This post was last updated November 2, 2020
So You Want to Avoid the Instagram Shadowban...
Has your engagement suddenly dropped? Can’t seem to gain followers like you used to? You might be shadowbanned by Instagram…
Being shadowbanned is definitely frustrating, especially if you’re unsure of why. Don’t worry though, it’s only temporary and we will be showing you the 3 best ways to avoid the Instagram shadowban.
Table of Contents
1.) The Over Use of Hashtags
Hashtags are probably the biggest reason for being shadowbanned. There are two ways hashtags can get you in trouble. And here’s what not to do so you can avoid the Instagram shadowban.
The first reason, you’re using the same hashtags in every post. Instagram will mark your account as spam and shadowban you for constantly using the same exact hashtags in all your posts.
It’s okay to use similar ones while still using the same ones, but be sure to switch up from post to post.
The second way hashtags will get you in trouble is by using broken or banned hashtags.
Instagram blocks hashtags for a variety of reasons, many of which are unknown.
To be sure a hashtag you want to use is not blocked, go to the ‘Explore’ tab on Instagram, type in the hashtag in the search area and if the hashtag does not appear there’s a good chance it’s blocked.
You may be struggling to figure out which hashtags to avoid or how to find reliable ones for your posts. If that’s a problem of yours, there’s a number of great tools you can use to generate hashtags for you.
Our favorite tool that we use is Keyword Tool. It’s as simple as entering a keyword and letting Keyword Tool find relevant hashtags for you.
If you want more Instagram tools that will not only help you find hashtags, but help track analytics, schedule posts and make growing your following easier, we have an abundance of popular and trusted tools you can find right here!
2.) Using Bots
If you’re using bots or or automation services, STOP!
Not only do these get you shadowbanned, but many of these services are not effective and not good for long term growth.
Instagram has become increasingly aware of bots and has taken stronger action as of late. Changing their algorithm to stop services like power-likes, power-comments, auto-following and unfollowing, etc.
Obviously power-likes and those types of services will always be around because there is actually services that do it ethically and the right way. So, if you do use them, make sure to use services that provide an authentic, and a more organic approach like Your Charisma.
They’re the number one social media growth service for good reason and have the best rated power-like and power-comment system.
3.) Spam Like Activity
The third most common way to get shadowbanned is by having your account marked as spam.
There are a number of ways for your account to be seen as spam and we’ll take you through every way so you can avoid doing those things.
First, liking too many pictures in such a short amount of time. This goes for comments as well.
Engagement is good, and good for Instagram growth, but too much engagement will come off as spam-like and you’ll get a temporary shadowban.
Instagram only allows for around 350 likes an hour and around 400 comments per day. It seems hard to do unless your using a bot or automation software but believe it or not some people can actually do that in an hour.
Second, following too many people in a short time frame.
Another way people grow their followers is by following and unfollowing accounts.
While this has shown to work, it has numerous negative effects. One being a shadowban.
For newer accounts, you don’t want to follow/unfollow more than 20 accounts per hour and no more than 100/200 per day.
Lastly, sending too many direct messages in a short amount of time.
If you’ve ever done the faceted engagement groups, those can possibly get you shadowbanned.
If you’re in enough engagement groups, it’s likely when you send out a post for your desired groups to like and comment on, Instagram can mark you as spam. Try to send no more than 50 messages per day!
No More Getting Shadowbanned!
These are the biggest 3 ways to avoid the Instagram shadowban.
If you’re still worried about being shadowbanned but you’ve avoided the three biggest reasons for being shadowbanned, you can always check and see if you are indeed shadowbanned by using Triberr.
They have an awesome shadowban testing tool that will tell you if you’re last ten posts show any signs of being shadowbanned.
Do you have any questions or suggestions? Leave a comment below! We’d love to hear back from you and be able to answer any questions you may still have regarding the Instagram shadowban!