How To Add Sensitive Content Warnings On Instagram

Do you know you can put warnings when sharing sensitive content with your audience? The integration of social media into our daily lives has made it a source of everything–from news to entertainment.

This also means that content of every type gets shared on platforms, like Instagram. 

Unfortunately, some of the content can contain sensitive details, photos, and videos. 

Nonetheless, sharing such content can sometimes be essential to deliver a particular message. Thankfully, Instagram features tools that help warn your viewers and audiences. 

This makes it easy to let them know what to expect from the content–as they are aware, to decide whether or not to move forward with it. Here is a simple guide on how to put sensitive content warnings on Instagram posts.

Does Instagram block sensitive content?

Instagram can block sensitive content in several ways. First, audiences can use sensitive content control features to filter out sensitive content from their feeds. But, these features only work if the platform accurately flags the content. 

The platform can flag content, especially when users report the content without warning or when creators post the content with a warning included.

You may risk getting your content removed from the platform if you don’t post sensitive content with proper warnings.

On the other hand, as a creator, it's a good idea to play your part in supporting Instagram with sensitive content control by celery including warnings about your sensitive content. Doing so helps to create a more pleasant Instagram app experience for all its visitors.

Setting up sensitive content warnings on Instagram

Ever noticed a blurred video appear on your Instagram feed?

Chances are the video contains sensitive or graphic content and was reported by other audiences.

Since posting with no warning goes against community guidelines, this is the explanation for why Instagram blurs the video.

You can avoid this by setting up a sensitive content warning. To ensure that your posts are accessible to everyone, it's important to set up sensitive content warnings. Instagram has two methods for setting up the sensitive content warning feature.

Option #1: Using Instagram's built-in content warning feature

The easiest way to add a content warning to your Instagram is by using the platform's built-in feature.

How to add sensitive content on Instagram posts or reels

1. When creating your Instagram post, tap on the "Advanced Settings" option at the bottom of the screen. It allows you to access additional features for your post.
2. Within the Advanced Settings menu, toggle on the "Sensitive Content" option. This setting informs Instagram that your post may contain content that could be triggering or upsetting to some viewers.
3. Once you've enabled the "Sensitive Content" option, Instagram will automatically add a warning label to your post. The label appears as a grey screen with the text "Sensitive Content" displayed at the top.
4. While Instagram's automatic warning label is helpful, you can further enhance it by adding your own content warning in the caption or image overlay. Create a concise and clear warning that describes the nature of the sensitive content.

How to add sensitive content on Instagram stories

1. Once you prepare the content you wish to share on your story, tap on the sticker icon (in a square shape and smiley face); located at the top of the screen with other icon options. 
2. After clicking on the icon, sticker options will appear, including the “sensitive continent warning” sticker in a yellow triangular shape. 
3. Tap on the sticker and customize it if you want more clarity in your message. Further, you can adjust the size and its placement on the screen.
4. Once done with the customization, tap on “Your Story” to add it to your feed.

Option #2: Manually creating a content warning image for your posts or stories

Create an image that clearly delivers a "trigger warning" or "sensitive content" message, save it to your device, and use it for sensitive content.

1. Before sharing your post, use a photo editing tool or an app to overlay text on your image. This text will serve as a sensitive content warning. Alternatively, you can add the text in the caption section of your Instagram post. This option works for any Instagram post, reel, or story - simply add the photo on the first page or part of the post, reel, or story.
2. Consider using a recognizable symbol, such as an exclamation mark or a caution sign, along with the text. This can help visually indicate that the post contains sensitive content.
3. Keep the content warning text concise, but, informative. Clearly state the nature of the sensitive content to give viewers a fair warning. For example, you could write "Trigger Warning: Graphic Violence" or "Sensitive Content: Discussions on Mental Health."
4. Ensure that the font and size of the text are legible and easy to read. Use a font style that aligns with the tone of your content and is visible against the background of your image.
5. Place the text warning in a prominent location on your image. Avoid obscuring essential details. But, make sure it is noticeable enough for viewers to read before engaging with the content.
6. Preview and adjust. Review the image with the overlay to ensure that the warning text is clearly visible and effectively conveys the purpose. Make any necessary adjustments to the font, size, or placement.
7. Once you are satisfied with the content warning overlay, proceed to share your post on Instagram. Include any additional relevant captions or hashtags to further contextualize the content.

Remember, manually adding sensitive content warnings bears more responsibility. A manual trigger warning design will not activate Instagram's known grey (blurred) screen warning. So, follow the tips outlined above religiously to ensure you have a properly designed and effective warning.

You also want to think of your audiences when crafting the warning - are they teenagers or adults? What type of content is it? This helps you to be more mindful of your warning design. Additionally, keep the platform's community guidelines in mind.

Best practices for sensitive content warnings

Determining what content needs a warning

It's important to be discerning when deciding what content requires a warning.

While some content may be obvious, such as graphic violence, sexually suggestive, or explicit sexual content, other types of content may be more subjective.

For example, a post about mental health may not contain any explicit language or imagery, but could still be triggering for some viewers. When in doubt, it's always better to err on the side of caution and add a warning.

