How to report and avoid violent content on Instagram

Last update: 07/03/2025

How to report and avoid violent content on Instagram

Instagram is one of the most used social networks in the world, but its popularity also brings with it the responsibility of maintaining a safe environment to be able to live on it. Although the platform already has strict policies regarding inappropriate content that can or cannot be posted, users may come across posts that glorify or encourage violence and hatred. That is why, in this new article from Tecnobits you will learn cHow to report and avoid violent content on Instagram to protect you and contribute to a healthier digital space.

What is considered violent content on Instagram?

How to report and avoid violent content on Instagram

Although the question may offend you and we are sure that you will know how to differentiate violent content from normal content, we will try to categorize you and, based on Instagram's policies, tell you what violent content is. Instagram bans posts that incite hatred, aggression or any type of physical or psychological harmSome examples include the following:

  • Images or videos with scenes of explicit violence.
  • Posts that encourage harassment or bullying.
  • Content that encourages suicide or self-harm.
  • Hate speech directed at groups or individuals.
  • Material related to dangerous or criminal activities.
  • Nudity and pornographic content (more information below)

If you detect this type of posting in your feed, it is important to take steps to report it and prevent the content from spreading to other profiles. Instagram uses artificial intelligence to detect inappropriate content, but it also relies on user reports to remove material that violates its rules. And you'll see that it's very easy to know how to report and avoid violent content on Instagram. 

It is important to remember that it is not always your fault and that of the accounts you follow that violent or harmful content appears in your feed, reels or stories, as we told you in this other article. Instagram has had to fix a bug that exposed users to violent content in reels. Also, as we told you in the previous bullets, we leave you this article about What nudes can't be shown on Instagram?

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How to report violent content on Instagram

Sensitive content on Instagram

Each Instagram account has a reporting system that allows you to report posts, comments, profiles, and direct messages. Below, we explain the steps for each case and we begin with the core of how to report and avoid violent content on Instagram. 

  • How to report a post on Instagram?

If you find an image or video with violent content, follow these steps:

  1. Tap the three dots in the top right corner of the post.
  2. Choose "Report".
  3. Choose the option “It’s inappropriate.”
  4. Please indicate the reason by selecting “Violence or dangerous organizations.”
  5. Submit the report and wait for Instagram's review.
  • How to Report a Comment on Instagram?

If a comment contains aggressive or violent messages:

  1. Hold down the comment.
  2. Press the alert icon (!) and select "Report".
  3. Choose the corresponding option, such as «Language or symbols that incite hatred».
  4. Confirm the report for Instagram to review.
  • How to report a profile on Instagram?

If an account repeatedly shares violent content, you can report it like this:

  1. Visit the user's profile.
  2. Tap the three dots in the top right corner.
  3. press "Report" and select “Inappropriate public content.”
  4. Please state the reason and send the report.
  • How to report a direct message on Instagram?

If you receive messages with violent content on Instagram Direct:

  1. Open the conversation and long press on the offensive message.
  2. Choose "Report" and choose the reason.
  3. Confirm the report for Instagram to review.
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Instagram will review all reports and, if the content violates its rules, it will take action such as removing the post or suspending the account. Now you know the first part of how to report and avoid violent content on Instagram, but we still need to tell you how to avoid this type of content.

How to avoid violent content on Instagram

Safety tips for nudes on Instagram

In addition to reporting, there are several strategies to reduce exposure to inappropriate posts and thus avoid all this type of harmful content that no one wants to see when they go to see cats, dogs or a friend's vacation with their partner. To avoid all this content, follow these steps below: 

  • Setting up comment filters

To avoid offensive interactions on your posts:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Comments.
  2. Active “Hide offensive comments.”
  3. Use the option «Filter keywords» to block specific terms.
  • Adjusting feed recommendations

You can prevent Instagram from suggesting sensitive content to you by following these steps:

  1. Opens Configuration and go to Content preferences.
  2. Toca “Control of sensitive content”.
  3. Select option "Limit" o “Limit even further.”
  • Mute or block problematic accounts

If a user frequently posts violent content:

  1. Silence your posts and stories from your profile.
  2. Block him if you want to avoid any interaction.
  • Controlling message requests

To avoid receiving unwanted messages:

  1. Go to Settings > Privacy > Messages.
  2. Set requests so that only your friends can message you.
  • Using restricted mode

If you don't want to block someone, but want to limit their interaction on your profile:

  1. Go to the user's profile.
  2. Tap the three dots and select "Restrict".
  3. His comments on your posts will only be visible to him.
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Now you know How to report and avoid violent content on Instagram But as always, we want to bring you some final advice as a summary and tips that can help you day to day on Mark Zuckerberg's social network. 

Tips for a safe environment on Instagram

Instagram Reels violent content-3

  • Always report violent content to prevent its expansion.
  • Don't interact with inappropriate posts, since the algorithm could show you more similar content.
  • Educate other users about responsible use of the social network.
  • Review your privacy settings periodically to avoid exposure to problematic posts.
  • Use digital wellbeing tools to control the time spent on the platform and reduce exposure to negative content.
  • Report profiles that incite hatred, even if it doesn't affect you directly.

Now that you know how to report and avoid violent content on Instagram, you can help create a safer space for all users. Reporting inappropriate posts, adjusting your preferences, and controlling interaction with other profiles are all key steps to improving your experience on the platform.

It is important to remember that Instagram is a digital community It is also up to each and every one of us to keep it free of harmful content. By using the reporting and security tools that the app offers us, you will help protect other users and encourage responsible use of social networks. We hope that thanks to this article you already know how to report and avoid violent content on Instagram and we remind you that using the search engine you have hundreds of articles on technology and social networks (such as Instagram) that will help you in your daily life.