Has your Instagram engagement dropped? If so, Instagram may have shadowbanned your account. In this article, we’ll explain what Instagram shadowbanning is, how to check your account’s status, and actionable tips to avoid it.
How to Avoid Instagram Shadowbanning (2022)
Understanding Instagram Shadowbanning
Instagram shadowbanning occurs when the platform demotes your new posts and videos. This leads to a significant drop in reach and engagement. Discover how to check if your account is affected.
Checking for Shadowbanning
To check if Instagram has shadowbanned your account, use an unpopular hashtag and post from your account. After sharing, search for the hashtag from a separate account that doesn’t follow you and check the “Recent” section. If your post appears in the hashtag feed, your account isn’t shadowbanned. If not, it’s a sign of restriction.
How to Avoid and Remove Instagram Shadowban
1. Adhere to Community Guidelines
To reduce the risk of shadowbanning on Instagram, adhere to the company’s guidelines. This means respecting intellectual property, posting suitable content, building a genuine fanbase, and more. For a detailed overview, consult Instagram’s community guidelines.
2. Stay Clear of Banned Hashtags
Frequent use of banned hashtags may lead to shadowbanning. To check if a hashtag is banned, simply search for it on Instagram.
If you see posts and videos in the hashtag’s search result, you can rest assured that it is not banned. Conversely, if you don’t see posts for a hashtag, even if it is usually popular, chances are, Instagram has banned it.
3. Avoid Purchasing Followers
Buying followers to increase your reach and engagement on Instagram is a recipe for disaster. The consequences of using bot followers for your account can range from a shadowban to a permanent ban. Unless you want to take risky gambles that could compromise your account, steer clear of paid Instagram followers.
4. Monitor Third-party Account Access
Frequently monitor apps and websites with access to your Instagram account. Open Settings and search for “Apps and websites” to see which apps have access. If any seem suspicious, remove them and reset your password to prevent Instagram shadowban and unauthorized access.
5. Avoid Irrelevant Hashtags
Do you use many hashtags to attract more viewers, even if they’re not relevant to the post? This could result in your account being shadowbanned. To prevent this, use hashtags that reflect the primary theme of your post.
6. Avoid Plagiarizing Posts
If you copy and repost others’ content without permission, Instagram users could report your account. If the moderation team finds you guilty of plagiarism, they could shadowban or remove your account. Hence, creating original content is key to sustainable growth on Instagram and avoiding potential shadowbans.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How long does an Instagram shadowban last?
Although not officially confirmed, users have noticed that an Instagram shadowban typically lasts for 14 days.
Q: How can I check if my hashtags are banned on Instagram?
You can search your hashtags in the search box to see if you’re using banned ones. Posts with banned hashtags won’t appear.
Q: Why don’t my Instagram posts get likes anymore?
If you consistently received likes but now notice a drop in engagement, your account may be shadowbanned.
Avoid Shadowban on Instagram
Experiencing a shadowban on Instagram is unpleasant, particularly for artists. If you find yourself shadowbanned, these tips can help you navigate a way out. For assistance with other Instagram-related issues, refer to our articles on fixing Instagram crashes and detecting if someone blocked you.
Pritam Chopra is a seasoned IT professional and a passionate blogger hailing from the dynamic realm of technology. With an insatiable curiosity for all things tech-related, Pritam has dedicated himself to exploring and unraveling the intricacies of the digital world.
