This week Instagram announced three new tools which give users more control over their profiles. These tools allow users to control comments on their posts, edit follower lists on private accounts and anonymously report when they think their friends need help.
Control who comments on your posts
You will soon be able to turn off comments on individual posts on Instagram. Until now this feature has only been available to a small number of Instagram users, but will soon be open to everyone.
To disable comments on your posts tap “Advanced Settings” before you post and then select “Turn Off Commenting.” You can also tap the … menu any time after posting a photo to turn commenting back on.
Once you have done this, any comments that are currently on your post will be hidden and other users will no longer have the option to comment on your post.
Remove followers
Previously, if you wanted to remove a follower from a private Instagram account, the only way to do so was by blocking them. Now Instagram has made editing your follower list a lot easier.
If you have a private Instagram account you can go to your followers list and click on the ‘…’ next to a person’s name and remove them as a follower. The person will not be notified that you have removed them.
This means that you can make your account as private as you want it to be.
Anonymous Reporting for Self-Injury Posts
Instagram have introduced a new way for you to look out for your friends online. If you believe someone you follow on Instagram may be thinking about injuring themselves you can report it anonymously to Instagram. Instagram will then put that person in contact with organisations who can provide them with support and advice. Every report will be taken seriously and Instagram will have people working every day to review these reports.
Instagram have said that these updates are just the beginning of their safety updates: ‘We will continue to work to maintain Instagram as a welcoming and safe place for everyone.’
To see all of Instagram’s safety tools visit the Instagram Help Center.
