Three mobile phone screens showing content filter options on Instagram
New teenage users will be defaulted to a newsfeed that shows less sensitive content
Image: Instagram

The most restrictive setting for sensitive content control will be the default account for new users under the age of 16. Push notifications will encourage teenagers to opt-in to the heavier filters on what they see on the app.

The "Standard" setting in Instagram only lets users see some content deemed sensitive, while the " Less" option tightens the restrictions even further, and the " More" option allows users to see more sensitive content. Teenagers only have access to "Standard" and "Less" when they are 18 years old.

The less option was introduced by the photo sharing website in June. A week later, it began rolling out a feature in the US and other countries to suggest that teenage users look at other content if they spend too much time on a single topic.

Teens are being tested on how to limit who can interact with their content. They will be asked to review privacy and security settings related to who can re-share their content, who can message them, and the type of content they can see.

Three mobile phone screens demonstrating Instagram notifications and content settings
Teenage users will be encouraged to review who can interact with their content
Image: Instagram

TheSensitive Content Control feature was launched on the photo sharing website. Users were supposed to be kept from seeing potentially harmful and inappropriate material on the Explore page. As Meta /Instagram ramps up suggested content in response to the rise of TikTok, the tuning applied to the algorithm has become more meaningful.

Sex workers, tattoo artists, and the cannabis industry were left out of the feed of suggestions because of the feature. There are depictions of violence or sexually explicit or suggestive, as well as posts that promote regulated products and substances, in the Help Center.

Other features on the photo-sharing site are designed to provide a secure experience. In March, parental controls arrived on the platform that allow parents and guardians to monitor what their child does on social media.