It's also important to consider the potential impact of your post. Will it be seen by a wide audience? Is the content particularly disturbing or controversial? These are all factors to take into account when deciding whether or not to add a warning.

Writing a clear and effective warning message

When writing your warning, it's important to be clear and concise. Avoid using euphemisms or vague language that may not accurately represent the content that follows.

For example, a warning for nudity should state "This post contains nudity" rather than "This post may not be suitable for all viewers."

This makes it easier to make informed decisions. Further, remember to keep it respectful - considering different cultures and practices.

Remember–different people will view your post. Using simple and clear language is the best way to do so. It's also essential to consider the placement of your warning.

Balancing aesthetics and accessibility

Take the overall aesthetic of your post into consideration when adding a warning and adjust accordingly.

However, it's important not to sacrifice the accessibility of your content for the sake of aesthetics. Creating a visually appealing, but, inaccessible post can alienate viewers and create an unwelcoming environment.

One way to balance aesthetics and accessibility is to use a visually distinct warning that still fits within the overall design of your post. This could be a different font, color, or placement of the warning text. It's also critical to ensure that the warning is easily readable for all viewers, including those with visual impairments.

Understanding sensitive content warnings

If you are unsure about the content you wish to post, it’s wise to first understand what sensitive content is. Doing so will also help you understand the impact of warnings and why Instagram insists on incorporating them into its community guidelines.

Sensitive content warnings are an important tool for potentially creating a safe and inclusive online environment.

In today's digital age, where people consume content at an unprecedented rate, it's essential to be mindful of the impact that certain topics can have on different individuals.

Sensitive content warnings offer a way to give viewers a choice about what they see and when they see it.

What is sensitive content?

Sensitive content can be broadly defined as any sensitive material that may be considered inappropriate or offensive to some viewers. This can include depictions of violence, sexual activity or material, nudity, drug use, hate speech, and graphic imagery.

It's important to note that what one person considers sensitive may not be the same for another. For example, a person who has experienced trauma may find certain content triggering, while others may not be affected in the same way.

As such, it's essential to be mindful of the potential impact of the content you share online.

While you may not be able to please everyone, adding a sensitive content warning can go a long way in creating a more positive user experience for your followers.

Why use sensitive content warnings on Instagram?

Instagram is among the most popular social media platforms with 2 billion active monthly users. With such a vast audience, it's important to be mindful of the potential impact of the content you share.

By adding sensitive content warnings to all your posts, you can help create a safe and inclusive space for all audiences. 

Using sensitive content warnings comes with several benefits.

Meets Instagram’s community guidelines

Sensitive content without proper trigger warnings potentially violates community guidelines and risks being flagged or even removed from Instagram's feed. Further, your posts from being flagged or removed by Instagram for violating their guidelines. 

Instagram has strict rules about what can and cannot be posted on the platform, and failure to comply with these rules can result in account suspension or even permanent deletion.

By using content warnings, you can ensure that your posts are in compliance with Instagram's guidelines and avoid any potential issues.

Being courteous and respectful

Content trigger controls aren't just about meeting the community guidelines. As a creator and platform user, you must also practice responsible sharing–be more respectful and courteous to others. Not every viewer will want to see graphic images, explicit language, or even hateful content on their feed.

So, sharing content without prior warning can be upsetting to some. Simply being transparent about what to share helps to build a more tolerable, safer, and respectful community.

Protecting all audiences on the platform

With 2 billion monthly users, Instagram attracts audiences from all walks of life - with different life, cultural, and even emotional experiences. This means that sensitive content may be upsetting and trigger varying emotions - some even experiencing PTSD or discomfort.

A clear and concise warning can act as a buffer; protecting them from the potential harm the content may bring. 

Supporting sensitive content control

The Instagram platform has different audiences - including young ones. Incorporating a sensitive content warning into your content can help complement sensitive content control efforts by the platform.

For instance, users can choose to set a sensitive content control for their accounts - helping them filter what they see on their feeds. Adding the content warning to your content, further complements their efforts.

Avoiding negative reactions 

Posting triggering content without warning can result in a negative reaction - upsetting even from your most loyal followers.

You can risk alienation, mass account reporting, negative comments, and even, losing credibility. Sharing a content warning with a clear message can help mitigate the unwanted reaction.

Does Instagram allow sensitive content?

Instagram allows sensitive content, whether videos or photos, to a certain level - with the right content trigger warnings.

While creators are mandated to add trigger warnings, audiences can also set sensitive content control features on their accounts on how much sensitive content they want to see.

However, Instagram may prohibit extremely sensitive and graphic content on the platform.

So, sharing content that falls under the restricted category will result in it being removed from the platform.

How does Instagram protect younger audiences with sensitive content control?

First, creators must add sensitive content warnings to their posts letting the user know about the sensitive nature of the post.

On the other hand, Instagram introduced a new feature on sensitive content control for users under 16 years old. 

While adults decide between the standard or less option, users under 16 years old are defaulted to the less option.

The less sensitive content control option makes it difficult to access potentially triggering content on their feeds, explore pages, or other parts of the platform.