How To Hide Comments On Instagram Live?

In this article, we will explore why Instagram users or viewers might delete comments during live streams, how to hide comments on Instagram Live, and how this can impact users.

Instagram live is an increasingly popular feature of the social media platform. It allows users to live stream with their viewers in real time.

One of the key features of Instagram live is the ability for viewers to leave comments, which the streamer can then read and respond to.

However, in recent years, Instagram has been questioned about its policy on deleting comments during live streams.

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Why do Users Need to Hide or Delete Comments?

Before further details, let us examine why we delete comments during live streams.

Community Guidelines

Instagram has a set of rules that dictate the types of comments that are allowed on the platform types of comments that are not. These include hate speech, graphic violence, and harassment.

Suppose a user leaves a comment during a live stream that violates these guidelines. In that case, Instagram may delete it to protect other users and maintain a safe and respectful community.

Prevention of Spam

Another reason the deletion of Instagram comments during live streams is required is to prevent spam or other unwanted content.

For example, some users may try to leave repetitive or irrelevant comments to draw attention to themselves or promote their content.

This can annoy or distract other viewers and detract from the live Stream’s overall quality. Users can ensure that the live Stream remains focused and engaging for everyone involved by deleting these comments.

Controversies

However, the practice of deleting comments during live streams is not without controversy.

Some users have accused Instagram of censorship, arguing that the platform suppresses free speech by removing comments it deems inappropriate or offensive.

This has led to concerns about the impact that this could have on online discourse and the ability of users to express themselves freely on the platform.

There are also concerns about how to hide comments or Gif comments on Instagram Live. Some users had reported having their comments removed even when they did not violate any of Instagram’s community guidelines.

This has led to accusations of bias and inconsistency in Instagram’s moderation practices.

If users feel that their comments are being unfairly deleted, this could damage their trust in the platform and discourage them from participating in live streams.

How to Hide or Delete Comments on Instagram Live as a Host?

During live streams, viewers can leave comments in real time, which can be a great way to engage with the audience.

However, there may be times when you need to delete inappropriate, spam, or irrelevant comments.

Through this article, we will go through all the steps that must be followed on how to hide comments on Instagram Live.

Step 1: Start your Instagram Live

To delete comments on your Instagram Live, you must start your live Stream first.

You can do this by tapping the camera icon in the top left corner of your Instagram home screen, then selecting the “Live” option from the bottom menu.

Step 2: View the Comments

Once you’re broadcasting live, viewers will start leaving comments. To view these comments, swipe from the bottom.

You will get to see the list of comments in real-time.

Step 3: Tap and Hold the Comment

To delete a comment, tap and hold the comment you want to delete. You will see a list of options for deleting, reporting, or restricting the user.

You can also swipe right on the comments to hide them.

Step 4: Select “Hide.”

Select the “Delete” option to remove the comment from your live Stream.

You can also report or restrict the user if the comment violates Instagram’s community guidelines.

Step 5: Repeat as Needed

If there are multiple comments you want to hide or delete, repeat the process for each one.

You can also disable comments altogether by selecting the “…” icon in the top right corner of the screen, then toggling off the “Comments” option.

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How to Hide or Delete Comments on Instagram Live as a Viewer?

If you’re a viewer of Instagram Live, you may encounter comments you find offensive or inappropriate.

Fortunately, Instagram allows you to report, hide and delete comments as a viewer. Here is how to hide comments on Instagram Live as a viewer.

Step 1: Open the Live Stream

To delete comments on Instagram Live, you must first join the live Stream as a viewer.

You can do this by tapping the profile picture of the user who is live streaming, which will appear at the top of your Instagram Stories feed.

Step 2: View the Comments

Once you’re in the live Stream, you’ll see a list of comments in real-time.

Swipe upwards on the screen to see the comments.

Step 3: Tap and Hold the Comment

To delete a comment, tap and hold the comment you want to delete.

You will receive a menu for deletion, restriction, or reporting of the comments.

Step 4: Select “Hide.”

Select the “Hide” option to remove the comment from the live Stream.

You can also report or restrict the user if the comment violates Instagram’s community guidelines.

You can also swipe on the comments to hide them.

Pros and Cons of Deleting Comments on Instagram Live

There are numerous pros and cons of deleting comments on Instagram Live.

Pros

Maintaining a Positive Environment

Deleting inappropriate comments on Instagram Live can help maintain a positive environment for viewers and the host.

This creates a safe space for everyone to engage and share their thoughts.

Protecting privacy

Sometimes, viewers may share personal information in the comments section that they didn’t intend to share publicly.

Deleting such comments can help protect their privacy.

Enhancing User Experience

By removing spam or irrelevant comments, viewers can have a better experience while watching the live Stream.

This can encourage more people to engage and participate in future live streams.

Cons

Limiting Freedom of Speech

Deleting comments can limit freedom of speech, preventing people from expressing their opinions.

This can lead to negative reactions from viewers as they may feel that their voice is being suppressed.

Losing Authenticity

Live streams are meant to be authentic and unscripted. Deleting comments can make the Stream appear scripted or censored, which can negatively impact the experience for viewers.

Negative Feedback

If a viewer’s comment is deleted, they may feel offended or hurt and leave negative feedback.

This can harm the reputation of the host or brand, especially if the deleted comment was a genuine concern or question.

How does this affect the community?

The impact of comment deletion on users can vary depending on the situation. For some users, having their comments deleted can be frustrating or discouraging.

They may disengage from the community if they feel their opinions or ideas are not welcome on the platform.

This can be particularly damaging for marginalized groups, who may already feel that their voices are not being heard in mainstream discourse.

On the other hand, some users may appreciate that Instagram is taking steps to maintain a safe and respectful community.

If they see comments that violate Instagram’s guidelines being deleted, they may feel more comfortable participating in live streams and engaging with other users.

This provides a helping hand towards creating a positive environment all over the community.

Ultimately, deciding to delete comments during live streams is a balancing act between protecting users and promoting free speech.

Instagram has a complex set of factors, which includes community guidelines, user feedback, and legal considerations, to create a safe and engaging environment for everyone involved.

While certain challenges are associated with this task, Instagram has made progress in recent years toward improving its moderation practices and promoting a more inclusive community.

Conclusion

Deleting comments on Instagram live is a complex issue with no easy answers.

While some users may feel that their free speech is being suppressed, others appreciate the steps how to hide comments on Instagram Live Instagram is taking to maintain a safe and respectful community.

Ultimately, the success of Instagram’s lives as a platform will depend on its ability to strike the right balance between protecting.

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