Instagram Just Added Features People Have Wanted for Years

Instagram on Tuesday announced a slew of long-requested changes to the popular photo-sharing platform, including new options for users to turn off comments and remove followers from private accounts.

The company said in a blog post that the new tools are part of its efforts to encourage “positivity” and make the app a safe and “welcoming place for everyone.” The updates, coming in the next few weeks, include two new comment control features that give users the ability to turn comments off on any post and like comments by tapping a heart icon.

Instagram has also enabled a feature that lets private account holders remove followers. “In the past, once you approved a follower, there was no simple way to undo that decision without blocking them,” Instagram CEO Kevin Systrom wrote in the blog post.

Users can also anonymously report posts from friends who they believe may be about to harm themselves. An Instagram team will review the reports and connect the reported user to groups that offer help.