Updating Instagram could affect the reach of some accounts

Instagram is expanding a feature that filters out “sensitive” content, which can affect the reach of some accounts.

Use Control sensitive content In the Settings menu, users can choose how much or how little sensitive content they see in search, reels, tracking accounts, hashtag pages, and recommendations in the feed.

Sensitive content control was originally introduced in July 2021, although it only applied to the Explore source

If you post content that Instagram considers ‘sensitive’, your posts may have less reach if enough people start using sensitive content controls.

Here’s more about how the feature works and what content it affects.

Content control filters content that could affect community security

She defines sensitive content on Instagram as “posts that don’t necessarily violate our policies, but could upset some people”.

Specifically, this includes:

• Content that may depict violence, including beating people.
• Content that can be sexually explicit or suggestive, such as images of people in transparent clothing.
• Content that promotes the use of certain regulated products, including tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or pharmaceuticals.
• Content that can promote or display cosmetic procedures.
• Content that may be trying to sell products or services based on health claims, such as a weight loss supplement.

Content control options

There are three options for controlling sensitive content on Instagram.

The options are:

• Standard: This is the default state that restricts certain content.
• More: Allows users to opt for more sensitive content.
• less: Restricts sensitive content to a greater extent than the default state.

The “more” option is not available for users under the age of 18.

Instagram tools are designed for users to customize the experience

This sensitive content control update is the latest addition to a series of tools offered by the social media platform that allows users to create their own Instagram experience.

Other features include Comment control, Limit, Block in Turn off the sound. Instagram hopes to improve and expand these tools over time.

To change the control of sensitive content, follow these steps:

1. Click “Settings” on your profile page.
2. Tap “Account” and then “Control sensitive content”
3. Choose which level of content you want to use.
4. Tap “Confirm”.

Vir: Instagram

Selected image: screenshot from about.instagram.com/blog/, June 2022.