If you have noticed your posts not getting the attention they used to, fewer likes, comments, or hardly any new followers, chances are you have been shadowbanned on Instagram. A shadowban can seriously affect your visibility, especially if you depend on hashtags or the Explore page to reach new users. Learning how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram can fix the issue and grow your audience again.
In this blog, we will explain what a shadow ban on Instagram is, what causes it, and, most importantly, how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram so your content can reach the right people.
What Is a Shadowban on Instagram?
Before we explore how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram, it is important to understand what it is. A shadowban is when Instagram restricts the visibility of your posts without informing you. Your content may not appear in hashtag searches, on the Explore page, or in the feeds of users who don’t already follow you. Essentially, your content is hidden from a larger audience, limiting your reach and potential growth.
A shadowban can happen for several reasons, often linked to violations of Instagram’s Community Guidelines or behavior that Instagram deems suspicious. If Instagram detects that your account is behaving like a bot or violating the rules, it may impose a shadowban, reducing the chances of your posts being seen by anyone other than your current followers. This can create a big problem in the future. That is why understanding the causes and learning how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram is so important. Let us start with what causes the shadow ban on Instagram.
Common Causes of a Shadowban
If you think you have been shadowbanned on Instagram, it is useful to know the common reasons behind it. These causes often come down to behavior that Instagram views as problematic or inauthentic. Here are some of the most frequent reasons why Instagram might shadowban your account:
Violating Instagram’s Community Guidelines
Instagram has strict rules about what type of content is acceptable on the platform. Posting content that promotes violence, hate speech, misinformation, or sexually explicit material can result in a shadow ban on Instagram.
Copyright Violations
Posting copyrighted content without permission is another reason for the Instagram shadow ban. If you are using music, videos, or images you did not create, your account could get flagged, limiting how frequently your posts are shown.
Fake Engagement
Buying fake followers, using bots for likes and comments, or participating in “engagement pods” (where users like each other’s posts to artificially boost engagement) is against Instagram’s rules. If Instagram detects these tactics, it can get you shadow banned on Instagram.
Also know: Best Day and Time to Post on Instagram to Get High Reach
Spammy Behavior
Engaging in spammy activities like mass following/unfollowing, liking a large number of posts in a short period, or repeatedly using the same hashtags on multiple posts can flag your account as suspicious.
Some hashtags on Instagram are banned because they have been associated with inappropriate content or spam. If you use a banned hashtag, your post might not show up in search results.
How to Know If You Are Shadowbanned
It can be tricky to know for sure if you are shadowbanned because Instagram does not notify you. However, there are a few ways to figure it out:
Use a hashtag that is not banned and check if your post appears when you search for it on Instagram. Ask a few people (preferably those who do not follow you) to search for that hashtag and see if they can find your post. If they cannot, there is a chance your account has been shadowbanned on Instagram.
Check Your Account Status
If you have a professional Instagram account, you can check your account status to see if there are any issues with your posts being recommended. Go to your profile, tap “Settings,” then “Account,” and finally “Account Status.” If Instagram has removed or restricted your content, you might see why.
Monitor Your Analytics
If you have noticed a sudden drop in engagement or reach, it could indicate that your account has been shadowbanned. While Instagram Analytics does not explicitly say if you are shadow banned on Instagram, a sharp decline in engagement is often a sign.
How to Get Unshadowbanned on Instagram
If you have confirmed that your account is shadowbanned, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to lift the ban and regain visibility. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you understand how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram:
Report the Problem to Instagram
If you suspect you have been shadowbanned, the first thing you should do is report the issue to Instagram. This will show Instagram that you know the problem and are not using bots or violating any guidelines.
To report a problem, follow these steps:
- Open the Instagram app and go to your profile.
- Tap on “Settings” (the three horizontal lines in the top-right corner).
- Select “Help” and then tap on “Report a Problem.”
- Explain that your posts are not showing up on feeds or searches and request a review.
Instagram might investigate the issue and lift the shadowban if it is a mistake or misunderstanding.
Remove Suspicious Apps Linked to Your Account
Sometimes, using third-party apps like scheduling tools or analytics apps that are not officially approved by Instagram can lead to a shadow ban Instagram account. These apps might be linked to fake engagement bots or spammy behavior that Instagram does not like.
To remove unauthorized apps from your Instagram account:
- Go to your Instagram settings.
- Tap on “Security,” then “Apps and Websites.”
- Review the apps linked to your account. Remove any that are not official Instagram partners.
If you are using scheduling tools or other third-party apps, make sure they are on Instagram’s list of approved partners.
If you have been using hashtags that are now banned, your posts might not be visible to others. Regularly review the hashtags you use and make sure they are still active and in good standing. You can do this by searching for the hashtag and checking if it is being flagged as banned or restricted.
If you have used any banned hashtags in your previous posts, remove them immediately. Replace them with relevant and non-banned hashtags to improve your post visibility.
Take a Break from Instagram
Posting too frequently or engaging in spammy activities (like mass liking or following/unfollowing) can trigger Instagram’s algorithm to think you are a bot. If you are already shadowbanned, consider taking a break from Instagram for a few days. Avoid posting, commenting, liking, or messaging during this time.
After a short break, resume posting with more natural and genuine engagement. This can help you recover from the shadow ban over time and come up with more ideas on how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram.
Make Sure You are Following the Community Guidelines
Ensure that all of your content follows Instagram’s Community Guidelines. If you have posted anything violating these rules, remove it. Consider using content warnings if your posts involve sensitive or controversial topics.
For example, if you post about a historical event involving violence, include a content warning to prevent users from flagging your post. Being transparent with your audience about the nature of your posts can avoid unnecessary reports and reduce the risk of being shadow banned on Instagram.
Avoid Using Bots or Fake Engagement
Make sure that all of your engagement is organic and real. Avoid using bots, engagement pods, or purchasing fake followers. These tactics might give you a temporary boost, but can eventually result in a shadow ban Instagram account.
Authentic engagement is key to building a long-term, successful presence on Instagram. Respond to comments, like other users’ posts, and engage with your community naturally to stay within Instagram’s rules.
Also know: How to Recover Deleted Messages on Instagram: An Easy Guide
How to Prevent Getting Shadowbanned in the Future
Now that you know how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram, it is essential to take steps to prevent it from happening again. Here are some tips to keep your account in good standing:
- Stick to Instagram’s Community Guidelines – Always follow the rules and post content that aligns with Instagram’s policies.
- Avoid Spammy Behavior – Do not overuse hashtags, mass-follow accounts, or engage in fake engagement tactics.
- Use Relevant Hashtags – Research and use hashtags that are relevant to your content, and avoid banned or restricted hashtags.
- Engage Authentically – Prioritize real engagement with your followers and other users rather than using shortcuts like engagement bots.
Conclusion
Getting shadowbanned on Instagram can be frustrating, especially when you rely on the platform to grow your audience and increase visibility. However, understanding why it happens and taking the right steps to resolve it can help you recover quickly.
Remember how to get unshadowbanned on Instagram: report the issue, remove any suspicious apps or behavior, clean up your hashtags, and engage authentically with your audience. By following Instagram’s community guidelines and avoiding spammy activities, you can prevent future shadowbans and continue building your presence on the platform.
Leave a Comment