Instagram is cracking down on unwanted DMs from strangers. The social media platform has announced a new feature that limits the number of message requests that users can send to people they don’t follow. The feature also blocks users from sending any images, videos, or voice messages in their initial message request, preventing potential harassment and abuse.
The new feature, which was first tested in June, aims to give users more control over their inbox. Users who don’t follow each other can only send a one-message invite before they can start a conversation. That message can only contain text, so users won’t see any unsolicited media content in their message requests. Users can accept or decline the message request, or report or block the sender if they feel uncomfortable.
Message requests are separate from the main inbox and can be accessed by tapping the Requests button above the inbox in Instagram’s DM tab. Users can also adjust their privacy settings to choose who can send them message requests, such as everyone, only people they follow, or no one.
The feature is part of Meta’s broader safety push, which also includes new parental controls on Instagram and Messenger.
“We want people to feel confident and in control when they open their inbox,” Cindy Southworth, Meta’s head of women’s safety, said in a statement. “That’s why we’re testing new features that mean people can’t receive images, videos or multiple messages from someone they don’t follow, until they’ve accepted the request to chat.”