How To Block Tags on Instagram? Numerous Instagram users leverage the tagging feature to establish connections and enhance engagement on their posts. For instance, tagging people in a group photo taken at a product launch event can improve the post’s visibility and stimulate more comments.
However, it’s not uncommon for individuals to tag others in irrelevant or promotional content with the aim of boosting their engagement. Fortunately, Instagram provides a solution to block tags.
Also see this “What Is a Push Notification on Instagram?“
Overview of Blocking Tags on Instagram
As previously mentioned, tagging is an effective tool for increasing brand engagement and growing your Instagram following. For instance, if you are a budding influencer collaborating with a skincare brand, you may tag other established influencers who have worked with the same brand to extend the reach of your posts.
However, while tagging is a valuable feature, it can become quite bothersome when strangers tag you on irrelevant and promotional posts or memes.
It’s important to note that Instagram’s default settings allow anyone to tag you on their posts, as well as mention you to link your Instagram account to their live videos, comments, stories, or post captions.
It’s worth mentioning that there’s a clear distinction between tagging and mentioning on Instagram. Mentioning involves placing the “@” symbol before someone’s Instagram username to alert them or grab their attention. Tagging, on the other hand, involves adding someone’s username to a photo when posting it. For example, tags identify each person in a group photo.
Moreover, it’s worth noting that only the person posting the photo can tag you, while anyone can mention you. Fortunately, you can restrict tags or mentions through your privacy settings.
Ways to Blocking Tags on Instagram
To prevent unwanted tagging on Instagram, there are two main methods that you can use to block tags.
Method #1: Change Your Tagging Audience Settings
To disallow tags from everyone on your Instagram profile, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- Tap on the profile icon located in the bottom right corner.
- Tap on the hamburger menu icon located in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings and privacy.”
- Scroll down and select “Tags and mentions.”
- Choose “Don’t allow tags” from the “Who can tag you” section.
- Tap on “Disable” when the pop-up message appears to confirm your choice.
Method #2: Enable Manual Approval For Tags
To retain relevant tags while blocking promotional and unnecessary ones, you can use the manual approval method on Instagram. Here’s how to do it:
- Launch the Instagram app on your smartphone.
- Tap on the profile icon located in the bottom right corner.
- Tap on the menu icon located in the top right corner.
- Select “Settings and privacy” from the menu.
- Scroll down and tap on “Tags and mentions.”
- Tap on the “Manually Approve Tags” option located under the “Who can tag you” section.
- Turn on the toggle next to “Manually approve tags.”
After activating this setting, you will have to approve tags before they appear in your feed. Pending tags can be viewed under the “Tagged posts” section below the “Tag controls” toggle.
How To Untag Yourself on Instagram?
To untag yourself from irrelevant photos or videos after blocking tags on Instagram, follow these steps:
- Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.
- Tap on your profile icon located in the bottom right corner of the screen.
- Below your highlights, click on the “Tagged” icon.
- Choose the photo or video you want to untag yourself from.
- Tap on the three dots at the top right corner of the post.
- Click on “Tag Options.”
- Select the “Remove Me from Post” option.
- Repeat the process for every post you wish to untag yourself from.
Summary
Tagging is a powerful tool for Instagram users to expand their reach and boost engagement on their posts. However, it is crucial to use the feature judiciously and avoid tagging people on irrelevant or overly promotional content.
If you are receiving multiple tags on annoying posts or memes, you can block them by switching off your tagging settings or manually approving tags. Once you have selected the blocking method that suits you best, you can go ahead and untag yourself from any posts you do not want to be associated with.