Instagram Shadowban: Experiencing a sudden drop in engagement or losing followers overnight is every Instagram marketer’s worst nightmare. Imagine if your photos were not showing up in hashtag search results. Sounds scary, right?
Instagram Shadowban
In the past few months, many users were confused by these changes. They struggled to understand what happened to their Instagram accounts. One explanation for these strange changes is that the users are affected by an Instagram shadowban.
Not sure what an Instagram shadowban is? In this post, we’ll explore its meaning, purpose, and the best ways to avoid getting hit by it.
What is an Instagram Shadowban?
An Instagram shadowban is an unofficial and subtle restriction placed on an account, making its content less visible to non-followers without notifying the user. This typically happens when Instagram's algorithms detect behavior that goes against their community guidelines or terms of service.
“Shadowban” isn’t an official Instagram term, but Instagram can make posts or accounts less visible on the app.
This means your content or account can become undiscoverable, hidden, or restricted. Sometimes, the content might be removed entirely.
Why does Instagram shadowban?
Shadowbanning lets Instagram filter out accounts that don't follow their rules. Some people try to grow their followers using fake methods, like buying followers or using lots of unrelated hashtags.
If this happens, Instagram hides content from these accounts to ensure only genuine and useful content is shown to users.
While Instagram doesn't openly say they shadowban, they did release a statement on their Facebook business page in February 2019. This statement talked about problems users had with their content not showing up for certain hashtags.
This statement confirms that the hashtag issue is real, and many people think it's Instagram's way of admitting to shadowbanning without actually saying it.
It's also important to know that Instagram often changes its algorithm. These changes might be why you see a drop in your engagement rate.
Still, shadowbanning might be a real tactic to hide some users' content from the wider Instagram audience. If you think you're being shadowbanned, you should take steps to make sure your content gets seen.
Instagram Shadowbans: A Brief History
The term shadowban came from social media users to describe the mysterious situation where their content became less visible without any notice. Although Instagram has never officially confirmed it, many users have noticed and talked about shadowbanning since the mid-2010s.
Early Instances and User Reports:
- Around 2017, many Instagram users reported sudden drops in engagement and visibility.
- Content stopped appearing in hashtag searches, especially for those who used certain hashtags frequently.
Instagram’s Response:
- In February 2019, Instagram addressed concerns about content not showing up for certain hashtags. They acknowledged this problem but did not confirm shadowbanning.
- Instagram stressed the importance of following community guidelines and advised against using banned or overly repetitive hashtags.
Algorithm Changes:
- Instagram's algorithm has changed many times over the years, affecting how content is shown.
- These updates often match with reports of shadowbanning, making users think they are connected.
Current Understanding:
- Shadowbanning seems to target accounts that break Instagram's rules, like using bots, buying followers, or using irrelevant hashtags.
- The exact reasons and methods are unclear, leading to ongoing speculation and confusion among users.
Preventive Measures:
- To avoid shadowbanning, users should follow Instagram’s community guidelines strictly.
- Avoid banned hashtags, don't use automation tools, and engage authentically to reduce the risk.
Why are Instagram Shadowbans needed?
The goal of an Instagram Shadowban is to make Instagram a nice and safe place for everyone. A shadowban means your posts are hidden from people who don't follow you, and you won't even know it's happening. This stops spam, fake accounts, and bad content from getting around. Instagram does this to keep the app fun and safe for all users, making sure everyone has a good time there.
Some people use bots on Instagram to make it look like they have more followers and to get more likes and comments. This breaks Instagram's rules, but some people do it anyway to make their accounts seem more popular.
How to Know If You Have Been Hit By Instagram Shadowban
Detecting if Instagram has shadowbanned your account is important. Here's how you can figure it out:
1. Check Your Engagement:
If your likes, comments, and follows suddenly drop, it might be a sign of a shadowban.
Post a picture with a unique hashtag, then ask a friend who doesn't follow you to search for it. If they can't find your post under that hashtag, you might be shadowbanned.
There are online tools available where you can input your Instagram handle and see if you're shadowbanned.
4. Analyze Your Insights:
Check your Instagram analytics for any sudden drops in reach or impressions. This could indicate a shadowban.
Note: By keeping an eye on these signs, you can determine if Instagram has shadowbanned your account.
How to Check Status of Shadowban
Since Instagram does not officially impose shadowbans, you can’t go directly to customer support to check the status of such a ban. You won’t find any self-help instructions on the platform’s database either. Here’s what you can do to check if your account is shadowbanned:
Check Your Account Status:
- Go to Settings → Account → Account Status.
- If you have posted anything that has been taken down, you’ll find it listed here.
- If everything is good, you’ll see a note thanking you for following the community guidelines.
Use a Friend’s Help:
- Ask a friend who doesn’t follow your Instagram account if they can see a recently published hashtag post on their hashtag feed.
- If the post doesn’t appear, check again later. If your posts still don’t show up, you’re likely shadowbanned.
Monitor Instagram Insights:
- Check your Instagram Insights daily.
- Look for sustained drops in followers and interactions.
- If your numbers keep declining even after improving your posts, your account might be shadowbanned.
