Instagram lets users filter comments under posts

Instagram comes with a new functionality for users that makes it possible to control what exactly can be said in the comments on a photo. Filters allow posters to set which words are unacceptable.

The new functionality is already available to some popular users of the online photo sharing medium. Speaking to The Washington Post, an Instagram spokesperson said the word filters should help make the medium a friendlier and more pleasant place to share personal feelings.

Users will be given the option to filter out specific words that they consider to be undesirable, in addition to the general guidelines that Instagram itself uses for decent commentary. It should also be possible to completely disable the comment options for a certain post.

In the coming weeks, the filter functionality will be rolled out further, with accounts of popular people being the first to access. Instagram can still choose to make adjustments based on experiences. When the company plans to give all users access, however, is still unclear.

Instagram passed the 500 million monthly active user mark last month, a doubling from two years earlier. Like other social media, the company faces online bullying and other negative behaviors. Where Twitter previously spoke out for a stricter approach, Instagram gives control to the individual user.