How to Turn Off Reels on Instagram

Published: 12 Jul 2026

Instagram Reels can be entertaining, but not everyone enjoys seeing endless short videos every time they open the app.

Many users prefer photos, Stories, and updates from friends rather than an algorithm filled with suggested Reels. If you’re searching for how to turn off Reels on Instagram, the first thing to know is that Instagram does not currently provide an official button to completely disable Reels. However, there are several effective ways to reduce, hide, and control the Reels that appear in your feed.

In this guide, you’ll learn what actually works in 2026 and how to make Instagram feel less focused on Reels.

Can You Turn Off Reels on Instagram?

The short answer is no.

Instagram does not offer a setting that completely removes Reels from the app. Reels remain a core part of Instagram’s platform and appear in the Home Feed, Explore page, and dedicated Reels section.

However, you can:

  • Reduce the number of Reels you see
  • Hide unwanted Reels
  • Reset your recommendations
  • Train the algorithm to show fewer videos
  • Prioritize content from accounts you follow

These methods won’t eliminate Reels entirely, but they can significantly reduce their visibility.

6 Methods of How to Turn Off Reels on Instagram

Below are the steps on how to Turn Off Reels on Instagram

Method 1: Mark Reels as “Not Interested”

This is the most effective built-in option available on Instagram.

When you tell Instagram you’re not interested in a Reel, the platform uses that feedback to adjust future recommendations. Meta specifically provides this feature to help users customize their feeds.

How to Mark a Reel as Not Interested

  1. Open any Reel.
  2. Tap the three-dot menu.
  3. Select Not Interested.
  4. Repeat the process whenever unwanted Reels appear.

What Happens Next?

Instagram gradually learns your preferences and begins showing fewer similar Reels. The more consistently you use this option, the more accurate your recommendations become.

Method 2: Reset Instagram Recommendations

If your feed is completely filled with unwanted Reels, a recommendation reset can help.

Instagram introduced a feature that allows users to reset recommendations across Feed, Explore, and Reels. After resetting, Instagram starts learning your interests from scratch.

How to Reset Suggested Content

  1. Open Instagram.
  2. Go to your profile.
  3. Tap the menu icon.
  4. Select Content Preferences.
  5. Tap Reset Suggested Content.
  6. Confirm the reset.

When Should You Use This Option?

This method works best when:

  • Your Explore page is irrelevant
  • You keep seeing the same Reels repeatedly
  • Your interests have changed over time
  • The algorithm no longer reflects your preferences

After the reset, Instagram will rebuild recommendations based on your new activity.

Method 3: Snooze Suggested Content

Instagram periodically offers a feature that temporarily reduces suggested content in your feed.

Many users use this option when they want a break from recommendations and prefer content from accounts they already follow. Community discussions continue to reference this feature as a useful way to reduce unwanted recommendations.

How to Snooze Suggestions

  1. Open Instagram Settings.
  2. Go to Content Preferences.
  3. Look for Snooze Suggested Posts.
  4. Enable the option if available.

What Does It Do?

  • Reduces recommended content
  • Prioritizes followed accounts
  • Creates a cleaner browsing experience

Availability may vary depending on your app version and region.

Method 4: Use the Following Feed

Most people don’t realize Instagram already offers a feed that focuses on accounts they follow.

Instead of relying on the algorithm-driven Home Feed, you can switch to the Following Feed.

How to Access the Following Feed

  1. Open Instagram.
  2. Tap the Instagram logo at the top of the Home screen.
  3. Select Following.

Why It Helps

The Following Feed:

  • Shows posts from accounts you follow
  • Displays content chronologically
  • Reduces algorithm recommendations
  • Provides a more traditional Instagram experience

For users who miss the old Instagram, this is often the best solution.

Method 5: Mute Reel-Heavy Accounts

Sometimes the problem isn’t Instagram itself.

Many users follow creators who post multiple Reels every day. As a result, Reels dominate the feed.

How to Mute an Account

  1. Visit the account profile.
  2. Tap Following.
  3. Select Mute.
  4. Choose the content you want to hide.

Mute vs Unfollow

Mute

  • Keeps the connection
  • Hides content from your feed

Unfollow

  • Removes future content entirely
  • Better for accounts you no longer enjoy

If several accounts constantly post Reels, muting them can noticeably reduce video content in your feed.

Method 6: Hide Individual Reels

You can also hide Reels one by one.

Steps

  1. Open the Reel.
  2. Tap the three dots.
  3. Choose Hide or Not Interested.

This sends a clear signal to Instagram that you prefer different content.

Over time, these signals help reshape your feed.

Why Instagram Keeps Showing Reels

Many users wonder why Reels keep appearing even after they try to hide them.

The answer lies in Instagram’s recommendation system.

Instagram uses several signals to decide what appears in your feed, including:

  • Accounts you follow
  • Posts you like
  • Videos you watch
  • Content you save
  • Topics you search for
  • Reels you interact with

The more you engage with video content, the more Reels Instagram recommends.

How to Reduce Reels Permanently

There is no permanent “off” switch, but these habits can dramatically reduce Reels over time.

Stop Watching Reels to the End

Watch time is a major ranking signal.

If you frequently watch full Reels, Instagram assumes you enjoy them.

Avoid Liking Reels

Every time you like something, Instagram shows similar content.

Avoid Sharing Reels

Sharing sends a strong positive signal to the algorithm.

Follow More Photo-Based Accounts

Following photographers, artists, businesses, and news pages can help diversify your feed.

Use “Not Interested” Consistently

This remains one of the strongest tools for shaping recommendations.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for how to turn off Reels on Instagram, the reality is simple: Instagram does not currently provide a button to completely disable Reels.

However, that doesn’t mean you’re stuck with endless video recommendations.

By using the Not Interested option, resetting recommendations, switching to the Following Feed, muting Reel-heavy accounts, and avoiding unnecessary Reel engagement, you can significantly reduce how often Reels appear in your feed.

The key is consistency. The more feedback you give Instagram about the content you prefer, the better the platform becomes at showing posts that actually match your interests.

Over time, these small adjustments can create a cleaner, less distracting, and more enjoyable Instagram experience.

FAQs

Can I completely turn off Reels on Instagram?

No. Instagram does not currently offer a feature that completely disables Reels. You can only reduce or hide them using content preference settings and algorithm controls.

Is using Instagram on a browser better for avoiding Reels?

For many users, yes. The web version generally feels less focused on short-form videos and can provide a less distracting browsing experience.

Rukhsana Iqbal Avatar
Rukhsana Iqbal

Hi! I’m Rukhsana Iqbal, a passionate digital marketing enthusiast. I love sharing simple tips and strategies that help beginners understand SEO, blogging, and online marketing in an easy way. My goal is to make digital marketing less confusing and more fun so that anyone can grow their online presence step by step. Let’s learn and grow together!

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