How to filter sensitive content on Instagram
Instagram has a new setting that allows users to filter content that some users may deem upsetting or offensive.
The feature is an expansion of Instagram's "Sensitive Content Control," a product launched last fall that lets users choose how much sensitive content shows up on their Explore page. This new setting extends that control to recommended content in your feed including Reels, searches, suggested accounts, and hashtag pages.
The help center page says Sensitive Content Control "applies to some content that goes against [Instagram's] Recommendation Guidelines, but does not apply to content that goes against [Instagram's] Community Guidelines." In other words, sensitive content doesn't violate the rules, but it might be considered offensive or triggering to some. That might include:
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Content that may depict violence, such as people fighting. (We remove graphically violent content.)
Content that may be sexually explicit or suggestive, such as pictures of people in see-through clothing. (We remove content that contains adult nudity or sexual activity.)
Content that promotes the use of certain regulated products, such as tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceutical drugs. (We remove content that attempts to sell or trade most regulated goods.)
Content that may promote or depict cosmetic procedures.
Content that may be attempting to sell products or services based on health-related claims, such as promoting a supplement to help a person lose weight.
How to access Instagram's new sensitive content setting
The new setting gives you the option of choosing "More," "Less," or "Standard," which is the default for users. Each option corresponds to how much sensitive content you want to be filtered out. To access this setting follow the steps below.
1. Open Instagram and go to your profile page by tapping your picture at the bottom of the screen. On your profile page, open your account settings by tapping the icon of the three horizontal lines at the top-right
2. Next, tap "Account," and go to "Sensitive content control"
3. On this page you are given the three options of how much sensitive content you wish you allow. If you are under 18, you might not be able to choose the option of allowing more sensitive content.
4. Choose your setting and hit confirm.
If you don't see this on your account, not to worry. Instagram is rolling it out in stages, so it will eventually be available to all accounts.
Cecily is a tech reporter at Mashable who covers AI, Apple, and emerging tech trends. Before getting her master's degree at Columbia Journalism School, she spent several years working with startups and social impact businesses for Unreasonable Group and B Lab. Before that, she co-founded a startup consulting business for emerging entrepreneurial hubs in South America, Europe, and Asia. You can find her on X at @cecily_mauran.
