Are you an avid Instagram user and have heard the term shadowban floating around but aren’t quite sure what it means? Here we explain what an Instagram shadowban is, how to check if your account is shadowbanned, and how to avoid and remove it.
Table of contents
What is an Instagram Shadowban?
When are Instagram shadowbanning accounts?
How can you check if your account is shadowbanned?
5 Reasons how to Avoid an Instagram Shadowban
How can you remove a shadowban?
What is an Instagram Shadowban?
Are you an avid Instagram user who has heard the term “shadowban” but isn’t quite sure what it means?
An Instagram shadowban is a term used to describe a situation where Instagram limits the visibility of a user’s posts without notifying them. It’s called a “shadowban” because the user isn’t aware that their posts are being restricted, and their account appears normal. However, their posts may not appear in hashtag feeds or the Explore page, which can greatly reduce their reach and engagement.
When are Instagram shadowbanning accounts?
Instagram uses a complex algorithm to determine which posts are shown to users, and sometimes certain actions can trigger the shadowban. Here are some common reasons why an Instagram account might be shadowbanned:
- Using Banned Hashtags: Instagram has a list of banned hashtags that it considers inappropriate or spammy. If you use one of these hashtags in your post, your post may be hidden from hashtag feeds, significantly decreasing your reach. You can check the hashtags before. However, normal hashtags are normally not considered spammy.
- Using Automation Tools: Instagram strictly prohibits using automation tools that violate their terms of service, such as bots that automatically like, comment, or follow accounts. If caught using these tools, your account may be flagged and shadowbanned. Also, Instagram may block their account if people like a lot within an hour or a day. If the account is blocked a few times, it may be shadowbanned.
- Posting Inappropriate Content: Instagram has community guidelines prohibiting nudity, hate speech, and other inappropriate content. If you post content that violates these guidelines, your account may be flagged and shadowbanned.
- Getting Reported by Other Users: If other users report your content as spam or inappropriate, Instagram may investigate your account and flag it as a potential violator. This can be very frustrating as sometimes jealous users report your account without reason. We know content creators getting shadowbanned for over half a year just because someone said their video was inappropriate. Instagram bots didn’t realize it was just normal content of a woman walking next to a waterfall.
How can you check if your account is shadowbanned?
Now, to check if you’re shadowbanned on Instagram, there are a few steps you can follow:
- Use a different account to check if your profile is visible: Ask a friend or use a different account to see if they can find your profile in the Instagram search bar. If they can’t find you, you’re likely shadowbanned.
- Check your hashtags: Try using a hashtag only used and post a photo with it. Then, ask a friend to search for that hashtag. If your post doesn’t appear in the results, it’s a sign that you’re shadowbanned.
- Monitor your engagement: If it suddenly drops, it could signify that you’re shadowbanned. Check if the number of likes, comments, and followers has decreased drastically.
- Check your insights: Go to your Instagram insights and see if there’s a decrease in reach or impressions. If you notice a significant drop, it could signify a shadowban.
5 Ways how to Avoid an Instagram Shadowban
So, how can you avoid getting shadowbanned? Here are some tips:
Buying Fake Followers: It’s important to note that Instagram has been cracking down on fake followers and engagement. This means that if you buy fake followers, Instagram may flag your account as spammy and potentially ban your account. It’s always best to focus on organically and authentically growing your account rather than buying fake followers.
Be Aware of Banned Hashtags: Check Instagram’s list of banned hashtags and avoid using them in your posts. Also, make sure to avoid using the same hashtags over and over again, as this can be flagged as spammy behavior.
Avoid Using Automation Tools/Bots: Instagram strictly prohibits using automation tools that violate their terms of service. If you use these tools, you risk getting flagged and shadowbanned.
Follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines: Make sure that your content adheres to Instagram’s community guidelines, which prohibit nudity, hate speech, and other forms of inappropriate content.
Engage Authentically: Engage authentically with your followers and avoid spammy behavior. This means avoiding actions such as buying followers or likes, as this can be flagged as spammy behavior.
Post High-Quality Content: Focus on creating high-quality, engaging content relevant to your audience. This will help increase engagement and reduce the likelihood of getting flagged.
If you suspect that your account has been shadowbanned, there are a few steps you can take to try to fix it. First, review your recent activity and ensure you’re not engaging in any behavior that could trigger the shadowban. You can also try switching up your hashtags and posting at different times to see if that helps. Finally, you can reach out to Instagram’s support team for assistance.
In conclusion, an Instagram shadowban can be frustrating and confusing, but it’s important to understand why it happens and how to avoid it. By following Instagram’s community guidelines and avoiding spammy behavior, you can help ensure your followers and potential new followers see your posts.
How can you remove a shadowban?
Was your account shadowbanned on Instagram? Here is what you can do to get your reach back.
First, check which apps and websites have access to your IG account. Sign into Instagram and remove any potentially questionable apps that you’ve allowed access to in the past.
Next, avoid using bots, automation, or engagement pods to get around the Instagram algorithm. The platform is cracking down on these, and the only long-term option is to grow your account the correct and fair way.
Delete banned and recently blacklisted hashtags from your post, and try not to use repetitive or irrelevant hashtags repeatedly. Delete these as well. Instead, use highly relevant ones in your posts, and add them to your caption, not your first comment.
If you’ve removed any questionable apps and followed the hashtag guidelines, contact Instagram through their support page. Explain that your followers aren’t able to see your posts. However, don’t mention the shadowban.
Don’t comment, like, or DM too much, and always post appropriate content so that you don’t get reported by other users. You can be shadowbanned or permanently banned if you’re getting mass reported.
Lastly, take a break from Instagram for a few days or even a week. Many people have found that their shadowban was lifted after taking some time off. Remember, the algorithm makes mistakes, so be careful and act like a human, not a bot!
