What does restrict mean on Instagram?
As a social media marketing agency, Mochee knows how important it is for businesses to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and features on Instagram. One feature that has been around for a while but is still causing confusion for many users is the “Restrict” option. Let’s dive into what Restrict means on Instagram in 2023 and see some examples of how it can be used effectively.
What is Restrict on Instagram?
Restrict is a feature on Instagram that allows users to limit their interactions with other users without blocking them completely. When you Restrict someone, their comments on your posts are only visible to them and you and their direct messages are moved to a separate inbox where you can choose to read or ignore them.
The person you Restrict will also not be able to see when you are active, and their own comments will be hidden from others.
Why do people use Restrict on Instagram?
The Restrict feature can be useful for a variety of reasons. Here are a few examples:
- Dealing with online harassment: If someone is repeatedly leaving negative comments on your posts or sending you unwanted messages, Restrict can be a way to limit their ability to interact with you without completely blocking them. It is a good way to protect your mental health and create a safer online environment.
- Managing spam accounts: If you have a large following on Instagram, you may receive many spam comments or direct messages from accounts you don’t know. Restricting these accounts can help keep your inbox clean and prevent unwanted interactions.
- Avoiding drama: If you have a personal relationship with someone you don’t want to block completely but don’t want to see their comments or messages, this can be a way to maintain some distance while still allowing them to follow your account.
How to Restrict someone on Instagram?
To Restrict someone on Instagram, follow these steps:
- Go to the profile of the user you want to Restrict.
- Tap the three dots in the top right corner of their profile.
- Select “Restrict” from the dropdown menu.
- Confirm that you want to Restrict this user.
Once you have Restricted someone, you can always undo it later by going to their profile, tapping the three dots, and selecting “Unrestrict.”
How to know if someone restricted you on Instagram?
If someone on Instagram restricts you, you may notice a few changes in your interactions with that user. Here are some signs that you may have been banned:
- Your comments on their posts are only visible to you and the user who posted the content. Other users will not be able to see your comments.
- You may not be able to see their Instagram Stories or their activity status (when they were last active on the app).
- Your direct messages to the user may be moved to a separate inbox folder, and the user may not receive notifications for your messages.
- Your comments on the user’s posts may receive fewer likes or replies than usual – as it is hidden from other users.
It’s important to note that not all of these signs may be present if someone on Instagram restricts you, as the specific restrictions may vary depending on how the user has set up their Restrict settings. However, if you notice any of these signs, it may be worth checking whether the user has restricted you.
As a social media marketing agency, Mochee recommends that businesses stay up-to-date on the latest Instagram features and use them strategically to build a strong online presence. If your company does not have a marketing team, leave your social media to us. Mochee has many years of experience managing social media accounts for high-profile clients from various industries.
