Minimalist Instagram

How to Curate Your Instagram Feed for a Happier, More Relevant Experience

Instagram can be inspiring, creative, and uplifting, but it can also become a noisy, overwhelming space that drains your time and energy. it can also quickly become a space where we compare ourselves to others. What starts as an endeavour to get some inspiration ends up with us feel s***t about ourselves. If this is the case then it’s probably time for a gentle refresh.

Here’s how to identify accounts that no longer serve you, deal with the guilt of unfollowing, and streamline your feed so it truly feels like your space again.

Step 1: Notice How You Feel When You Scroll

Your first clue isn’t about what an account posts — it’s about how you feel when you see it.

Ask yourself:

• Do I feel inspired, uplifted, or informed after seeing this content?

• Or do I feel drained, irritated, insecure, or pressured to be someone I’m not?

• Does this account reflect my current goals, values, and interests — or a past version of me I’ve moved on from?

• Do I genuinely enjoy their posts, or am I just following out of habit?

If an account consistently leaves you feeling flat or “less than”, it’s worth considering a mute or unfollow.

Step 2: Accept That Your Feed Can Change With You

It’s natural for your interests, priorities, and values to shift over time. The accounts you followed years ago might not feel relevant today — and that’s okay.

Remember:

• Your feed is your personal space.

• Curating it isn’t a rejection of someone as a person — it’s an act of self-care.

• You don’t owe anyone an indefinite spot in your online world.

Step 3: Dealing With the “Unfollow Guilt”

Ah yes, the tricky part; what about friends, colleagues, or acquaintances? I routinely follow and unfollow people, so don't get too hung up on it.

Here are your options:

• Mute instead of unfollow — You’ll stay connected, but their posts won’t appear in your feed. (They won’t know you’ve muted them.)

• Follow from a distance — You can still check in when you choose, rather than seeing every update.

• Unfollow politely — If you’re not close, it’s unlikely they’ll notice. If they do ask, a simple “I’m trying to make my feed less overwhelming” is honest and non-personal.

Step 4: How to Unfollow or Mute Efficiently

Rather than scrolling endlessly, use these quick methods:

1. Check “Least Interacted With”

   • Go to your profile → Following → “Least Interacted With”.

   • Instagram will show you the top accounts you engage with the least — an easy starting point.

2. Use the “Categories” Tool

   • In your Following list, sort by “Categories” (e.g. “Hasn’t posted in 90 days”).

   • Decide if these dormant accounts still deserve a place in your feed.

3. Batch Review While You Scroll

   • As you browse, if a post makes you roll your eyes or feel worse about yourself, tap the three dots and choose Mute or Unfollow immediately.

4. Do It in Short Bursts

   • Set a timer for 10–15 minutes a day to review accounts. This keeps it manageable and stops you getting decision fatigue.

Step 5: Fill the Gaps With Joy

Once you’ve removed what no longer serves you, intentionally follow accounts that:

• Teach you something you want to learn.

• Make you laugh.

• Share beauty or creativity you genuinely enjoy.

• Align with your values.

Final Thought

Think of your Instagram feed like your wardrobe — it works best when it fits your life right now. A little seasonal declutter keeps it fresh, relevant, and a place you actually look forward to visiting.