When you visit your Instagram profile, you may notice a section labeled “Discover People” or “Suggested for You.” This feature is designed to connect users with new accounts based on mutual connections, interests, and interactions. While the feature can be helpful for discovering connections, it often clutters your feed with suggestions that don’t always align with your interests.
I dislike the Discover People feature because it can be distracting and irrelevant to my needs, filling my feed with recommendations I don’t want to see every time I check my profile. If you feel the same, this guide will show you how to turn off this feature to give you more control over your Instagram experience.
In this article, we discuss how you can disable the Discover People feature, why Instagram shows it continuously, and some tips for managing your Instagram experience so that it feels more personalized.
Why Instagram Show Discover People Feature Continuously
Instagram uses a complex algorithm to suggest connections based on several factors:
- Mutual Friends: If you share mutual friends with someone, Instagram may suggest their profile, assuming you might have common interests.
- Search History: Profiles you’ve searched for multiple times or viewed frequently without following may appear in your suggestions, as Instagram assumes you’re interested.
- Linked Social Media Accounts: Instagram and Facebook (both owned by Meta) often share friend suggestions. If you’re friends with someone on Facebook, they may appear in your Discover People list on Instagram.
- Hashtags: Using similar hashtags in posts can lead Instagram to suggest profiles with related interests, increasing the chances of those accounts appearing in suggestions.
- Phone Contacts: Saved phone contacts may prompt Instagram to recommend profiles to ensure you don’t miss connecting with people you know offline.
These factors work together to keep your Instagram experience socially relevant, continuously suggesting new connections based on shared interests and engagement patterns.
Steps to Turn off the Discover People Feature
STEP 1: Open the Instagram app on your device and ensure it is updated.
STEP 2: Go to your profile by tapping your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
STEP 3: At the bottom of your profile, you’ll see options like “Edit Profile” and “Shared Profile,” along with a small profile icon. Tap on this small profile icon.
STEP 4: Tapping this icon will disable the Discover People feature.
STEP 5: To enable it again, tap on the small profile icon once more to reactivate the Discover People feature.
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Alternative Solution
If you’re looking for alternative ways to limit the Discover People feature on Instagram, here are a few options to consider:
- Use Browser Extensions: Certain browser extensions can block specific features when you access Instagram through a web browser, helping to reduce suggestions.
- Switch to a Business Account: Business accounts often use different algorithms and may show fewer Discover People suggestions, as they focus more on analytics and insights.
- Limit Instagram Activity: Using Instagram less frequently can influence the algorithm. With lower activity on your account, you might notice fewer suggestions over time.
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Conclusion
Turning off the Discover People feature on Instagram isn’t always straightforward, but with a bit of effort and creativity, it’s possible. Whether you choose to hide it, use third-party tools, or explore alternative solutions, the goal is to make your Instagram experience more enjoyable. If you encounter any issues along the way, don’t hesitate to seek professional help—sometimes a little guidance goes a long way!
By following these steps and tips, you’re taking control of your Instagram feed and removing distractions like the Discover People section. You’ve learned how to manage suggested posts and reduce unwanted recommendations, transforming your feed into a space filled with engaging and inspiring content. Remember, taking breaks from social media is also essential for maintaining a healthy online presence. Now, go forth and enjoy a more personalized Instagram experience tailored to your interests!
Additionally, you can change your country on Instagram to access localized content, relevant ads, and even region-specific features. Instagram also lets you add a collaborator even after posting
