Threads are developing tools that can “tag” algorithms to configure feeds

Instagram is experimenting with bringing tools to its X rival threads with its own algorithms.

This feature was discovered during development by reverse engineer Alessandro Paluzzi. AlessandroPaluzzi discovered the code and told TechCrunch it was related to the algorithm configuration tool that also appears on Instagram. When contacted, Instagram confirmed for the time being that the product is still an internal prototype and has not been tested with users.

However, the Instagram account used for this feature is Live at @threads.algo, followed by several meta-engineers.

According to Paluzzi’s research, thread users will be shown a screen explaining that they can tag this account and tell the thread what they want to see more or less in their feed.

This idea is similar to one Elon Musk says he’s been coming to X recently. In the post, Musk suggested that future versions of his platform allow users to tag Grok (AI chatbots in X) to adjust feeds in real time, and that the X algorithm will become “purely AI by November.”

In threads, the configuration of the algorithm is associated with a larger effort to modify the main Instagram app to highlight reels and recommendations. Instagram announced Wednesday that users will soon have more direct control over the app’s algorithms by selecting topics they want to see more or less in their feed.

This is not Instagram’s first effort aimed at enabling users to configure the experience. The company launched an alternative feed (follow and favorites) in 2022, and the thread allowed users to switch between main main and follow feedback in 2023.

These changes come after years of Congress hearings examining the impact of social media on youth through platform algorithms. These concerns also affect the creation of more modern and open social networks, such as Bluesky, where users choose algorithms and mitigation options.

In an Instagram post Wednesday, Instagram head Adam Mosseri showed how users can access the interface by clicking the button at the top of their feed. Here you can select the suggested topics you want to see more or search and enter your own. Users can also enter topics they don’t want to see that much from the same screen.

Instagram explained that this feature helps the algorithm adapt to changes in user mood and interests. For example, if your favorite soccer team is having a bad season, you might want to see fewer soccer-related posts for a while.

Threads, on the other hand, offer different kinds of app experiences. Especially as news breaks and major events unfold, their posts, replies, and updates move faster, just like Elon Musk’s X. Therefore, it doesn’t make much sense for users to dig into the settings every time they change the algorithm. A more real-time interface for “algorithm tagging” could work better.

Users of text-centric social apps have become accustomed to using tools that reply to posts to perform actions. Beyond the tools to organize long threads into easy-to-read posts, x users regularly tag Grok to ask questions about other people’s posts.

Also on Wednesday, Mosseri said Instagram is gaining experience-enhancing makeovers, focusing on reels, DMs and recommendations.

Instagram did not provide further information about when the algorithm’s composition features will be published or when they will be published.