What Is an Instagram Shadowban?

Are you wondering if your account has been hit with the mysterious Instagram shadowban?

If so, you’re not alone! This blog post will unravel the mysteries behind the Instagram shadowban, exploring what it is, why it happens, and how to evade it.

Continue reading to safeguard your Instagram engagement and ensure your posts reach your intended audience.

What Is an Instagram Shadowban?

An Instagram shadowban is a form of account restriction. It is usually hard to detect because it happens without the user’s knowledge. Once shadowbanned, users’ Instagram posts become less discoverable to the Instagram community. This ultimately results in a significant drop in engagement and reach.

Read moreHow to resolve an Instagram shadowban?:

What Causes an Instagram Shadowban?

The following are the common reasons behind a shadowban:

1. Violation of Instagram’s guidelines: Activities violating Instagram’s guidelines and terms of service can trigger a shadowban. These acts include posting explicit content, hate speech, or harassment.

2. Hashtag abuse: Incorporating banned or irrelevant hashtags into your content will likely cause a shadowban. Always stick to relevant and appropriate hashtags.

3. Exceeding engagement limits: Liking, commenting, or following and unfollowing accounts too many times may be flagged by the platform as spammy. This may lead to a reduction in visibility.

4. Reported content: If users report an account or its content, the platform might restrict its visibility to protect its other users.

5. Excessive Automation: Using bots or automated software to like, comment, or follow/unfollow users can lead to a shadowban, as Instagram considers this spammy behavior.

How To Know If You Are Shadowbanned

It can be challenging to discover a shadowban since Instagram does not confirm or notify when users are on a shadowban. However, here are a few things you can look out for:

1. A sudden drop in engagement: If you notice a sudden decrease in likes, comments, or engagement in your Instagram posts, this could indicate that the platform has placed you on a shadowban. A sudden drop in engagement is one of the most common indicators of this problem.
2. Limited hashtags: Checking if your posts can be seen on hashtag pages can also help you identify whether you are on a shadowban. If your posts do not appear on the hashtag search, then this could indicate that your account is affected.
3. Engagement from new accounts drops: Shadowbanned accounts are usually invisible to non-followers. So, if fewer new accounts engage with your content, it could mean you are on a shadowban.
4. Decreased IG story views: If your story views suddenly drop compared to the views you usually get, this could be another indicator of a possible shadowban.

Tips To Avoid Getting Shadowbanned on Instagram

The following are the steps you can take to avoid getting shadowbanned:

1. Follow Instagram’s community guidelines: You should always follow Instagram’s policies to avoid getting shadowbanned. This way, the platform won’t deem you a threat to other users.
2. Use relevant hashtags: Use well-researched and appropriate hashtags for your posts. You should also avoid using the same set of hashtags multiple times and stay away from banned Instagram hashtags.
3. Engage organically: Interact with your audience genuinely. Avoid spammy behavior or excessive liking and commenting.
4. Avoid bots: Avoid using bots or other automation tools for engagement. Using these tools violates Instagram’s policies.
5. Limit activity during account growth: If you are experiencing an increase in followers, it is imperative to minimize your engagement. Doing so helps avoid being detected as a spammer.
6. Use the platform responsibly: Instagram is a platform you share with others. Hence, you must ensure that you use it with utmost responsibility. Avoid posting content that will make others feel uncomfortable.

How To Resolve a Shadowban on Instagram

Here are the steps you can follow to resolve an Instagram shadowban:

1. Pause activity: You should take a break from all your Instagram activities for a few days to a week. Take time to assess your recent actions to identify what triggered the shadowban.
2. Remove banned hashtags: Check and remove problematic hashtags. Go over your hashtags to see if one of them could be affecting your account.
3. Review and update content: Ensure your content complies with Instagram’s community guidelines. You should remove any posts that violate their terms.
4. Report the issue to Instagram: You can reach Instagram support to inquire about your account status. Explain the situation and mention that you need help lifting the shadowban.
5. Monitor your progress: You should check your post’s reach regularly. This can help you determine if your issue has been resolved or if it needs further follow-up. You can also analyze your account status through Instagram insights.
6. Be patient: Resolving a shadowban on your Instagram account can take time. Hence, it is important to be patient.
7. Seek professional help: If your shadowban problems persist, consider consulting an expert. This can save you valuable time, especially if you use your Instagram account for business.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and avoiding Instagram shadowban is crucial for maintaining a healthy and thriving presence. If you have been shadowbanned, follow our guide to resolve it. Remember to always follow Instagram’s policies and act responsibly.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does an Instagram shadowban last?

There is no concrete indication of how many days a shadowban lasts. However, it can vary from a few days to several weeks.

Can a shadowban affect my account permanently?

A shadowban on Instagram is typically not permanent. It’s usually a temporary restriction imposed on your account due to violating Instagram’s terms of service.

Can using external apps for scheduling and posting content cause a shadowban?

Using reputable and authorized apps for scheduling and posting content is safe. However, using unauthorized automation tools can violate Instagram’s rules.

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