Have you ever been shadowbanned on Instagram?
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms today. Millions of people share photos, and videos and connect with their friends and followers on it.
However, many users now face a frustrating issue known as the "Shadowban." This can lead to a significant drop in engagement, making it difficult for users to reach their audience.
In this article, we will explain what a Shadowban is, how to check if you've been affected, why it happens, and how to remove it.
What is the Instagram Shadowban?
A Shadowban is a term used to describe a situation which Instagram limits the visibility of your posts without informing you. Instagram uses complex algorithms to monitor user behavior and content. The Shadowban is often seen as a preventative measure to decrease some harmful activities and limit the reach of the account. It aims to create a better experience for the users and ensure that the content they see is relevant and appropriate in this way.
What Will Happen When the Account is Shadowbanned?
When an account is shadowbanned on Instagram, it will experience a significant reduction in visibility. Specifically, the account's content may no longer appear in the feeds of its followers, nor will it show up in the search results or under the hashtags used in the posts. This means that even if the account owner continues to post regularly, engagement metrics such as likes, comments, and shares—will also plummet.
How Long Will the Shadowban Last?
The duration of a Shadowban can vary. Some users find that it lasts only a few days, while others may experience it for weeks or even longer. Unfortunately, there’s no set timeline for how long a Shadowban lasts, as it depends on the specific reason behind the Shadowban trigger and how you subsequently manage your account.
Did Instagram Shadowban Me?
If you’re wondering whether you’ve been shadowbanned, there are a few ways to check:
For Professional Accounts: If you have a business or creator account, simply navigate to your profile on the app. Tap on the Menu (three horizontal lines), then go to Settings > Account > Account status. This section will tell you if your account is in good standing or if there are any issues. In this way, you can find out what is affecting your account (if anything) and get some suggestions for how to correct it.
For Personal Accounts: A quick way to check is to post an image using a hashtag that isn’t often used. After posting, ask a few friends who don’t follow you to search for that hashtag. If they can’t find your post, you’ve likely been shadowbanned.
Why Shadowban is Triggered?
Instagram may impose a shadowban on your account for several reasons, primarily related to behavior that violates its community guidelines or appears suspicious to its algorithms. Here are some key factors that can lead to a shadowban:
Violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines
Instagram has established a set of community guidelines that dictate what content is acceptable on the platform. These guidelines cover various topics, including hate speech, nudity, graphic violence, harassment, and misinformation. Sharing content that violates these guidelines can lead to penalties, including a shadowban. Even if the post is later deleted, the damage may already be done, affecting your visibility.
Using Banned or Overly Popular Hashtags
Certain hashtags are banned by Instagram due to their association with inappropriate or harmful content. Using these hashtags will also lead to your posts being hidden from searches and feeds, which can significantly reduce your visibility.
While popular hashtags can increase exposure, they can also lead to your content getting lost in a sea of posts. When you use hashtags that are overly saturated, your posts may not receive the attention they deserve, as they quickly get buried under newer posts.
Engaging in Spammy Behavior
Instagram defines spammy behavior as actions that appear inauthentic or excessively aggressive. This includes liking or commenting on a large number of posts in a short period, following and unfollowing many accounts rapidly, using automated tools to boost engagement and so on.
If Instagram detects that you are engaging in these spammy behaviors, it may flag your account as suspicious and impose a shadowban, limiting your reach and visibility on the platform.
Inconsistent Posting Patterns
This refers to sudden changes in your posting frequency or engagement habits. For example, if you typically post once a week but suddenly post five times in a single day, this erratic behavior can raise alarms with Instagram’s algorithms.
Instagram’s algorithms are designed to identify patterns of behavior that deviate from the norm. Therefore, if your account shows irregular activity, it may be flagged as suspicious, leading to reduced visibility or a shadowban.
How to Remove an Instagram Shadowban?
Temporarily Ceasing Activity on the Account
If you suspect you’ve been shadowbanned, one of the first steps is to take a break from posting. This doesn’t mean you should delete your account or go completely silent; instead, consider pausing your activity for about 48 to 72 hours. During this time, refrain from posting new content, liking posts, or following and unfollowing accounts.
This break can signal to Instagram’s algorithm that you’re not engaging in spammy behavior. After a few days, you can return to posting but please do so gradually. Start with a few posts throughout the week instead of bombarding your followers with content all at once. This approach allows the algorithm to reassess your account and may help lift the shadowban.
Engaging Authentically with Followers and Content
Next, please focus on engaging authentically with your followers. This means taking the time to respond to comments on your posts, sending direct messages to your loyal followers, and liking and commenting on their content genuinely. Try to provide thoughtful feedback or ask questions about their posts as much as possible.
Building real connections can improve your visibility on the platform, as Instagram rewards genuine interactions. Additionally, consider participating in Instagram Stories by using polls, questions, and quizzes to engage your audience. This not only fosters community but also boosts your algorithmic standing.
Reviewing and Adjusting Hashtag Usage
Take a moment to review and adjust your hashtag usage. Hashtags are a powerful tool for reaching new audiences, but using the wrong ones can lead to a shadowban. Start by removing any banned hashtags from your posts.
You can find lists of banned hashtags like #always, #adulting and so on online, but it’s also wise to use Instagram’s search function to verify if a hashtag is still active. Additionally, it's important to avoid using overly popular hashtags. Instead, it is recommended to use a balanced mix of popular, moderately popular, and niche topic tags that are relevant to your content.
Contacting Instagram Support for Assistance
If you’re still unsure about your shadowban status after taking these steps, consider contacting Instagram Support for clarification or assistance. Please go to your account settings, find the "Help" section, and select "Report a Problem." Just clearly explain your situation, mentioning that you suspect a shadowban and would like to know more about your account’s status.
While it may take some time to receive a response—sometimes up to a few weeks—please don’t be discouraged. Instagram support can provide valuable insights into your account and may even help remove the shadowban if it was applied in error. Remember, patience is key, and taking proactive steps can often yield positive results.
Conclusion
Being shadowbanned doesn’t mean you’re out of social media. Find out why your account was banned and follow Instagram’s removal guide to avoid further exacerbating the situation.
For those who are considering opening a new account while their account is banned, using an antidetect browser can help you hide your true identity and avoid being banned. In addition, you can use BrowserScan to check if your browser fingerprint is real and valid, which can help protect your privacy and enhance your online security.