Staying safe on Instagram

Instagram is a social media platform owned by Meta. It’s generally used for sharing photos and videos. You can upload and share content with various effects, such as filters - if you wish. Instagram also includes features like stories, which allows users to share temporary images and videos that disappear after 24 hours. To help you stay safe on Instagram, we’ve put together a few things to think about to ensure you have considered your privacy and security.

Control your feed

Body Image Toolkit

Check out this guide for parents and young people, to understand how social media can impact body image, and how to take more control of your feed.

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Last Updated11/07/2025

Privacy on Instagram

One of the key ways you can control privacy on Instagram is by considering the type of account you create.

Instagram lets you set your account to private or public, giving you control over who sees your content.

For users under 16 the default setting is private and we recommend keeping it that way for this age group.

Type of accounts

Private account: Only your followers can view the content you share. People can still see your profile picture, name, username, and bio, as well as the list of public accounts you follow or that follow you (you do not have to use your real name for your name or username).

Public account: Anyone can view your content. Your posts can also appear in search results or on hashtag and location pages.

Business Account: These cannot be made private. You will need to switch to a personal account if you want it private.

For more details on adjusting your Instagram privacy settings, visit Instagram Help(https://help.instagram.com/).

You can turn off your activity status if you don't want people to see when you were last active or whether you're currently active on Instagram.

Learn how to change your activity status.(https://help.instagram.com/1164377657035425)

Instagram security settings

We recommend reviewing Instagram's security settings to keep your account safe.

These settings include setting up two-factor authentication (an extra layer of security which requires a second verification step, such as a code sent to your phone), creating strong passwords, and steps to take if your account is hacked.

Take a look at the Instagram's security tips(https://help.instagram.com/369001149843369) for more information.

Commenting, messaging and reactions on Instagram

Adjust your Instagram feed preferences

You can adjust your Instagram feed to see more of what you like - learn more.(https://about.instagram.com/blog/tips-and-tricks/control-your-instagram-feed)

Your comments and reactions on Instagram

When you comment or react (e.g., "like") on someone else's post, photo, or video, others can see this.

The visibility depends on the original poster's Instagram privacy settings. For example, if a friend allows only their Instagram friends to see their posts, then all their followers can see your comments and reactions.

The number of people who see it depends on the poster's followers.

Managing comments on your posts

You have control over the comments on your Instagram posts and there are various ways you can manage this:

For additional tips on staying safe and ensuring security on Instagram you can visit Instagram's Safety Centre(https://about.instagram.com/blog/announcements/staying-safe-and-secure-on-instagram).

Instagram direct messages ('DMs')

You can send direct messages (including photos and video content) to one or more people via Instagram.

When someone you follow sends you a message, it will show up in your Chats list. If the message is from someone you don't follow, it will appear as a request in your message requests inbox and you can choose if you accept or not.

Make sure you know and trust the person/people you are direct messaging on Instagram. Don’t give out any sensitive personal information, like your address, passwords, or bank account information.

For further details take a look at Instagram's guide on messaging people(https://help.instagram.com/155540431448273).

Threads

Threads is an affiliated app where you can view and share public conversations.

You can post replies and follow profiles that interest you. Your profile's privacy settings control who can view your threads.

More information on Instagram Threads(https://help.instagram.com/179980294969821).

Stories and Reels on Instagram

Stories are temporary posts with photos, videos, and text that disappear after 24 hours. Reels are short videos up to 90 seconds long, featuring audio, effects, and creative tools.

Stories are located at the top of your feed and reels are found in a dedicated tab.

How to report a reel to Instagram(https://help.instagram.com/329205585100785?helpref=faq_content)

How to report a story to Instagram(https://help.instagram.com/774454432696319/?helpref=related_articles)

If you're worried about a person or a post

If you come across a post from someone who may need mental health support, you can report it anonymously. Instagram will send them tips on how to get help, along with immediate actions they can take.

You will also receive guidance on how to support them. To report a post, click the three dots at the top right of the post.

If you see content that violates Instagram's Community Guidelines(https://help.instagram.com/477434105621119?helpref=faq_content), you can report it by clicking the three dots at the top of the post.

Further resources

Advice for young people

Engaging with friends online can be fun but be cautious about sharing information. What you share becomes part of your digital footprint which is not always possible to delete.

Netsafe has an online learning module covering privacy choices, security advice and steps to take if something goes wrong. Check it out at the end of this page.

Advice for parents

The minimum age to create an Instagram account is 13.

To help you support your family, Instagram offers a Family Centre where you can supervise accounts, including seeing time spent on the app, and setting daily time limits. Learn more at Instagram's Family Centre.(https://about.instagram.com/community/parents)

If you're experiencing online abuse, fallen victim to a scam, or need some advice about another online issue, Netsafe is here to support you.

Our helpline is free, confidential and non-judgmental - providing expert advice and assistance seven days a week.

Report online