Instagram Updates Additional Features to “Sensitive Content Control”

Those who regularly use social media are likely aware of the trending topics over the past 5 years. These trends often involve content that is sensitive or suggestive, potentially causing harm to others physically or emotionally. Social media platforms typically implement measures to reduce the visibility of such content, or in some cases, ban it altogether. Many Instagram users have probably seen updates regarding the “Sensitive Content Control” feature, which was fully released in 2021.

Recently, Instagram announced additional updates to the Sensitive Content Control feature, stating that it will enhance user experience by allowing users to customize the visibility of this sensitive content further. Let’s explore the details and see how they will affect content marketers.

What is the Sensitive Content Control Feature?

The Sensitive Content Control feature, released in 2021, demonstrates Instagram’s concern for users’ feelings towards sensitive content. It allows users to choose to reduce the visibility of content, making it appear only in the Explore tab.

Here’s how you can enable the Sensitive Content Control feature:

1. Go to your Profile page
2. Click the three vertical lines in the upper right corner, then select Settings
3. Select Account
4. Select “Sensitive Content Control”
5. You can then set three levels of control. The default setting is limited. You can adjust it to view more or less sensitive content as desired (users under 18 cannot use this feature).

How Does Sensitive Content Affect Users?

Content marketers planning marketing campaigns on Instagram may wonder, “What kind of content is considered sensitive?” Instagram defines this type of content as “content that does not violate Instagram’s guidelines but may cause discomfort to others.” This includes content such as:

Therefore, marketers with content that resembles the examples above should review it carefully to ensure it is appropriate and avoid unnecessary reach reduction.

New Updates to the Sensitive Content Control Feature

Instagram has announced its approach to updating the Sensitive Content Control feature, enhancing the user experience by reducing the visibility of this content across all platforms. Previously, sensitive content was limited to the Explore tab, but now the scope is expanded to include Search, Reels, Accounts You Might Follow, Hashtag Pages, and In-Feed Recommendations.

Additionally, the names of the visibility levels have been changed. As shown in the image above, the original levels were Allow, Limit (Default), and Limit Even More. The updated levels are:

• More: Replaces Allow, allowing users to view certain types of sensitive content.
• Standard: Replaces Limit, the default setting, limiting certain types of sensitive content.
• Less: Replaces Limit Even More, further limiting sensitive content compared to Standard.

(Users under 18 still cannot use the More option.)

If you’ve already accessed the settings and see names or appearances similar to the example image, don’t worry. This new update will be rolled out to everyone within a few weeks.

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