Avoiding Shadowbanning on Instagram
Instagram has become a critical platform for individuals, businesses, and influencers alike to engage with their audience, share content, and grow their presence. However, as the platform’s algorithm has evolved, Instagram has become stricter with how it manages content visibility. One of the most unsettling issues a user can face is getting “shadowbanned.” When this happens, your content becomes less discoverable, limiting your audience’s ability to engage with it. While not as serious as a formal ban, a shadowban is fully capable of derailing your growth plan. This article will guide you through what Instagram deems to be red flags that could result in shadowbanning, explain how to recognize if your account is under one, and offer steps on how to avoid shadowbanning.
What is Shadowbanning on Instagram?
Shadowbanning refers to a situation in which your Instagram account’s content—whether it’s posts, stories, or comments—becomes invisible or suppressed without you receiving a notification. Your posts may no longer appear on hashtags or the Explore page, limiting exposure to users who don’t already follow you. While your followers may still see your posts, Instagram significantly hinders your ability to attract new users and grow your account.
In the case of a formal ban, Instagram notifies users of the violations and the actions it will take against their account. By contrast, shadowbanning occurs in the background. The effect is subtle but powerful. Your reach is shrinks significantly, and new followers may struggle to find your content. It’s important to note that Instagram does not openly acknowledge the practice of shadowbanning. In many cases, users only realize that there is a shadowban when they notice a sudden, drastic drop in engagement or their posts no longer appear under popular hashtags. That places the responsibility on your to monitor your account’s activity and look for sudden changes that may indicate a shadowban.
Why Does Instagram Shadowban Accounts?
To avoid shadowbanning, it’s essential to understand the behaviors and practices that Instagram flags as suspicious. Here are the most common behaviors that Instagram deems to be red flags that could result in a shadowbanning of your Instagram account.
1. Overuse of Hashtags
Hashtags are a great way to increase your content’s reach on Instagram. However, using them incorrectly can lead to unwanted consequences. One of the most common reasons for shadowbanning is overusing hashtags in posts. While Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, using this limit for every post may come across as spammy.
Why Overusing Hashtags Can Lead to Shadowbanning
When you excessively use hashtags in your posts, Instagram’s algorithm may interpret it as spammy behavior. The aim of the algorithm is to amplify your content. However, overusing hashtags can have the opposite effect. It suggests that you’re attempting to manipulate Instagram’s system to gain visibility, which can result in a shadowban. Additionally, using irrelevant hashtags that have little connection to your post can also raise flags with Instagram. This behavior often appears with spammy accounts trying to reach a wider audience.
To avoid being shadowbanned, it’s important to be selective with your hashtags. Aim to use hashtags that are directly relevant to your content and target audience. Also, consider using a mix of popular, moderately popular, and niche hashtags to balance your visibility without overdoing it.
2. Using Banned or Restricted Hashtags
Instagram is constantly monitoring hashtags for inappropriate content. If a hashtag is associated with spam, inappropriate, or harmful content, Instagram may restrict or ban it altogether. Using banned or restricted hashtags in your posts can trigger a shadowban, as Instagram will interpret it as an attempt to bypass its guidelines.
How to Avoid Banned Hashtags
There are various ways to check if a hashtag is banned or restricted. First, when you try to search for a hashtag, Instagram will display a message if that hashtag is under a restriction due to violations of its guidelines. Additionally, third-party websites offer databases of banned hashtags that are regularly updated. To avoid a shadowban, stay updated on the status of hashtags you’re using, and always opt for hashtags that align with your content.
It’s also important to note that Instagram may not explicitly tell you when a hashtag has been banned. Therefore, consistently monitoring your hashtag performance and looking for patterns in engagement can help you identify problematic hashtags before they affect your account.
3. Engaging in “Follow-Unfollow” Behavior
The “follow-unfollow” strategy involves following large numbers of people in hopes they will follow back, and then unfollowing them shortly afterward. While this tactic may seem effective for gaining followers, it goes against Instagram’s community guidelines and can easily result in a shadowban. Instagram wants to reward genuine, organic engagement, not manipulative practices aimed at inflating follower counts.
Why “Follow-Unfollow” Behavior is Risky
One purpose of Instagram’s algorithm is to detect suspicious behaviors. Repeatedly following and unfollowing accounts in quick succession looks unnatural and indicates bot-like behavior, which could raise a red flag for the platform. Additionally, accounts that use this strategy often engage in mass liking and commenting, which may further increase the risk of being flagged for spam.
Rather than relying on the “follow-unfollow” method, it’s far more effective to build an organic, authentic following by posting valuable content and engaging genuinely with your audience. This not only helps you avoid shadowbanning, but it also builds a loyal community.
4. Spamming Comments or DMs
Spamming, whether through comments or direct messages (DMs), is another behavior that Instagram flags. This includes posting the same generic comment or sending mass DMs with repetitive messages. Instagram considers spamming to be disruptive to the user experience, and is quick to penalize accounts engaging in this behavior.
How to Avoid Spamming on Instagram
To avoid shadowbanning on Instagram, ensure your engagement is personal and authentic. When commenting on posts, leave thoughtful, relevant responses that add value to the conversation. If you’re reaching out to people via DMs, make sure that you personalize your messages and avoid making them overly promotional or generic. Avoid sending bulk messages to large numbers of users in a short period.
