How To Protect Your Instagram From Getting Shadowbanned?

Have your likes and comments on your Instagram post fallen drastically and you are wondering why? Well, it could be a shadowban! Though Instagram doesn’t acknowledge any such action officially. 

But it does happen and many Instagram users have experienced a shadowban. And if you are a victim of one, keep your calm because this guide will assist you in preventing an Instagram Shadowban and recovering from it.

What Causes An Instagram Shadowban?

Shadowbanning is not real, but its fear is! 

Instagram, like other social media accounts, has its ways of boosting or restricting certain activities if they are against their guidelines or have copyright infrigement. 

Shadowbanning is one of such actions taken by Instagram to restrict an account’s activities like users’ feeds, stories, explore pages etc. for certain reasons. Some of the common reasons behind getting shadowban is posting inappropriate content, using automated Instagram growth tools, and using broken hashtags.

How To Avoid Getting Shadowbanned on Instagram?

You can get shadowbanned, but the challenge is that Instagram proposes no proper guidelines to avoid it. Rather it does not acknowledge any such action.

In such a situation it becomes crucial to gather information and take appropriate action for avoiding a shadowban on Instagram. These tips can help you avoid such situations and keep your account running.

1. Follow Instagram Guidelines

If you want to protect yourself from shadowbanning, adhere to its rules and regulations. Some of the community guidelines that you need to adhere to are:

• Share only the content you have permission to post.

• Follow the law and avoid supporting any criminal activity

• Don’t follow any misleading content

• Share only the appropriate content.

2. Share relevant and engaging content

Craft and share relevant and engaging content that your audiences can resonate with. Stay updated with the latest trends and post engaging content that attracts more likes and comments enhancing your engagement. 

3. Avoid using banned and broken hashtags

Several hashtags are immensely used and because they are highly trending, people start using them on unrelated posts just to get visibility. Such hashtags are banned by Instagram and are called broken hashtags. 

Using these hashtags can be the major reason for getting shadowbanned, hence to keep your account safe from Instagram shadow banning, avoid using banned and broken hashtags. 

4. Incorporate content warnings when needed

Use content warnings for inappropriate or sensitive posts. Instagram can restrict the visibility of sensitive posts without any notification. By using a warning, you adhere to Instagram guidelines.

This portrays your commitment to contributing positively to the social media world and being sensitive to diverse audiences.

5. Avoid Using Third-Party Apps

Third-party apps are the biggest culprit in landing you in a shadowban. If you use any app with Autobot features, we suggest you discontinue its use immediately. 

Such apps are against Instagram's policies and can lead you to a shadowban and can even put your entire account at risk. Focus on growing your account organically by naturally engaging with your audiences to enjoy your long stay on Instagram.

6. Maintain A Consistent Posting Schedule

Consistency is the key to success and this stands true even for Instagram.  Make sure to post regularly and at consistent times. This will help to build a strong following and also help to keep your followers engaged. 

Additionally, post content that your followers can relate to and that resonates with them.

This signals Instagram’s algorithm that you are an active user. This positively affects your account’s visibility. Strategically plan out your content, and make sure to pay attention to current trends and topics. 

Post content that is relevant to your audience and your target audience. Monitor your account analytics to help you determine the best timing and content for your posts. It will reduce your chances of being shadowbanned.

7. Monitor Account Activity Regularly

Monitoring your account activity regularly gives you insight into what's going on in your account.  This will help you identify any potential issues, such as spammy behaviour or inappropriate comments. 

You can also use this information to track the performance of your posts and adjust your content accordingly. Such efforts can help you grow your account and reduce the chances of encountering a shadowban.

Bonus Tips For Preventing An Instagram Shadowban

We have already discussed major steps we need to take to prevent an Instagram shadowban, here are some bonus tips to protect your account.

1. Build A Trusted Instagram Profile

Trusted Instagram profiles have less chance of getting shadowbanned. Strive to build a trusted profile. 

The first step towards creating this trust is to complete your profile information with genuine information. Have a clear picture, bio and all the necessary information updated in our profile.  

Be consistent, and share good, meaningful, engaging and quality content, this ensures Instagram that you are a real user and not a bot. Also like, share and comment on other people’s posts. This will help build trust and good reputation. 

2. Stay updated with Instagram Policies

Deviating from any Instagram policy and guidelines can get you shadowbanned. With Instagram regularly updating its policies, it might become difficult to keep oneself updated. The only solution is to keep an eye on Instagram policies. 

Make sure to read all the fine print and understand the policies thoroughly. Make sure to also check for any updates regularly. Additionally, be aware of any changes made to the policies. By staying updated you can avoid any chances of unintentional rule-breaking.  

3. Avoid Linking To Banned Websites 

Avoid using any banned or broken website link in your bio, these banned links can lead to a shadowban. Always double-check the website before adding it to your content. If the website is banned, use an alternative link. 

Additionally, make sure that the link is active and up to date. By ensuring the use of legit links, you show your adherence and commitment to following Instagram guidelines and hence prevent shadowbanning.

4. Use Organic Growth For Instagram Reach

Instagram does not support fake or bot accounts, it can detect a bot account and shadowban you. Rather give your account a human touch, and post engaging and relatable content that people can interact with.

Try to get as much engagement as you can organically without following any shortcuts. 

The above-given tips on avoiding shadowbanning are simple and easy to follow. But they don't give you a levy to bypass Instagram guidelines. Stay updated with the Instagram terms and build trustworthy relationships with your followers by posting authentic content to continue growing your account.

Final Thoughts

What we call a shadowban could just be Instagram’s algorithm at work. For the algorithm, there are no second chances. 

It just complies with the rules and regulations it is fed with. If it witnesses any deviation in your account from the prescribed guidelines, it will shadowban you, even without any notification, leaving you perplexed.

Staying updated with Instagram's latest guidelines tells the algorithm that you are genuine and have done nothing wrong. As long as your content is genuine and you follow the guidelines, you will be fine. 

So, monitor your account regularly to make sure it is not being shadowbanned. If your account is shadowbanned, contact Instagram support to resolve the issue.