Facebook’s Video Algorithm Overhaul: Users Gain Greater Control

Scrolling through social media can feel like wandering through a maze of endless videos—some captivating, others irrelevant, and many simply repetitive. Recognizing this fatigue, Facebook has taken a bold step by overhauling its video algorithm to give users more control over what they see.

This update is more than a technical adjustment; it represents a fundamental shift in how social platforms view user empowerment. No longer are users entirely at the mercy of machine-generated recommendations. Instead, they can now directly influence which videos populate their feeds, curating a more enjoyable, personalized, and meaningful experience.

In this article, we’ll explore what this overhaul means for users, creators, and the platform itself, along with the broader implications for engagement, content discovery, and digital well-being.

The Mechanics of Facebook’s New Video Algorithm

Shifting Power to Users

Traditionally, Facebook’s video feed was driven by hidden algorithms that prioritized engagement metrics such as watch time, likes, shares, and predicted interests. While effective in keeping users scrolling, it often left them frustrated with irrelevant content.

The new system introduces direct user control, allowing individuals to shape the videos they see. Users can:

• Signal preferences for types of content they want to see more frequently.

• Suppress videos that are repetitive, irrelevant, or unappealing.

• Prioritize creators, channels, or topics they enjoy the most.

By combining algorithmic intelligence with explicit user input, Facebook is moving toward a feed that feels both personal and responsive.

How User Input Shapes the Feed

The update integrates interactive feedback mechanisms such as “See More Like This” and “Show Less of This Type.” Each time a user engages with these options, the algorithm learns and adjusts future recommendations. This ensures a balance between predictive machine learning and deliberate user choice.

The result is a feed that evolves organically, reflecting both user habits and their active decisions. Over time, the experience becomes increasingly tailored, reducing the likelihood of irrelevant videos appearing and fostering a sense of digital agency.

The Benefits of User-Controlled Feeds

Personalized Content, Every Time

By giving users direct influence over their feeds, Facebook allows for a highly personalized video experience. Users see content that resonates with their interests, whether it’s educational clips, cooking tutorials, or lifestyle videos. This ensures that the time spent scrolling is engaging and meaningful rather than aimless.

Empowerment and Transparency

One of the longstanding criticisms of social media platforms has been the opacity of their algorithms. Users often feel that their feeds are manipulated without explanation. By introducing visible, actionable controls, Facebook increases transparency and builds trust. People can now see how their choices influence the content delivered to them, creating a more collaborative relationship between platform and user.

Benefits for Creators

Content creators stand to gain from a more user-driven system. When users actively opt into seeing a creator’s videos, engagement tends to increase. Higher engagement translates to:

• Longer watch times

• More meaningful interactions through comments and shares

• Greater loyalty from dedicated audiences

This shift encourages creators to focus on high-quality, relevant content rather than producing material aimed solely at tricking the algorithm.

Challenges and Considerations

The Risk of Echo Chambers

While user control enhances personalization, it also raises the risk of creating echo chambers. When individuals prioritize content aligned exclusively with their interests or beliefs, exposure to diverse perspectives diminishes. This can limit discovery and reduce opportunities for learning or broadening viewpoints.

Discovery of New Content May Decline

Facebook’s previous algorithm often introduced users to videos they might not have sought out, fostering discovery. With a feed shaped by explicit preferences, users may miss out on serendipitous content that could have expanded their interests or introduced them to new creators.

Adoption and Awareness Challenges

For this overhaul to reach its potential, users must actively engage with the new controls. Many may remain unaware of the personalization options, limiting the impact. Additionally, balancing algorithmic recommendations with user input is a technical challenge that Facebook must continuously refine.

Multiple Perspectives

From the User Perspective

For users, the update provides empowerment and a sense of agency. It enables them to avoid irrelevant videos, reduce screen fatigue, and engage more meaningfully with content they care about.

From the Creator Perspective

Creators benefit from a more engaged audience. When users actively choose to see certain videos, the likelihood of interaction increases, supporting deeper connections between creators and their communities.

From an Industry Perspective

Globally, social platforms are shifting toward user-first experiences. Personalization and transparency are no longer optional—they are essential to maintaining trust and engagement. Facebook’s update reflects this trend, signaling a broader move toward ethical algorithm design.

Practical Tips for Users

• Engage Actively with Feedback Options
  Use the “See More Like This” and “Show Less of This Type” tools to refine your feed continuously.

• Balance Familiarity and Discovery
  While curating content is valuable, leave room for unexpected videos to maintain variety and prevent content bubbles.

• Prioritize Favorite Creators
  Follow and interact with creators who consistently produce content you enjoy to ensure their videos appear more frequently.

• Monitor Feed Evolution
  Pay attention to how the feed changes over time, adjusting preferences as your interests evolve.

• Share Feedback with Facebook
  Reporting bugs or sharing suggestions helps improve the personalization experience for all users.

Pros & Cons at a Glance