The branded content tool on Instagram is currently being abused by spammers. We’ll tell you how you can block the annoying requests.
Dubious branded content requests are annoying more and more Instagram fans. (Source: Screenshot Instagram)
“XYZ has asked for permission to add you to branded content,” such requests are being received by more and more Instagram users. Some report on Reddit even several such requests per day. What is behind it?
Apparently, spammers have found a new trick to spread their posts on the photo platform. The wave is similar to previous spam waves that were carried out, for example, via group invitations. The aim is apparently to advertise sex or dating sites.
Change setting to block requests
“Branded Content” on Instagram is actually intended to allow influencers to mark posts that were created on behalf of an advertising partner or in cooperation with a company as such and to link their partners’ profiles in the posts. So why do spammers choose this tool for their activities?
Anyone who uses Instagram purely for personal reasons has nothing to do with “branded content”. Accordingly, many users have certainly ignored the settings in this regard, which allows unknown spammers to write to countless profiles in their campaign. Because by default, anyone can send you a corresponding request on Instagram.
Similar to previous spam campaigns, you should adjust the relevant settings and allow no one or only your contacts to send you branded content requests. According to a post, you can find the corresponding option at GuteFrage.net in the settings under: Notifications > Posts, Stories and Comments > Collab Invitations. You can turn these off completely or limit them to requests from profiles you follow.
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