"Meta is giving Instagram users a rare glimpse into why certain posts are showing up on their Reels, the platform's feed of algorithmically curated videos. Starting today, users will now see a list of what Instagram considers to be your top, recent interests. This kind of peek behind the algorithmic curtain is already uncommon in social media apps, but Meta is taking it a step further by allowing Instagram users to influence their algorithm directly by picking topics they want to see more or less often in Reels."
"This feature, called "Your Algorithm," drops as Instagram and TikTok continue to battle for prominence with younger users. It's these users who potentially want more control over what they're consuming as they scroll through video feeds, as well as other personalization options. The new feature is landing on Instagram first for those in the US, with a global rollout for English users in the works."
"The change arrives around the same time as the European Commission claims Meta will offer users in the European Union more options about how their data is being used for personalized ads. Instagram's current approach, where users can pay a subscription to not see ads, does not meet the standards for choice set up under the Digital Markets act, according to the EU."
Instagram launches a "Your Algorithm" tab that reveals users' top recent interests and lets users select topics to see more or less often in Reels. The feature uses generative AI to produce brief summaries of topics based on recent Reels activity. The rollout begins in the US with a planned global release for English users. The change coincides with competition against TikTok for younger users and regulatory pressure in the EU under the Digital Markets Act, where Meta must offer clearer choices about data used for personalized advertising. Pew Research shows 80% of US adults under 30 used Instagram versus 63% for TikTok.
Read at WIRED
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