested Reels come from accounts you don’t like. Instead of ignoring them, you can mute or block them.
Mute: Prevents their content from appearing in your feed without unfollowing.
Block: Completely removes the account from your Instagram.
5. Use the “Following” Feed Instead of “Home”
Instagram has two feed options:
Home (default): Includes suggested Reels and posts.
Following: Only shows posts from accounts you follow.
Steps:
Open Instagram.
Tap the Instagram logo at the top of your screen.
Select Following.
This way, you avoid most suggested Reels and focus only on content from people you care about.
6. Manage Your Explore Page
The Explore page is full of suggested content, especially Reels. You can train Instagram to adjust what appears there.
Steps:
Go to the Explore page (magnifying glass icon).
Tap a Reel you don’t like.
Tap the three dots and choose Not Interested.
Repeat this regularly to fine-tune the algorithm.
7. Consider Third-Party Tools or Alteatives
Some users install third-party apps or browser extensions to filter Instagram content. However, these tools are risky because they may violate Instagram’s policies or compromise your account security.
If suggested Reels are too overwhelming, another option is to limit your screen time using Instagram’s built-in tools.
8. Tu Off Autoplay for Videos
One big complaint is that Reels autoplay as you scroll. While you can’t completely disable them, you can limit autoplay to reduce distractions.
Steps:
Go to Settings & Privacy.
Select Data Usage.
Choose Use Less Data or disable autoplay on cellular data.
This way, even if Reels appear, they won’t immediately grab your attention.
9. Report Inappropriate Reels
If you keep seeing harmful, offensive, or inappropriate Reels, report them.
Steps:
Tap the three dots on the Reel.
Select Report.
Follow the prompts.
Instagram will review the content and, if necessary, remove it.
Final Thoughts
Suggested Reels are Instagram’s way of keeping users engaged, but they are not always welcome. While you cannot completely disable them, you can take control of your feed by using the methods outlined above. From using the Not Interested option to switching to the Following feed, these strategies will help you minimize distractions and enjoy a cleaner, more personalized Instagram experience.
Remember, the key is consistency. The more you interact with the content you actually like and reject what you don’t, the better Instagram will understand your preferences.
