Facebook-owned social media platform Instagram has introduced a new feature that will let users over 18 years old control how much sensitive content they want to see in their Explore feed. Users under 18 years old will not be able to try the new content control option.

“We believe people should be able to shape Instagram into the experience that they want. We’ve started to move in this direction with tools like the ability to turn off comments, or Restrict someone from interacting with you on Instagram. Today we’re taking another step and launching what we call “Sensitive Content Control,” which allows you to decide how much sensitive content shows up in Explore,” Instagram’s blog post says.

Instagram Sensitive Content Control
Image: Instagram

On Instagram, sensitive content refers to posts that are sexually explicit or violent.

Instagram Will Let Its Users Filter Out Offensive DMs
Instagram will let its users filter private messages with offensive words, phrases or emojis. The new feature can be turned on in a dedicated section of the privacy settings called Hidden Words.

This way, users will have an opportunity to determine whether they want to see more or less sensitive content in Explore on their own. Currently, such content is limited by default.

The company emphasizes that it is not necessary the new feature, but it will provide users with more choices regarding what they see on Instagram.

To change settings regarding the display of sensitive content, do the following:

  1. Go to your profile.
  2. In the upper right corner, open Settings.
  3. Tap Account → Sensitive Content Control.
  4. Choose one of three options that suits you best: Limit, Allow, Limit Even More.