Staying visible is key for creators, influencers, and businesses alike. But what happens when your visibility suddenly drops, and your posts barely reach your audience? You might be experiencing the dreaded Instagram shadowban. So, what is shadowbanning, why does it happen, and how can you get out of it?
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Let’s dive in and break it all down.
What Is Instagram Shadowbanning ?
Shadowbanning is essentially Instagram’s way of limiting the visibility of certain users’ content without notifying them. If you’ve been shadowbanned, your posts may stop appearing in hashtag searches or the Explore page, and even your followers may see less of your content.
It’s frustrating because you’re still able to post as normal, but your reach is significantly reduced, often leaving creators scratching their heads and wondering what went wrong.
How Long Does Instagram’s Shadowban Last and How Does It Affect Creators?
If you’ve been hit with a shadowban, you’re probably wondering how long it will last. Instagram shadowbans aren’t permanent, but they can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the severity of the issue and the action taken to resolve it.
For creators, the impact of this issue and it can be devastating. With limited visibility, engagement plummets, brand deals are jeopardized, and overall growth comes to a screeching halt. For many influencers and businesses, Instagram is a primary revenue source, and being shadowbanned can feel like an invisible punishment that’s difficult to overcome.
Possible Causes for Getting Shadow-Banned on Instagram
Why do some creators get shadowbanned, while others seem to skate by without issue? While Instagram doesn’t explicitly outline all the reasons, there are several known behaviors that could lead to shadowbanning:
1. Excessive Use of Bots or Automation
Using bots or automated tools to increase your likes, follows, or comments can make Instagram flag your account as spammy or manipulative. Instagram is strict about keeping the platform authentic, and using artificial engagement can put you on their radar.
2. Copyright Infringements
If you’re reposting content without proper credit or permission, you could be in violation of Instagram’s copyright rules. Even posting snippets of copyrighted music in your Stories or Reels can get you flagged. This is a sure way to land yourself in Instagram’s bad books.
3. Engagement Pods
Engagement pods are groups of users who agree to like and comment on each other’s posts to boost engagement artificially. While it may seem harmless, Instagram views this as a manipulation tactic and could shadowban users involved in these groups.
4. Use of Banned or Overused Hashtags
Some hashtags have been flagged for inappropriate content or excessive use, and using them can result in shadowbanning. Even if the hashtag seems innocent, like #beautyblogger, it may be on Instagram’s banned list.
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5. Broken Hashtags
Hashtags are one of the most important tools for expanding your reach on Instagram, but using broken or banned hashtags can do more harm than good. A broken hashtag is one that Instagram has temporarily or permanently disabled, often because it’s associated with inappropriate content or spam.
How to Remove a Shadowban on Instagram
If you suspect you’ve been shadowbanned, don’t panic. There are steps you can take to remove the shadowban and get your content back in front of your audience.
1. Report the Problem on Instagram
First, report the issue to Instagram. You can do this directly through the app by going to your account settings, selecting “Help,” and then “Report a Problem.” While there’s no guarantee that Instagram will respond immediately, this step ensures that the issue is on their radar.
2. Delete the Banned Post
If you believe a specific post is the cause of your shadowban, whether it’s due to inappropriate content, broken hashtags, or copyright issues, deleting that post may help. Instagram’s algorithms might relax after the offending content has been removed.
3. Review Your Hashtags
Take a good look at the hashtags you’re using. Are any of them banned or broken? You can check this by searching the hashtag on Instagram. If it’s broken, you’ll see a message stating that posts using the hashtag have been limited. If you’re unsure, remove all your hashtags and replace them with new, relevant ones.
4. Stop Posting for a Few Days
Sometimes the best thing you can do is take a break. Instagram’s algorithm might reset after a few days of inactivity, especially if you’ve been engaging in behaviors that triggered the shadowban. Use this time to review your content strategy and make sure you’re adhering to Instagram’s guidelines.
Final Insights
Instagram shadowbanning can be frustrating, especially for creators who rely on the platform to engage with their audience and earn a living. However, by understanding the causes and taking the appropriate steps to remove a shadowban, you can regain control of your visibility and get back to growing your audience.
The key takeaway here is to always follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines and avoid practices that could be perceived as manipulative or inauthentic. At the end of the day, Instagram rewards genuine, valuable content that resonates with users. Stay authentic, stay informed, and your shadowban will be a thing of the past in no time.