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Shadowbanning hides content from non-followers, reducing visibility.
Signs include sudden drops in engagement or missing hashtag results.
Avoid spammy hashtags, repetitive content, and third-party tools to recover.
Have you noticed that your Instagram posts aren’t getting as much engagement as they used to? Is your content receiving fewer likes, comments, and views despite uploading posts regularly? If yes, then your account has been shadowbanned. It is like a secret punishment that reduces your online visibility without any warning. This article addresses important questions, including how to determine if your Instagram account is shadowbanned and the duration of an Instagram shadowban.
A shadowban is Instagram’s discreet way of reducing the reach of an account’s content if the posts appear spam-like or violate the platform’s rules. Instead of completely hiding your posts, Instagram minimizes their exposure, especially to people who don’t follow you. This implies that your posts may not appear in hashtag searches, the Explore page, or even in your followers’ feeds as frequently as they did before.
Also Read: Instagram Rolls Out Reels-First Feed in India, Prioritising Videos and Messaging
Instagram doesn’t notify users if they are shadowbanned, but account holders can watch out for these signs:
Sudden Engagement Drop: A sharp drop in the number of likes, views, and comments you received on your recent posts.
Hashtags Not Working: Your posts are not appearing under hashtags that previously brought traffic.
A Dip in Story Views: Fewer people are watching your stories, even though your follower count is the same.
Fewer Profile Visits: The analytics section indicates fewer people visiting your profile, particularly those who are not following you.
Also Read: How to Add Clickable Links to Instagram Posts: Easy Quick Guide
Here are some methods that users can utilize to verify if their account has been shadowbanned:
Hashtag Test: Create a post with a unique hashtag that no one else has used. Ask some friends who don't follow you to search for it. If they cannot find your post, you could be shadowbanned.
Compare Engagement: Evaluate the performance of your recent posts against older ones. A consistent 40% to 50% drop in likes and views, even though your content and posting times remain the same, suggests reduced reach.
Check Analytics: Utilize Instagram Insights to determine where your audience discovers your content (hashtags, Explore page, etc.). A sudden drop from these sources implies there is a decrease in online visibility.
Online Tools: You can use some third-party websites to check if you're shadowbanned.
Instagram doesn't announce shadowbans, but here are the usual reasons:
Using the same hashtags repeatedly or overusing them can make your posts appear spammy.
Using bots to like, follow, or comment on Instagram goes against the platform’s guidelines and can result in a ban.
Inappropriate or offensive content will also be shadowbanned.
Some hashtags are blocked as they were used for inappropriate content; including them in your post can lower your visibility.
If your account is shadowbanned, then you can follow the steps below:
Take a Break: Stop posting, liking, or commenting for 48 - 72 hours and allow the algorithm to reset.
Update Your Hashtags: Remove any hashtags from your recent posts that may be causing issues.
Avoid Using Bots: Only use the apps approved by Instagram to post, schedule, and interact with people.
Be Real: Focus on making real connections with your fan base.
Report the Problem: Use Instagram’s in-app support to report your problem.
Instagram’s algorithm is constantly changing, and shadowbans are part of the platform’s effort to maintain a safe, bot-free community. While being shadowbanned can be frustrating, it is usually a temporary issue that can be reversed. Users can avoid any trouble with Instagram by focusing on genuine engagement, avoiding repetitive or spam-like activity, and following the app’s rules while uploading their content.
1. How do I know if my Instagram account is shadowbanned?
A sudden drop in engagement, missing hashtag reach, and fewer new profile visits often signal a shadowban.
2. Why does Instagram shadowban accounts?
Instagram may shadowban accounts that use spammy hashtags, automation tools, or violate community guidelines.
3. How long does an Instagram shadowban last?
Most shadowbans last between a few days to two weeks, depending on the account’s activity and compliance.
4. Can I remove a shadowban manually?
Yes. Stop posting for a few days, remove banned hashtags, and avoid automated actions to restore reach.
5. Do banned hashtags really cause shadowbans?
Yes. Using banned or restricted hashtags can trigger a shadowban and limit post visibility across the platform.
