Exciting Instagram Updates: "Liking" and Muting Comments (Sorry Trolls)

In a bid to curb online harassment and trolling, Instagram announces users will now have the option to turn off comments on their photos.

Instagram chief Kevin Systrom revealed the new feature in a blog announcement today. Alongside the new comment control features, you will also have the ability to remove followers from private accounts.

“While comments are largely positive,” the post reads, “they’re not always kind or welcome.”

Soon there will be an option that says “turn off commenting” when uploading new posts. If you want to turn off comments for a previous post, you can do so through the menu button.

Note: Turning comments back on will prompt earlier (hidden) comments to reappear, and people will be able to leave new comments.

It’s been seen, by some, as a drastic measure. It's not really anything "new" though, given heaps of platforms already make use similar tools to give users the power to manage situations when comments get out of hand. (Take, for instance, YouTube.)

The surprise features don’t stop there either. Soon you’ll be able to “like” comments by tapping a little heart.

It’ll look a little something like this:

Judging from the response, it’s pretty safe to say that people are excited.

You can now like comments on Instagram pictures!!!! LET THE PETTINESS COMMENCE👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻👸🏻

— Scarl🐱 (@ScarlettDarby) December 6, 2016

Job well done, Instagram.

Photo: iStock and Instagram Official Blog