Reels have become one of Instagram’s most addictive features, with users constantly scrolling through trendy short videos from various creators. However, it can be frustrating when Instagram keeps displaying the same Reels on your feed. Before you consider closing Instagram in frustration, try the tips below to stop Instagram from showing the same Reels repeatedly.
Instagram shows Reels based on your interests, search history, followed accounts, and other factors. Seeing the same Reels repeatedly can get boring and tedious. Several issues can affect your Instagram Reels experience, including network connection problems, a corrupt cache, account authentication issues, and more.
How to Stop Instagram Showing the Same Reels?
1. Understand the Instagram Algorithm
Instagram doesn’t randomly pick Reels to show on your account. The platform uses algorithms to learn your behavior and interests, displaying Reels based on the pages you follow, your likes, interactions on other Meta platforms like Facebook, and your content.
Occasionally, you might see the same Reel more than once, which is normal. However, it becomes an issue when Instagram repeatedly shows the same Reels in sequence. Before diving into advanced solutions, try restarting Instagram.
On an iPhone, open the multitasking tray by swiping up from the bottom and holding, then swipe up on the Instagram card to close it. Relaunch Instagram and check the Reels. If you still see the same Reels, continue reading for more tips.
2. Verify Network Connection
If your iPhone or Android phone has network connection issues, the app won’t be able to show you new Reels. Instagram won’t be able to refresh the Reels feed, and it will continue to load old videos from the device cache.
To fix this, resolve any network connection issues on your phone and try again. One quick method is to enable Airplane mode on your phone and then disable it after a few moments.
3. Test Instagram Servers
When Instagram servers experience an outage, you may encounter glitches with basic operations. This can include being unable to load the app feed, sending or receiving messages, seeing the same stories repeatedly, and other issues. Since the Instagram servers are unreachable, the app may load the same Reels from the device cache.
4. Learn About and Clear Instagram Cache
Cache refers to small files that every app collects to enhance user experience. Instagram collects cache to save your searched items, speed up app loading times, and save internet data when loading the same media files. If Instagram is showing you Reels you’ve already seen, it might be due to a corrupt cache.
To clear your Instagram cache, follow these steps:
On Android:
1. Long-press the Instagram app icon and open the info menu.
2. Tap on Storage and cache and select Clear cache.
Relaunch Instagram and play Reels.
On iOS:
1. Open Settings and scroll to General
2. Tap on iPhone Storage and scroll to Instagram.
3. Tap Delete App to remove the app and its related data.
Reinstall Instagram and try again.
5. Verify Your Instagram Account
You can prevent Instagram from showing the same Reels by fixing account authentication errors. Here’s how:
1. Launch Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap the hamburger menu and select Settings and privacy.
3. Scroll down and log out of your account.
6. The account is shadowbanned
Your account may face a temporary ban if you’ve violated Instagram’s community guidelines or rules. When Instagram shadowbans your account, it affects your reach on the platform and can cause issues like the app showing you the same Reels. Check out our separate guide to learn more about Instagram shadowbans.
7. Update your Instagram
An outdated Instagram app can be the main culprit here. You should update Instagram to the latest version from the App Store or Google Play Store and try checking Reels again.
Conclusion
Short-form videos have taken the internet by storm, starting with TikTok and eventually spreading to other social media apps like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat. However, seeing the same Reels repeatedly on Instagram can ruin your experience. Which trick worked for you? Discover your favorite solution!