Instagram Darkest Day in History: What Happened to Your Feed on 26th Feb 2025?

On February 26, 2025, Instagram users encountered a shocking technical glitch that flooded their Reels feeds with graphic and disturbing content. Many reported seeing violent videos, including depictions of killings and cartel violence. Even though these were marked as “sensitive content,” they kept appearing throughout the day, leaving users distressed.

Instagram Reels Flooded with Disturbing Content

The issue led to frustration among users, as marking the videos as “not interested” did not stop them from appearing repeatedly. This unexpected surge of violent content caused many to consider uninstalling the app due to its failure to filter graphic content properly. The problem persisted until midnight on February 27, 2025, when users finally noticed the disappearance of the disturbing videos.

Meta’s Response to Instagram Sensitive Content Issue

Following the incident, Meta, Instagram’s parent company, issued an official apology. They explained that the exposure of graphic content was due to a technical error and assured users that it had been resolved. Meta also reaffirmed its strict policies against violent content, particularly for users under 18, to maintain a safe platform.

This incident is not the first time Meta has faced criticism over content moderation. Since 2016, the company has been involved in multiple controversies, including issues related to illicit drug sales, misinformation, and violent content spreading across different regions. This latest glitch raises further concerns about how effectively Instagram can regulate content recommendations.

How to Adjust Sensitive Content Settings on Instagram

To help users manage their feed experience, Instagram offers a “Sensitive Content Control” feature. If you want to limit graphic content, follow these steps:

1. Open Instagram and go to your profile.
2. Tap on the menu and select “Settings.”
3. Choose “Sensitive Content Control.”
4. Adjust the setting to your preferred content exposure level.

The Instagram feed glitch on February 26, 2025, exposed a major flaw in the platform’s content moderation system. While Meta has fixed the issue, this incident highlights the ongoing challenge of ensuring a safer browsing experience for users. It remains to be seen how Meta will improve its algorithms to prevent similar issues in the future.