Instagram is much more than a platform for scrolling through Reels and posting photos. The app has several useful features that can help you control your feed, protect your privacy and save content you want to revisit later.
Here are seven Instagram tricks worth trying today.
1. See Less of the Content You Don't Like
If your Instagram feed is filled with posts or Reels that aren't relevant to you, don't simply scroll past them.
Tap the three-dot menu on a recommended post and select Not interested. Instagram can use this feedback to adjust future recommendations.
The more consistently you give feedback, the easier it can be to shape your feed around your interests.
2. Hide Someone's Posts Without Unfollowing Them
You don't always want to unfollow someone just because you don't want to see their posts.
Instagram's Mute feature allows you to hide someone's posts, Stories or both without notifying them that you've muted their account.
This can be useful when you want to reduce someone's content without creating an awkward situation.
3. Save Reels and Posts for Later
Found a recipe, travel destination, workout idea or product you want to check later?
Tap the Save icon on the post.
You can organise saved posts into different collections, such as:
- Travel ideas
- Recipes
- Shopping
- Fitness
- Home decoration
This turns Instagram into a useful personal collection of content instead of just an endless feed.
4. Share a Reel With a Friend Without Sending a Message
If you're scrolling through Reels and find something your friend would enjoy, you can quickly share it directly from the Reel.
Tap the share icon and select the person you want to send it to.
You can also copy the link if you want to share the Reel through another messaging app.
5. Control Who Can Mention You
Getting tagged or mentioned in unwanted posts can become annoying.
Instagram allows you to control who can mention your account.
Go to your privacy settings and look for the Tags and mentions section. You can choose who is allowed to mention or tag you.
This is particularly useful if you want tighter control over your account.
6. Hide Your Story From Specific People
You don't need to make your entire account private just because you don't want certain people to see your Stories.
Instagram allows you to hide Stories from specific accounts.
Go to your Story privacy settings and select the accounts you don't want to have access to your Stories.
The people you hide your Story from aren't directly notified.
7. Check Which Devices Are Logged Into Your Account
This is one privacy setting everyone should check occasionally.
Go to Accounts Center → Password and security → Where you're logged in.
You'll be able to review devices where your Instagram account is currently signed in.
If you notice a device or location you don't recognise, log out of that session and change your password. Enabling two-factor authentication can provide another layer of protection.
One Instagram Setting You Shouldn't Ignore
Take a few minutes to review your Privacy and Security settings.
Check who can message you, mention you, tag you and see your Stories. Also review your login activity and enable two-factor authentication if you haven't already.
