Diverse functionalized insulated conjugated polymers (ICPs) were synthesized via co-polymerization between insulated conjugated monomers and various functional units. The functional moieties strongly affected their π-conjugation, which provided sensitivity towards external stimuli. Chemical and physical inputs, such as redox, light, ions and gases, could be detected by modulating their optical and electrical properties. Moreover, the insulating structures inhibited undesired π–π interactions and prohibited thermal fluctuation in the conjugated backbones, enhancing the physical properties of the sensing materials. Accordingly, cooperative effects were observed between the insulation and functional moieties in functionalized ICPs.