diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/defaults/main.yml b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/defaults/main.yml
index 9fc42cea8..c4d90e6b8 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/defaults/main.yml
+++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/defaults/main.yml
@@ -34,6 +34,9 @@ matrix_mautrix_instagram_systemd_wanted_services_list: []
 matrix_mautrix_instagram_appservice_token: ''
 matrix_mautrix_instagram_homeserver_token: ''
 
+# Whether or not created rooms should have federation enabled.
+# If false, created portal rooms will never be federated.
+matrix_mautrix_instagram_federate_rooms: true
 
 # Database-related configuration fields.
 #
diff --git a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/templates/config.yaml.j2 b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/templates/config.yaml.j2
index 8df2020f9..cb74d5c11 100644
--- a/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/templates/config.yaml.j2
+++ b/roles/matrix-bridge-mautrix-instagram/templates/config.yaml.j2
@@ -110,7 +110,7 @@ bridge:
   update_avatar_initial_sync: true
   # Whether or not created rooms should have federation enabled.
   # If false, created portal rooms will never be federated.
-  federate_rooms: true
+  federate_rooms: {{ matrix_mautrix_instagram_federate_rooms|to_json }}
   # Settings for backfilling messages from Instagram.
   backfill:
     # Whether or not the Instagram users of logged in Matrix users should be