As an avid Instagram user and social media enthusiast, I understand how frustrating it can be to experience a shadowban on Instagram. If you’re not familiar with the term, a shadowban is when Instagram limits the visibility of your posts and stories without notifying you. In this guide, I’ll cover everything you need to know about shadowbans on Instagram, including how to check if you’re shadowbanned, why it happens, and, most importantly, how to get rid of it.
Table of Contents
What is Shadowban on Instagram?
A shadowban on Instagram is when your posts and stories are hidden from the explore page and hashtag feeds, making them virtually invisible to anyone who isn’t already following you. This means that new users or potential followers can’t see your content, which will significantly reduce your reach and engagement. The worst part is that Instagram will not notify you when this happens. so it’s a little challenging to know if your account has been affected.
5 Signs You’re Shadowbanned On Social Media
There are a few signs that you might be shadowbanned on Instagram. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s worth checking to see if your account has been affected. Some of the most common signs of a shadowban include:
- A significant drop in engagement, likes, and comments on your posts
- Your posts aren’t showing up in hashtag feeds or explore pages
- Your reach and impressions have decreased
- Your account isn’t gaining new followers
- Your stories aren’t getting views
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, it’s worth investigating whether your account has been shadowbanned.
Why does Shadowban on Instagram Happen?
There are several reasons why Instagram might shadowban your account. Understanding these factors can help you avoid getting shadowbanned in the future. Some of the most common reasons for shadowbans on Instagram include:
- Using Banned Hashtags
One of the most common reasons for shadowbans on Instagram is using banned hashtags. Instagram has a list of banned hashtags that are prohibited from use, and if you use any of these hashtags, your account could be flagged as spammy or inappropriate.
- Too Many Hashtags
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but using too many hashtags can make your account look spammy and can trigger a shadowban. Aim to use a mix of relevant hashtags and limit the number of tags you use.
- Using Automation Tools
Using automation tools to like, comment, or follow other accounts can trigger a shadowban on Instagram. Instagram considers these tools to be spammy and may flag your account as a result.
- Violating Instagram Guidelines
Finally, violating Instagram’s community guidelines can result in a shadowban. This includes posting inappropriate content, using bots to grow your account, or engaging in spammy behavior.
How to Check if You’re Shadowbanned on Instagram?
If you suspect that your account has been shadowbanned on Instagram, there are a few ways to check. Here’s how to do it:
1. Check Your Hashtags
The first thing to do is to check if your hashtags are working correctly. To do this, post a new image and use a unique hashtag that you haven’t used before. Then, ask a friend or follower who doesn’t follow your account to search for that hashtag. If your post doesn’t show up in the hashtag feed, it’s likely that your account has been shadowbanned.
2. Check Your Reach and Impressions
Another way to check if you’ve been shadowbanned is to look at your reach and impressions. If your reach and impressions have decreased significantly, it’s possible that your account has been limited in some way.
3. Use a Shadowban Checker
Finally, you can use a shadowban checker tool to see if your account has been affected. These tools analyze your account and posts to determine whether you’ve been shadowbanned.
How to Remove Shadowban on Instagram?
- Revoke permissions for any unapproved third-party apps
- Delete content that violates Instagram community guidelines
- Delete banned hashtags
- Contact Instagram support
Best Practices to Avoid Shadowban on Instagram
In addition to these quick fixes, there are several best practices you can follow to avoid getting shadowbanned on Instagram. These include:
Follow Instagram Guidelines
Make sure you’re following Instagram’s community guidelines and terms of service. Avoid posting inappropriate content, using bots to grow your account, or engaging in any spammy behavior.
Keep Your Account Active
Stay active on Instagram by posting regularly and engaging with your audience. This can help keep your account in good standing with Instagram and avoid any penalties.
Use Relevant Hashtags
Use hashtags that are relevant to your content and audience. Avoid using overly popular hashtags that might be too broad or general.
Engage with Your Audience
Engage with your audience by responding to comments and direct messages and liking and commenting on their posts. This can help build a loyal following and improve your engagement.
Don’t Use Automation Tools
Using automation tools to like, comment, or follow other accounts can trigger a shadowban on Instagram. Avoid using these tools and instead focus on engaging with your audience manually.
How to Report Shadowban to Instagram?
If you’ve tried all of these steps and you’re still experiencing a shadowban on Instagram, you can report the issue to Instagram. Here’s how to do it:
Go to Instagram Help Center
Go to the Instagram help center and select “report a hacked or impersonated account.”
Explain the Issue
Explain the issue you’re experiencing and provide any relevant details, such as screenshots or examples.
Wait for a Response
Instagram will review your report and respond as soon as possible. Be patient and follow any additional instructions they provide.
FAQ
Instagram may shadowban accounts for using banned hashtags, using too many hashtags, using automation tools, or violating Instagram guidelines.
The duration of a shadowban on Instagram can vary, but it’s typically temporary and may last a few days to a week.
Yes, you can still post during a shadowban on Instagram, but your posts may not reach as many people as usual.
No, Instagram does not notify users if they are shadowbanned.
Yes, you can still use hashtags after a shadowban on Instagram, but it’s important to use relevant and appropriate hashtags.
Deleting old posts is unlikely to help get rid of a shadowban on Instagram.
Changing your account to a business account may not necessarily help avoid a shadowban on Instagram.
You can report a shadowban issue to Instagram through the help center, but there is no guarantee of an appeal.
Using the same hashtags repeatedly may trigger a shadowban on Instagram, as it can be seen as spammy behavior.
Promoting posts on Instagram may not necessarily help avoid a shadowban.
A shadowban on Instagram is typically temporary and should not have a long-term impact on your account. However, if you continue to engage in behavior that triggers shadowbans, it could affect your account in the long term.
Conclusion
A shadowban on Instagram can be frustrating and limiting, but it’s not the end of the world. By following the tips and best practices outlined in this guide, you can avoid getting shadowbanned and get your account back to normal if you are affected. Remember to use relevant and popular hashtags, engage with your audience, and avoid any spammy behavior or prohibited content. By doing so, you can ensure that your account stays in good standing with Instagram and continues to grow and thrive.
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