Two-factor authentication is now live on Instagram

Keeping pace with its contemporaries, Instagram now supports two-factor authentication.

The system “adds an extra layer of security to your Instagram account by requiring a code every time you log in”, announced company CEO Kevin Systrom in a blog post.

“Tap the gear icon on your profile and choose Two-Factor Authentication to turn it on.”

This effectively means that those looking to infiltrate your account (and post pictures of dirty dishes, or unkempt gardens) can’t simply use your password. Two-factor authentication, in essence, makes it damn difficult to crack users’ accounts.

The system has been adopted by a number of other services, including Facebook’s other property WhatsApp and Twitter.

Is that all?

Nope.

Systrom also reaffirmed the company’s “commitment to the community to keep Instagram a safe place for everyone and built tools to safeguard self-expression on our platform.”

This includes a sensitive content screen.

“Soon you may notice a screen over sensitive photos and videos when you scroll through your feed or visit a profile,” Systrom writes.

“While these posts don’t violate our guidelines, someone in the community has reported them and our review team has confirmed they are sensitive.”

While the latter isn’t yet available, two-factor authentication is now live on iOS and Android versions.

If you need help with switching on the feature, check out the service’s notes here.