Getting spam messages from strangers is quite common on Instagram. Some of these messages can be really offensive. Privatizing the account can get the users rid of this problem. However, media sharing app is working on a feature that can prevent strangers from sliding into a user’s DM even if they have a public account.
The new feature was spotted by renowned app researcher Jane Manchun Wong who tweeted about Instagram testing an “Allow Messages From People I Follow” option. Currently, random people can send a DM to any user. However, their message will end up as a request that the recipient user can easily choose to ignore but the new feature (if rolled out successfully) will not allow them to message at all.
According to the screenshot shared by Wong, users will probably see the option to allow messages from either everyone or from the people they follow, under a new Messaging Control option, which in turn will be accessed via Privacy settings. Another interesting observation from the screenshot is that users will be able to choose who can add them to a group chat.
Although the feature sounds quite helpful, it is still in development stage and it’s not even confirmed if it will get a general release. Any user having access to Instagram’s Creator Account can enable it to get first-hand experience of an inbox with two tabs that will provide them with an option to prioritize messages. According to Instagram support, the option to access Creator Accounts is slowly rolling out to all users.
Featured Photo: Thomas Trutschel Photothek / Getty Images
Read next: Here's How Much Brands Pay To Instagram Influencers
The new feature was spotted by renowned app researcher Jane Manchun Wong who tweeted about Instagram testing an “Allow Messages From People I Follow” option. Currently, random people can send a DM to any user. However, their message will end up as a request that the recipient user can easily choose to ignore but the new feature (if rolled out successfully) will not allow them to message at all.
According to the screenshot shared by Wong, users will probably see the option to allow messages from either everyone or from the people they follow, under a new Messaging Control option, which in turn will be accessed via Privacy settings. Another interesting observation from the screenshot is that users will be able to choose who can add them to a group chat.
Instagram is working on "Allow Messages From People I Follow"— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) August 31, 2019
This could shield users from unwanted messages without making privatizing the account pic.twitter.com/X3f8DgMudo
Although the feature sounds quite helpful, it is still in development stage and it’s not even confirmed if it will get a general release. Any user having access to Instagram’s Creator Account can enable it to get first-hand experience of an inbox with two tabs that will provide them with an option to prioritize messages. According to Instagram support, the option to access Creator Accounts is slowly rolling out to all users.
Featured Photo: Thomas Trutschel Photothek / Getty Images
Read next: Here's How Much Brands Pay To Instagram Influencers
