Instagram has become our digital photo album, but let’s be honest – it can get pretty cluttered. Whether you’re following too many accounts that no longer spark joy or your feed feels overwhelming, I’ll show you how to refresh your Instagram experience in just a few minutes.
Why Clean Up Your Instagram Feed?
Think of your Instagram feed like your living room – when it’s messy, it’s harder to enjoy the space. I’ve noticed that when my feed is cluttered with accounts I don’t really engage with anymore, I actually spend less time enjoying the content I care about. Plus, a cleaner feed helps your mental health by reducing digital noise and focusing on what truly matters to you.
Step-by-Step Instagram Cleanup
1. Review Your Following List
Open Instagram and tap your profile icon. Click “Following” to see everyone you’re connected with. Start at the top and ask yourself: “Have I engaged with this account in the last 3 months?” If not, it might be time to unfollow.
2. Use the “Least Interacted With” Feature
Instagram has actually made this process easier for us. Go to “Following” and tap “Least Interacted With.” This shows accounts you rarely engage with – perfect candidates for unfollowing. I recently discovered this feature and was shocked to find I was following over 100 accounts I never interacted with!
3. Check Your Muted Accounts
If you’ve muted someone’s posts or stories, ask yourself why. Sometimes we mute instead of making the decision to unfollow. In 2025, it’s okay to curate your digital space intentionally rather than keeping connections out of obligation.
4. Review Business Accounts
Look at the brands you follow. Are they still relevant to your interests? I recently realized I was following dozens of brands from a hobby I no longer pursue. Don’t feel bad about unfollowing – you can always follow them again later.
5. Check Your Saved Posts
While you’re at it, go through your saved posts and delete anything outdated. I like to think of this as digital decluttering – just like cleaning out old files on your computer.
Maintaining Your Clean Feed
Once you’ve done the initial cleanup, make it a habit to review your following list monthly. It’s much easier to maintain a tidy feed than to do a major overhaul. I’ve found that setting a reminder in my phone helps me stay on top of this.
Remember, your Instagram feed should bring you joy and inspiration. If an account isn’t serving that purpose, it’s okay to let it go. You’ll be amazed at how much more enjoyable your scrolling experience becomes when you’re only seeing content that truly matters to you.
Think of this process as digital self-care – you’re not being mean by unfollowing; you’re being mindful of your online environment. And trust me, as someone who went from following 1,000+ accounts to just 200, the difference in my social media experience has been remarkable.
