7 Common Reasons For Getting Shadow banned On Instagram

Shadowbanning on Instagram is when your account is restricted from reaching a wider audience, essentially making your content invisible. It’s like being partially blocked without any notification from Instagram.

This means your posts won’t show up on hashtag searches, the Explore page, or even some people’s feeds unless they already follow you. This can significantly hurt your engagement and growth on the platform.

Instagram does not share any notifications if an account is shadowbanned. Therefore, if you suspect your content is shadowbanned, you’ll need to monitor the algorithm yourself.

One of the common causes for getting shadow-banned on Instagram can include breaching community guidelines or copyright violations.

Instagram shadowbans are real. It’s crucial to be extra cautious with content to avoid the risk of shadowbanning. Some of the common Instagram shadowban causes are as follows:

1. Excessive Use of Banned Hashtags

Instagram Community Guidelines mention banned hashtags. These are the hashtags you should refrain from using. If you have done it even once, Instagram will send you a warning.

However, if you continue doing so, Instagram can ban you. Banned hashtags will also bring down your credibility, further having a negative impact on your reach.

2. Inconsistent Engagement

Inconsistent engagement is also one of the main reasons behind a shadowban on Instagram. Even though you’ll be posting interesting and informative content, it may not drive proper engagement.

For example, your posts may not be getting consistent likes or comments. This can have a negative impact on your reach. As a result, Instagram may consider your posts to not be credible and eventually lead to shadowbanning.

3. Posting Repeatedly

Posting repeatedly may seem like an interesting thing. You may think that doing so will bring you engagement. However, it is not considered to be good, but spammy.

Constantly posting content one after the other can harm your profile. It will have a negative impact on the organic reach. As a result, you would immediately be shadowbanned.

4. Violation of Instagram Guidelines

Instagram guidelines refer to the rules and standards that the platform follows to create a positive environment for its users. If Instagram detects that there is any community guideline violation, the platform will shadowban your account.

Such content will be reported. As a result, it can be one of the most potential reasons behind a shadowban.

5. Posting Inappropriate Content

Instagram has banned certain words or types of content that may be inappropriate to the community. If you post any such authentic content, it will have a negative impact.

Instagram does not only hold the right to shadowban your account, but also delete it. Before you post any such offensive content, it is advisable to look into the reach and community guidelines.

6. Copyright Violations

On Instagram, you cannot use someone else’s content without their permission. Copyright is a legal concern that is meant to project the original work, and it’s right.

If you have an original piece and upload it on Instagram, it will be considered original. If you violate the copyright guidelines and use someone’s intellectual property without their consent, Instagram will shadowban your profile immediately.

7. Engaging in Follow/Unfollow Tactics

A lot of ‘to-be’ or ‘aspiring’ content creators indulge in follow and unfollow tactics. For example, they will follow some people and eventually unfollow once they have been followed back.

This is considered to be unethical practices for increasing your reach. As a result, this can lead to shadowbanning.

If you suspect that your account has been shadowbanned, you may contact Instagram customer support. Some of the key steps to adopt in case your account is shadowbanned are as follows:

1. Confirm The Shadowban

Since you will not be notified about the shadowban, you need to confirm it. You can test the visibility in incognito mode. If the posts aren’t visible via hashtag searches, chances are your account is shadowbanned.

• Review The Instagram Community Guidelines

You must ensure that the posts follow the community guidelines. Creators, businesses, and celebrities must keep a watch on the guidelines constantly.

• Contact Customer Support

The Instagram customer support team is always available to help. You can reach out to them for any clarification on your issue.

The key to staying visible on Instagram is understanding what gets accounts hidden. Avoid these seven shadowban traps, and your content will reach the audience it deserves. 

Instagram wants a safe and genuine experience for everyone. So, focus on high-quality content, real engagement with your followers, and following the community guidelines to help you grow on the platform.