How to Block Disturbing and Inappropriate Content on Your Instagram Feed

Recently, many Instagram users have reported an increase in disturbing and inappropriate content in their feeds, even when the Sensitive Content Control is enabled. This sudden change might be due to Instagram’s evolving algorithm or a temporary glitch in its content moderation system.

While Instagram enforces Community Guidelines to remove harmful content, some posts that don’t explicitly violate the rules may still appear in your feed. Fortunately, Instagram offers several built-in tools to help users limit exposure to unwanted material. If you’re looking to create a safer Instagram experience, you can adjust these settings to filter out sensitive content.

Instagram’s Built-In Features to Filter Sensitive Content

Instagram provides multiple layers of content control to ensure a better user experience. The platform automatically removes posts that violate its Community Standards, such as:

• Hate speech

• Graphic violence

• Explicit or sexual content

• Self-harm or suicide-related material

Additionally, Instagram follows Recommendation Guidelines to restrict sensitive content from appearing in Reels, Explore, and suggested posts. Even if some content doesn’t break specific rules, Instagram limits its visibility based on user settings.

One of the key tools to help users manage their feed is the Sensitive Content Control feature. This setting allows users to adjust how much sensitive content they see across different sections of Instagram.

Who Can Adjust Sensitive Content Settings?

Before making any changes, it’s essential to understand the prerequisites:
✅ Ensure your Instagram app is updated to the latest version for access to the latest features.
✅ You must be 18 or older to unlock the option for increased content exposure.
✅ Users aged 13-15 require parental permission to change the sensitivity level.

By default, accounts belonging to teenagers aged 13-17 have the strictest sensitivity settings applied. Adults can choose from the following levels:

• Standard (default setting) – A balanced experience with some content restrictions.

• Less – A stricter filter that further limits sensitive content.

• More (available for users 18+) – Allows more sensitive content to appear in the feed.

Step-by-Step Guide to Change Sensitive Content Control on Instagram

If you want to adjust what appears in your feed, follow these steps:

1️⃣ Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
2️⃣ Go to Your Profile: Tap your profile picture or the Profile button at the bottom right.
3️⃣ Access Settings: Click the Menu (three horizontal lines) in the top right corner.
4️⃣ Select Content Preferences: Tap Content Preferences, then select Sensitive Content.
5️⃣ Choose Sensitivity Level:

• Tap "Less" to reduce exposure to sensitive posts.

• Tap "More" (if eligible) to allow additional sensitive content.
  6️⃣ Confirm Changes: Tap Confirm to apply your new settings.

Once updated, these settings will affect content recommendations across:
✔️ Explore Page
✔️ Search Results
✔️ Reels & Suggested Posts
✔️ Comments & Hashtags

However, it’s important to note that these changes won’t override Instagram’s Community Guidelines. If a post violates the rules, it will still be removed automatically.

How to Report Inappropriate Content on Instagram

If you still come across disturbing or inappropriate content, reporting it can help Instagram improve its moderation system. Here’s how you can report a post:

✅ Tap the Three Dots (⋮) in the top right corner of the post.
✅ Select Report and choose the reason for reporting.
✅ Instagram will review the post and take appropriate action.

Regularly reporting inappropriate content helps improve the algorithm’s accuracy, ensuring a better user experience for everyone.

Conclusion: Take Control of Your Instagram Feed

With Instagram’s evolving content moderation, managing your feed has become more important than ever. By using Sensitive Content Control, updating your preferences, and reporting inappropriate posts, you can create a safer, distraction-free Instagram experience tailored to your comfort level.

Take a few minutes today to adjust your settings and regain control over your social media experience.