Is Instagram Listening? How to Stop Creepy Hyper-Personalized Ads
Instagram advertisements often feel eerily personal, leading many users to suspect the app might be listening through their device's microphone. This widespread misconception has become so prevalent that even Instagram's head, Adam Mosseri, has publicly clarified that the company does not eavesdrop via your microphone.
Why Instagram Ads Feel So Personal
If Instagram isn't listening, why do ads appear moments after you discuss a product with someone? As Mosseri explained, Instagram analyzes:
- Your comments, saves, and searches within the app
- Your activity on third-party websites through Meta Pixel and cookies
- Your interactions across Meta's family of apps
This data collection enables hyper-personalized advertising that can feel invasive. For users uncomfortable with this level of tracking, there are effective ways to reduce ad personalization.
How to Stop Instagram's Personalized Ads
Meta has centralized ad settings across its platforms, but thankfully provides options to limit tracking. Here are two effective methods:
Method 1: Adjust Meta Accounts Centre Settings
- Open the Instagram app on your smartphone
- Navigate to your profile and tap the hamburger menu (three lines) in the top right corner
- Select Accounts Centre from the menu options
- Scroll to the bottom and click on Ad preferences
- Tap Manage Info and select Activity information from ad partners
- Choose Review setting and select No, don't make my ads more relevant by using this information
Method 2: Disconnect Meta Activity Tracking
- Return to the Accounts Center in your Instagram app
- Select Your information and permissions
- Tap on Your activity off Meta technologies
- Choose Disconnect specific activity
- Enter your password to confirm the setting change
- For permanent protection, tap Manage future activity and select Disconnect future activity
Important Considerations
Implementing these settings will not reduce the overall number of ads you see on Instagram or other Meta platforms. Instead, you'll encounter fewer ads tailored specifically to your browsing history and interactions.
Meta continues expanding its advertising reach, recently introducing ads in WhatsApp Status updates and planning to personalize ads based on user interactions with its Meta AI chatbot. Understanding and controlling your ad preferences has become increasingly important for digital privacy.
