Instagram Reels is a popular feature for watching short and engaging videos, similar to TikTok. While many people find Reels to be a fun addition to the app, some users find them distracting or don’t want to see video content.
If you don’t want to see Reels, unfortunately Instagram doesn’t have a direct option to turn them off. The good news is that there are options and considerations if you want to find a workaround to disable them.
Understanding Instagram’s Customization Limits
It’s important to note that Instagram doesn’t currently offer an in-app option to completely disable Reels. Since Reels is a core part of Instagram’s platform, similar to Stories and Posts, it’s integrated into various parts of the app.
While not being able to get rid of them entirely, there are ways to limit how many Reels you see on your feed, or avoid them entirely.
Limiting Reels Exposure
Some people just want to minimize the amount of Reels they’re seeing, not eliminate them entirely. If that’s the case, you can follow these steps.
How to Limit How Many Reels You See
- Avoid the Reels Tab: The easiest way to avoid seeing Reels is to simply not click the Reels tab. When you click on this tab, your entire feed will be Reels. Avoiding this tab will mean you will have way less Reels.
- Don’t Interact With Reels: Instagram’s algorithm often promotes content based on your user interaction. So, if you consistently skip over Reels and don’t like or comment on them, Instagram is less likely to show them to you based on your personal algorithm.
- Customize Your Feed: Focus on viewing your main feed and interacting with grid posts. The more you engage with regular photo and video posts, the more likely your feed will prioritize this type of content.
Use Third-party Tools
Another option if you really don’t want Reels to show up in your feed is to use third-party apps. These tools may offer the ability to block certain types of content, such as Reels. We recommend using caution when it comes to third-party tools for a few reasons.
Security Risks
Using third-party apps can put your data and security at risk. You have to give them access to your Instagram account, which means they will be able to get into your account and potentially take your sensitive data.
Violation of Instagram’s Policies
Using third-party apps can be a violation of Instagram’s Terms of Service. If they find out you’re using one, it could potentially lead to restrictions on your account or a ban which will deactivate your account.
Send Feedback to Instagram
If you really don’t want to see Reels, you can send feedback to Instagram letting them know.
How to Submit Feedback to Instagram
- Go to your profile page
- Slick on the three lines menu
- Go to ‘Settings,’ then ‘Help’ follower by ‘Report a Problem’
- Here is where you can submit feedback about Reels and what you think about having a feature to disable them.
Closing Thoughts
The bottom line is that while you can’t completely turn off Instagram Reels due to the platform’s design, you can minimize their impact by customizing your content and how you interact with the app. By focusing on the parts of Instagram that you enjoy and providing feedback to them, you can tailor your social media experience to better suit your preferences.
