Instagram update may affect reach for some accounts

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

use Sensitive Content Control Under the Settings menu, users can choose how much sensitive content they see in searches, scrolls, accounts you may follow, tabs, and feed recommendations.

Sensitive content controls initially rolling out in July 2021, but only for Discovery feeds

If you post content that Instagram deems “sensitive,” your post’s reach may decrease if enough people start using sensitive content controls.

Here’s more information on how the feature works and what types of content are affected.

Content Control filters content that may affect the safety of the community

Instagram defines sensitive content as “posts that don’t necessarily violate our rules, but may upset some people.”

Specifically, this includes:

• May depict violent content, including people fighting.
• May contain explicit or sexually suggestive content, such as photos of people wearing see-through clothing.
• Content that promotes the use of certain regulated products, including tobacco or vaping products, adult products and services, or drugs.
• Content that may promote or describe cosmetic surgery.
• Content that may attempt to sell products or services based on health-related claims, such as supplements to aid weight loss.

Content Control Options

There are three options for controlling sensitive content on Instagram.

Options include:

• standard: This is the default state and restricts some content.
• more: Allows users to opt-in to more sensitive content.
• less: Sensitive content is more restricted than the default state.

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

Instagram tools are designed to let users customize the experience

This update to Sensitive Content Control is the latest addition to a series of tools offered by the social media platform that allow users to shape their own Instagram experience.

Other features include Comment control, strict, blockage and silent. Instagram hopes to enhance and expand these tools over time.

To change sensitive content controls, follow these steps:

1. Click “Settings” on your profile page.
2. Click on Account, then Sensitive Content Control
3. Select the content level you want to apply.
4. Click “Confirm”.

resource: Instagram

Featured image: Screenshot from about.instagram.com/blog/, June 2022.