Instagram

What is Instagram?

Instagram is a social media service designed for people to share photos and videos. You can upload and share photos, images or videos using a range of overlay and filter effects. Instagram ‘Stories’ allows you to post photos and videos that disappear after 24 hours.

You can follow other profiles so they appear in your feed and your profile can also be followed by them. You can like and comments on each other’s posts. Instagram has additional settings that allow you to moderate these comments (such as keyword blocking) and control if other people or accounts tag you. These functions are also available if you manage an Instagram account for your organisation or business.

The app also features direct messaging and video calling.

Website: www.instagram.com

Apps: Android app, Apple iOS app

How do people use Instagram?

Learn more about the benefits and risks associated with how people use image and video sharing services like Instagram.

Instagram is used for: content sharing, messaging/online chat, photo/video sharing, online relationships and video calling. 

How can you report online abuse, ask for content to be removed or block someone?

• Report something to Instagram 
  How to report abusive images or video or request the removal of content.
• Block someone 
  How to stop someone from contacting you and how blocking works on Instagram.
• Addressing abuse 
  Advice on how to deal with negative experiences on Instagram. 

How can you moderate comments and tagging?

• Moderating comments
  How to manage your comments including how to use keywords to block comments.
• Tagging
  Understand how tagging works and how to control content you or your organisation are tagged in.
• Protecting your business on Instagram
  Outlines the tools available to keep your business account safe on Instagram

How can you protect your personal information?

• Privacy settings 
  Learn how to make your profile as secure as possible.
• Controlling your visibility 
  Manage who can see your profile information and images you share on Instagram. 
• Privacy policy
• Outlines Instagram’s privacy policy including the information they collect and how they use your data. 

Key safety links

• Tools and resources for parents
  Provides a range of safety information for parents about using Instagram.
• Help centre 
  Offers a range of general help, safety and security information.
• Security tips 
  Top tips for keeping your account safe. 
• Community guidelines 
  Learn about the guidelines you are expected to follow when using Instagram.