Check Support Requests:
- If you have reported the issue to Instagram, check the status of your support request.
- Go to Settings → Help → Support Requests → Reports.
- By following these steps, you can get a better idea if your account is shadowbanned
Step-by-Step Process on How to Remove Shadowban
Often, restrictions from a shadowban are temporary. Even without doing anything, these restrictions usually go away after a few weeks. However, if you don't address them, your engagement might keep dropping. So, it’s important to understand how the ban has affected your account and take steps to fix it.
Depending on why your account was shadowbanned, here are some steps you can take to remove it.
Report the Problem on Instagram:
- If your posts are not appearing on feeds and you’re sure you’re not violating community guidelines, report the issue.
- Log into your Instagram account, go to Settings → Account → Account Status. If your post has been taken down, request a review directly from the account page.
- Alternatively, go to Settings → Help → Report a Problem. Describe the issue without mentioning shadowbans. Explain that your posts are not showing up on feeds and it’s affecting your brand or business.
Remove Automation Apps That Do Not Meet Instagram Guidelines:
- Using some automation tools might increase the risk of being shadowbanned, especially if they are not reputable.
- Check and remove apps that are not official Instagram partners. Go to Settings → Security → Apps and Websites. Look at the active apps and remove any questionable ones.
Take a Few Days Off from Instagram:
- Too much activity might be mistaken for bot behavior, causing a shadowban.
- Log out of your account and take a break for several days. Don’t post, comment, like, or send DMs.
- After your break, keep your engagement natural and avoid automated apps to help prove you’re not a bot.
Best Ways to Avoid an Instagram Shadowban
There are many reasons your account could get shadowbanned. If you want to prevent an Instagram shadowban, here are a few things to take care of:
1. Check your follower list and remove access to all bot accounts. Disassociate from all suspicious accounts to maintain your credibility.
2. Do not use hashtags that are banned on Instagram. If you see a message like “Recent posts from #xyz are currently hidden...”, it means the hashtag is not in use anymore.
3. Even though Instagram allows 30 hashtags per post, it’s best to use only 5-6 relevant hashtags.
4. Avoid generic comments, as they may get flagged and mistaken for bot behavior.
5. Don’t comment, like, or send DMs excessively. For example, making 60 comments and liking 100 posts in an hour can make you look like a bot.
6. Avoid sending too many DMs or comments to your followers, as this can annoy them and lead to reports against your account.
7. Some users find that taking a break from Instagram for 48 hours can help reset the system and undo any damage.
8. Read and adhere to Instagram’s Terms of Use and Community Guidelines to avoid violations.
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Conclusion
Instagram shadowban can be a frustrating experience for users, especially for those who rely on the platform for their business or personal brand. Although Instagram has not officially confirmed the existence of shadowbanning, many users have reported experiencing sudden drops in engagement and visibility. By understanding the potential reasons for a shadowban, such as using banned hashtags, engaging in spammy behavior, or violating community guidelines, you can take proactive steps to avoid it.
To fix a shadowban, remove suspicious automation tools, avoid using too many hashtags, and follow Instagram’s guidelines strictly. Monitoring your Instagram Insights and taking short breaks from the platform can also help restore your account’s visibility. Remember, maintaining authentic engagement and adhering to Instagram's rules are key to a successful and visible account.
What is an Instagram Shadowban? (Everything You Need to Know) - FAQs
What is an Instagram Shadowban?
An Instagram shadowban is an unofficial and subtle restriction placed on an account, making its content less visible to non-followers without notifying the user.
How long does Instagram shadowban last?
A shadowban on Instagram typically lasts a few days to a few weeks.
How to fix shadowban on Instagram?
To fix a shadowban, stop using banned hashtags, avoid bots and automation tools, take a break from posting, and ensure you follow Instagram's community guidelines.
Why did Instagram shadowban me?
Instagram may shadowban you for using banned hashtags, engaging in spammy behavior, using bots, or violating community guidelines.
How do I know I'm shadowbanned on Instagram?
You might be shadowbanned if your posts are not appearing in hashtag searches, your engagement drops suddenly, or your content is not visible to non-followers.
What causes an Instagram Shadowban?
An Instagram Shadowban can be caused by various factors, including using banned hashtags, violating community guidelines, engaging in spammy behaviour, or using automation tools.
Can I appeal a Shadowban on Instagram?
While Instagram doesn't have a formal appeals process for Shadowbans, you can address any violations of their guidelines, such as removing banned hashtags or deleting inappropriate content, and then wait for the ban to be lifted.
How long does an Instagram Shadowban last?
The duration of an Instagram Shadowban can vary depending on the severity of the violation and the actions taken to address it. In some cases, it may last a few days, while in others, it could persist for weeks or longer.
It's recommended to review your hashtag usage carefully after a Shadowban is lifted. Avoid using the same hashtags that may have contributed to the ban initially, and focus on using relevant and non-spammy hashtags to prevent future issues.
While hashtags are a popular way to increase visibility on Instagram, you can also boost your reach by engaging with your audience, collaborating with other users, posting high-quality content, and utilizing Instagram features like stories and reels.