Genuine interaction with your followers, including responding to comments, liking posts, and having meaningful conversations, will improve your chances of staying within Instagram’s guidelines and avoiding a shadowban.
5. Using Third-Party Automation Tools
Automation tools can help with Instagram management, but their misuse can lead to shadowbanning. Tools that automate activities like following accounts, liking posts, and leaving comments often mimic bot behavior, which Instagram closely monitors. Relying too heavily on these tools can result in Instagram flagging your account for suspicious activity.
The Risks of Using Automation Tools
Instagram’s algorithm is designed to identify non-human behavior. If you’re using third-party automation tools, it becomes easier for the platform to detect that your interactions aren’t authentic. While these tools can offer short-term benefits, they ultimately hurt your account’s credibility in the long run. They often lead to a decrease in engagement and visibility, and they can lead to a shadowban if Instagram deems the activity suspicious.
Instead of using automation tools, focus on building engagement organically. Develop a posting schedule and engage with your followers in a meaningful way. Genuine growth through organic means is far more effective than relying on automation.
6. Posting Infrequently or Irregularly
Consistency is key when it comes to Instagram. Posting sporadically or going weeks without sharing content can lead to your account being flagged. Instagram’s algorithm prioritizes active accounts, and inconsistent posting can result in deprioritization of your content, which may contribute to a shadowban.
Why Consistency Matters for Avoiding Shadowbanning on Instagram
The Instagram algorithm rewards active accounts by showing their content to a broader audience. If you post infrequently, Instagram may view your account as inactive and reduce its visibility. Additionally, frequent engagement with your followers shows that you’re an active participant in the Instagram community, which reduces the risk of a shadowban.
To avoid this, aim to post consistently, whether that’s once a day, a few times a week, or according to your audience’s preferences. Keep a regular schedule to stay visible in your followers’ feeds and ensure Instagram’s algorithm recognizes your account as active.
7. Violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines
Instagram has a strict set of community guidelines that it expects all users to follow. Violating these guidelines can lead to your content being hidden or your account being shadowbanned. Violations include sharing explicit content, hate speech, promoting violence, or engaging in harassment.
Avoiding Shadowbanning by Following Instagram’s Guidelines
To avoid shadowbanning, ensure that your content aligns with Instagram’s community guidelines. If Instagram flags your account for violating these rules, it may limit your visibility or restrict your ability to post. This is especially true if Instagram deems your content to be offensive or harmful to the community.
If you’re unsure about the guidelines, regularly review Instagram’s terms of service and community rules. Staying informed will help you avoid inadvertent violations and keep your content on track.
8. Posting Content That’s Too Promotional
While Instagram is a powerful tool for promoting products or services, an account that constantly pushes promotions can come across as spammy. That increases the likelihood of a shadowban. Users often avoid accounts that only share advertisements and promotional content without adding value to their followers.
How to Avoid Overly Promotional Content
To avoid shadowbanning for promotional content, balance your posts by mixing marketing materials with organic, value-driven content. Share educational posts, behind-the-scenes looks, and user-generated content. Engage in storytelling and provide value to your audience by sharing tips, tutorials, or insights that resonate with your followers.
By striking the right balance, you’ll keep your followers engaged and interested, while also avoiding Instagram’s spam filters.
How to Know if Your Instagram Account Is Shadowbanned
There’s no definitive notification from Instagram when you are under a shadowban. However, there are several ways to check.
Check Your Hashtag Visibility
One of the most common ways to check if your account is under a shadowban is to search for your own posts under a hashtag. If your posts don’t show up even though you know you’ve used that hashtag, it’s a clear indication that Instagram has limited your visibility.
Monitor Engagement Levels
A nosedive in likes, comments, etc., may indicate that your content isn’t being shown to as many users as before. If your posts used to receive a high level of engagement but suddenly start receiving little to no interaction, it may be a sign of a shadowban.
Ask Your Followers to Check
If you’re unsure whether your account is under a shadowban, ask a few of your followers to check if they can see your content under certain hashtags or the Explore page. If they can’t find your posts, it’s a good indicator that your account may have been shadowbanned.
How to Avoid Shadowbanning on Instagram
To avoid the risk of shadowbanning, always prioritize authenticity and organic engagement. Avoid using spammy tactics, stay updated with Instagram’s community guidelines, and use relevant hashtags thoughtfully. Consistency and meaningful interaction with your audience are key to maintaining a strong presence on Instagram.
Tips for Staying Safe from Shadowbanning
- Use relevant hashtags: Always use hashtags that are directly related to your content.
- Post regularly: Keep a consistent posting schedule.
- Engage authentically: Focus on genuine interactions, not mass engagement.
- Follow Instagram’s guidelines: Ensure that all content complies with Instagram’s community rules.
- Monitor performance: Watch for drops in engagement or hashtag visibility.
You Can Avoid Shadowbanning on Instagram
Understand the red flags that could get your Instagram account shadowbanned and take the necessary precautions. Doing so should make it possible to protect your presence on the platform and continue to grow your audience. Stick to best practices, engage authentically, and stay informed about Instagram’s rules to ensure your account remains visible and engaging. Shadowbanning may be a silent threat, but you can avoid it fairly easily. Awareness and the right approach will protect you and let you continue building a strong, successful Instagram account.
VerifiedBlu is a great option for organic, targeted, and authentic growth of your Instagram followers. Contact us to discuss what we can do to help.