What is an Instagram Shadowban and How to Remove and Avoid It
Hey there, influencers and content creators! If you're on a mission to up your Instagram game, you've probably heard whispers about the elusive "Instagram Shadowban." But what exactly is it, and how can you steer clear of its murky clutches?
In this post, we're diving into the nitty-gritty of the Instagram shadowban, unravelling its mysteries, and arming you with the knowledge to keep your content shining bright.
- Is the Instagram Shadowban Real?
- What is Instagram Shadowban?
- How Do I Know Whether My Account Is Being Shadowbanned By Instagram?
- What are the Causes that Lead to Instagram Shadowban?
- How to Remove Shadowban on Instagram
- How Long Does an Instagram Shadowban Last?
- How to Avoid Instagram Shadowban
Is the Instagram Shadowban Real?
Let's kick things off by addressing the elephant in the room. Yes, the Instagram shadowban is real, and it's the boogeyman that haunts the dreams of many content creators. But fear not! Understanding it is the first step to conquering it.
In 2018, Instagram declared, "shadowbanning is not a real thing." But let's be real – call it what you will, Instagram does keep tabs on content to enforce community guidelines, and they admit, they don't always nail it.
Fast forward to 2020, Instagram's bigwig, Adam Mosseri, addressed concerns about silencing voices on the platform. He spilled the tea on steps to enhance user experience – reviewing content filtering, addressing algorithmic bias, and sharing more on content guidelines.
In early 2021, Mosseri admitted to communication gaps. Navigating automated moderation is tricky; it can either amplify or minimise voices. To keep users in the loop, they're rolling out better in-app notifications on post violations, easily found under Account Status in Settings.
What is Instagram Shadowban?
The Instagram Shadowban is an elusive term referring to a situation where Instagram limits the visibility of a user's content without providing any notification or explanation. Essentially, it's like being in a social media limbo where your posts don't reach the intended audience, leading to decreased engagement and discoverability.
How Do I Know Whether My Account Is Being Shadowbanned By Instagram?
Detecting whether your Instagram account is experiencing a shadowban can be a bit tricky since Instagram doesn't send a formal notification or alert about it. However, there are several signs and methods you can use to assess whether your account is affected:
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Check Account Status
Simply go to “Menu”, select “Settings”, “Account”, and then “Account Status” to check whether you are shadowbanned.
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Drop in Engagement
If you notice a sudden and significant decrease in likes, comments, and overall engagement on your posts, it could be an indication of a shadowban.
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Hashtag Reach
Check the reach of your posts when using specific hashtags. If your posts are not appearing in hashtag search results or explore pages, it might be a sign of a shadowban.
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Ask Followers for Feedback
Sometimes, your followers might notice issues with your content even if you don't. Encourage them to check if they can see your posts in their feeds or when searching for relevant hashtags.
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Check Engagement Patterns
If your engagement drops suddenly after using specific hashtags or engaging in certain activities (like joining engagement pods or using automation tools), it could be related to a shadowban.
Remember, Instagram's algorithms are complex and can be unpredictable. If you suspect a shadowban, it's essential to review your recent activities and assess whether you might have violated Instagram's community guidelines.
Additionally, consider diversifying your hashtag use, engaging authentically, and avoiding automated tools to prevent future shadowban issues.
What are the Causes that Lead to Instagram Shadowban?
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Violating Instagram's Community Guidelines
The initial reason involves breaching Instagram's community guidelines or sharing content deemed inappropriate. This encompasses posts containing violence, sexually suggestive material, and misinformation.
Hence, it is crucial to ensure you comply with Instagram’s community guidelines when you are posting content. Stay within the lines, folks!
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Using Banned Hashtags
Using banned or restricted hashtags such as #likeforlike, #date, #pornfood, #nudity and so on on Instagram can trigger the platform's algorithms to limit your content's visibility.
To prevent a shadowban, ensure your hashtags comply with Instagram's guidelines by researching and regularly updating and diversifying your hashtag strategy for a vibrant online presence.
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Using Bots or Third-party Automation Tools
Instagram discourages the use of bots or automation tools for engagement, as these tools can violate the platform's policies. Automated activities, such as liking, commenting, or following, may trigger Instagram's algorithms and result in a reduced visibility of your content.
To avoid the risk of a shadowban, it's recommended to engage with your audience manually and refrain from using third-party automation tools.
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Buying Fake Followers for Rapid Follower Growth
Buying fake followers on Instagram is like trying to sneak into a VIP party with a counterfeit ticket – it might seem tempting, but it's a risky move. Instagram's algorithms are savvy, and if they catch wind of fake followers, it can lead to a shadowban.
To keep your Instagram journey drama-free, focus on genuine growth, engage with your real audience, and let the good times roll!
How to Remove Shadowban on Instagram
If you suspect that your Instagram account is shadowbanned, here are steps you can take to potentially lift the shadowban:
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Stop Buying Likes or Stop Using Third-party Automation Tools
If you have used any third-party apps or automated bots used to “help you with growth” (for example to generate fake followers, comments, and likes), or apps that go through your followers and tell you who unfollowed you, you should stop using them immediately to remove the ban.
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Delete Posts that Violates the Instagram’s Community Guidelines
It's essential to review your content and eliminate any posts that breach Instagram's community guidelines. Although it might seem a bit repetitive, these guidelines are crucial for a positive online environment. Therefore, take a moment to delete any content that goes against Instagram's terms of service, including hate speech, sensitive material, spam, or nudity.
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Delete Banned Hashtags
If you have unfortunately used any banned hashtags on your post, delete forbidden hashtags from your bio and Instagram posts. Besides, make sure you don’t use too many hashtags per post or broken hashtags.
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Request a Review from Instagram
If you believe the ban is incorrect or you have completed the previous steps but still see no results on your account, reach out to Instagram support team to seek for advice or request for a review to remove the ban.
Below is a summary regarding what you can do to remove Instagram shadowban:
How Long Does an Instagram Shadowban Last?
The million-dollar question! There's no fixed duration, and that's what makes it nerve-wracking. It could last anywhere from a few days to weeks. But fear not, we've got tricks up our sleeves to keep it at bay.
How to Avoid Instagram Shadowban
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Comply to Instagram’s Community Guidelines
Know Instagram's community guidelines like the back of your hand. Your content should be a beacon of positivity.
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Avoid Banned Hashtags
Diversify your hashtags, rotate them like your favourite playlist, and most importantly steer clear of the banned ones. Check out the list of banned hashtags and avoid using them.
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No to Bots or Automation
Say goodbye to automation tools! Take the time to engage manually, and Instagram will appreciate the effort.
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Build Your Follower Count Gradually
Slow and steady wins the race. Grow your follower base gradually by engaging authentically with your audience, and you'll have Instagram cheering you on.
In A Nutshell
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