This New Instagram Feature Is a Real Friendship-Saver

Instagram is introducing a new feature that will allow users to mute certain users without actually unfollowing -- or even notifying -- them. Users have been calling for Instagram to introduce this feature, which already exists on Twitter and Snapchat, for a while, as it’s a lifesaver when it comes to maintaining civil relationships with people who annoy the sh*t out of you on social media but you’d rather not unfollow. The update is intended to help users customize their feed, according to a statement released by Instagram today.

“To mute an account, tap the … menu in the corner of the post,” explains the app in their statement. “From there, you can choose whether to mute posts, or mute posts and stories from an account. You can also mute posts and stories by pressing and holding on a story in your tray, or from a profile.”

Even when muted, photos will still be accessible when you go to that users profile. Also, you’ll still be notified if that user tags you in a comment of a photo, and you can unmute them at any time. The update will be available for download in the coming weeks.