Meta Threads Unveils "Dear Algo" to Let Users Steer AI Feed

With the launch of "Dear Algo," Meta Threads unveils a new feature that lets users steer their AI feed using simple, public posts. This manual algorithm control option allows people to influence the platform's discovery engine by making direct, conversational requests, marking a significant step toward user-directed personalization.

The feature gives users temporary control over their feed's content, addressing common complaints about opaque social media algorithms and giving them more agency over their experience.

How "Dear Algo" Works

The "Dear Algo" feature lets you customize the Threads feed by making a public post starting with the phrase "Dear Algo," followed by a request. The AI then temporarily adjusts your feed for three days to show more or less of that content, offering direct, conversational control.

• To start, create a public post beginning with "Dear Algo" and state your preference (e.g., "show me more about vintage cars").
• The AI applies this adjustment for three days before automatically reverting to the default algorithm to keep content timely.
• Users can delete their request at any time or repost another user's prompt to apply the same feed tweak.

Connor Hayes, head of Threads, told Business Insider the goal is to better understand user preferences as the platform surpasses 400 million monthly users, with time spent in the app jumping 20% in Q4 2025 Business Insider.

How "Dear Algo" Compares to Competitors

While Threads maintains a strictly chronological "Following" feed, "Dear Algo" sets its discovery feed apart from rivals. Platforms like X, Instagram, and YouTube rely on reactive tools like mute or "Not Interested" buttons that hide individual posts, rather than proactive, conversational prompts.

According to The Register, the three-day limit is designed to keep feeds relevant to current conversations and allows Meta to filter requests that violate its policies The Register. Analysts suggest this temporary nature also acts as a safeguard against creating entrenched echo chambers.

Meta's Strategy Behind "Dear Algo"

Meta is positioning Threads as a hub for live cultural events, from sports finals to election coverage. "Dear Algo" supports this by allowing users to tune their feeds in real time, which could boost engagement during key moments without overhauling the ad-driven ranking model.

This feature also provides Meta with a valuable stream of public user-intent data. When a specific request is widely reposted, it gives the company a clear signal of trending topics, complementing its predictive AI.

TechCrunch highlights the feature as a unique advantage, noting its expansion to the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand follows initial testing that began in September 2025 TechCrunch.

The Future of "Dear Algo"

Meta plans a broader rollout after analyzing initial usage data. Industry experts will be watching to see if the three-day window is effective, how users adapt to public algorithm requests, and whether the feature fosters community or introduces new vectors for spam.

For now, "Dear Algo" provides a transparent approach to feed customization and represents a clear evolution in how social platforms empower their users.

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What is Threads' "Dear Algo" and how does it work?

Users in the US, UK, Australia, and New Zealand can now customize their feed by creating a public post starting with "Dear Algo." Following this phrase with a simple request, like "show me more NBA highlights" or "hide TV-show spoilers," triggers Meta's AI. The system then adjusts the Following and Discovery feeds for three days before reverting to its default settings. You can also cancel a request early or repost another person's prompt to apply their settings.

How long do the feed changes last and why are they temporary?

Each adjustment automatically expires after 72 hours. Meta states this limit ensures feeds remain "connected to the most current conversations" and helps prevent the formation of long-term filter bubbles. This temporary window allows users to adapt to new trends or events by simply issuing a new "Dear Algo" request without being constrained by previous adjustments.

Does the feature work on private or semi-private accounts?

No, the "Dear Algo" feature requires that posts be public to function. The mechanism relies on Meta's servers parsing the text of the post, so protected accounts cannot issue algorithmic commands. An attempt from a private account will appear as a normal post visible only to followers, with no effect on the feed.

How is "Dear Algo" different from controls on YouTube, X, or Instagram?

The primary difference is that only Threads lets you proactively talk to the algorithm in plain English and see immediate results. Other platforms rely on reactive, post-by-post feedback.

The table below summarizes the key differences:

Platform	Max duration of a manual tweak	Can request "more of topic X"	Social sharing of tweaks
Threads Dear Algo	3 days	Yes - natural language	Yes - repost to adopt
X (Twitter)	Permanent until undone	No	No
YouTube	Persistent signals	No	No
Instagram	Persistent signals	No	No

What strategic goals is Meta pursuing with this rollout?

"Dear Algo" addresses two key objectives for Meta. First, it enhances user agency by offering a conversational way to control the feed, tackling long-standing user frustration with opaque ranking systems. Second, it improves real-time relevance, making Threads more responsive to live cultural moments like sports finals and award shows. Meta hopes this will differentiate Threads from competitors and drive engagement. With the platform growing to 400 million monthly users and seeing a 20% increase in time spent in Q4 2025, this strategy of empowering users appears to be effective.