Can You Turn Off Comments on an Instagram Post?
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Yes. You can turn comments off on an Instagram post. Use the comment controls before sharing or after the post is live. Existing comments are hidden while comments are off, then restored if you turn commenting back on.
This temporarily hides comments rather than deleting them.
On this page
- How do you turn off comments before sharing?
- How do you turn off comments after sharing?
- What happens to existing comments?
- Does this apply to Reels?
- Frequently asked questions
How do you turn off comments before sharing?
Turn off commenting in Advanced settings before you share. On the final posting screen:
- Reach the screen before you tap Share.
- Open Advanced settings.
- Switch on Turn off commenting.
- Share the post.
You can change it later from the post menu. See the Instagram Help Center steps for turning comments on or off.
How do you turn off comments after sharing?
Open the post and use its Options menu. Instagram's Help Center says to choose Turn off commenting. The exact placement can vary by app version.
- Go to your profile and open the post.
- Tap the three dots in the top right.
- Choose Turn off commenting.
To allow comments again, reopen the menu and select Turn on commenting. Earlier comments will be restored.
What happens to existing comments?
Existing comments are hidden while commenting is off. When you turn commenting back on, earlier comments are restored and people can comment again.
| Action | Effect on comments |
|---|---|
| Turn comments off | Hides existing comments and blocks new ones |
| Turn comments on | Restores earlier comments and allows new ones |
| Delete individual comments | Removes selected comments only |
Does this apply to Reels?
Yes. Reels support the same comment controls. You can turn comments off before or after sharing a Reel.
Frequently asked questions
Can you turn off comments on an Instagram post?
Yes. Use the comment or audience control before sharing or the post menu after sharing.
Do existing comments disappear?
They are hidden while commenting is off. Turn commenting back on to restore them.
Can you turn comments back on later?
Yes. Reopen the post menu and choose the option to allow comments.
Does this work on Reels?
Yes. Reels have the same comment controls as regular posts.
Can viewers still see comments that are already there?
No. They are hidden while comments are off, then restored if you turn commenting back on.
Bottom line
You can turn comments off on an Instagram post before or after sharing. Existing comments are hidden until commenting is turned on again. Use the post menu or sharing controls to change the setting later.
If you are evaluating engagement options, review the current Instagram Likes service page for details.
