Instagram introduces comment and follower controls

Kevin Systrom, Co-Founder & CEO shared some new updates to the Instagram app and said:

Since the beginning of Instagram, we have focused on making it a welcoming place for everyone. In September, I shared our commitment to keeping Instagram a positive place for self-expression. I’d like to tell you about a few more tools we’re launching to keep people safe.

Comment control features: Due to the nature of comment not always being positive, Instagram now allows users to filter comments based on custom keywords. They will also soon be able to turn off their comments section completely. To Turn comments off users will have to tap “Advanced Settings” before they post their new image or video and then select “Turn Off Commenting”. If they want to turn comments on they can simply tap the ‘…’ menu on a post any time after posting. Users will also be able to ‘like’ comments, Instagram’s way of encouraging positivity in the online community.

Why do I feel like the shadiest comments may receive the most likes? Anyway…

Ability to remove followers from private accounts: If a user has a private account, previously it would notify their follower if they were removed. The simplest way to remove a follower if one had a private account was to block them, but now Instagram will let users remove followers without them being notified. Silent deletion. They only have to tap the ‘…’ menu next to a follower’s name.

Anonymous reporting for self-injury posts: If users suspect that a follower of theirs may be in danger of harming themselves, they can send an anonymous report to Instagram who will connect the struggling user with organisations that can offer help, anywhere around the world.

‘We have teams working 24 hours a day, seven days a week, around the world to review these reports.’

To learn more about these tools and others, check out the Instagram Help Center.