Instagram will enable users to turn off comments on their posts, in a move designed to give “more control” over the app’s comments experience.
The Facebook-owned photo app said the change would appear within the advanced settings of the app and will begin to roll out to users in a few weeks.
It comes as social media platforms continue to be criticised over their handling of abuse on their services – this is Instagram’s response.
“Comments are where the majority of conversation happens on Instagram. While comments are largely positive, they’re not always kind or welcome,” the company said in blog post.
“We’ll soon add a way to turn off comments on any post. Sometimes there may be moments when you want to let your post stand on its own. Previously this was only available for a small number of accounts. In a few weeks, it will be available for everyone.
“Tap ‘Advanced Settings’ before you post and then select ‘Turn Off Commenting.’ You can also tap the … menu any time after posting to turn commenting back on.”
The app also announced that another commented-related feature was also on the way: the ability to like comments for the first time.
Instagram said that would allow users to “show support and encourages positivity throughout the community”.
In a further feature tweak, those with private accounts and therefore have to approve each follower will soon be able to remove followers without notifying them.