What is a “Shadowban” on Instagram?
Answer: An Instagram shadowban is when your posts or account activity are hidden or restricted without notification.
This means your content becomes less visible, especially to non-followers.
Even if you use hashtags or engage normally, your posts might not appear in hashtag feeds or Explore pages, significantly reducing reach and engagement.
Reason: Shadowbanning typically happens if Instagram detects behavior that violates its guidelines, such as using bots, engaging in spammy actions (like excessive commenting or following/unfollowing), or sharing inappropriate content.
Instagram denies the existence of shadowbans.
Hence why you’re probably on this page → because you couldn’t find an official Instagram page containing this term.
History of the Instagram Shadowban
Instagram’s most recent article related to shadowbanning is this, where they explain how the ranking system (or how they distribute posts).
Yet again, not so helpful. So let’s see why!
| Year | Event | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | Early Concerns | Users notice posts disappearing from hashtag searches; term “shadowban” shows up. |
| 2017 | Widespread Reports | Significant drops in engagement; speculation on causes like bots and hashtags. |
| 2017 | Instagram’s Response | Instagram denies shadowbanning, urges authentic content creation. |
| 2018 | Algorithm Changes | Instagram prioritizes content from friends/family, leading to more shadowban fears. |
| 2019 | Instagram Acknowledgment | Instagram’s head addresses shadowban concerns, attributing issues to algorithm. |
| 2020 | Increased Transparency | Introduction of “Account Status” feature to show content violations. |
| 2021-Present | Ongoing Debate | Users continue to report shadowban effects despite Instagram’s stance. |
Quite a lot, isn’t it?
Lots of info, lots of debate, but not many answers.
At this point, you’re probably wondering…
Why does Instagram Shadowban people?
Answer: Instagram shadowbans people to control and moderate content without explicitly notifying the user.
Here are the main reasons:
- Violating Community Guidelines: Posting content that goes against Instagram’s rules, like hate speech, nudity, or misinformation, can lead to a shadowban.
- Using Banned Hashtags: Certain hashtags are banned or flagged by Instagram. Using these can limit your content’s visibility.
- Engaging in Spammy Behavior: Actions like excessive liking, following, or commenting in a short time can trigger a shadowban. It’s a way to curb bots and spamming.
- Third-Party Apps: Using unauthorized apps for followers, likes, or comments can get your account shadowbanned.
- Reported Content: If other users report your content, Instagram might reduce its visibility.
Instagram uses shadowbans as a way to maintain platform quality without needing to outright ban users.
By this point, it’s pretty clear that you’ve been shadowbanned. Hence, we have to explore…
How to Get Rid of an Instagram Shadowban
Answer: The only way to remove your Instagram shadowban is to step out for a while. Wait 14-28 days before posting again and check metrics after the break.
This is the most honest answer you’ll find online.
However, let’s dig deeper and see a few proven-to-work fixes.
1. Take a break
Pausing your activity on the platform can help reset your account’s standing. It signals to Instagram that you’re not engaging in problematic behavior.
- Stop posting, liking, or commenting for 48-72 hours.
- Avoid logging into your account during this break.
- Give Instagram’s algorithms time to reassess your account.
2. Try finding the cause
Identifying the cause of your shadowban is the first step to resolving it. Reflect on your recent activity to spot any potential violations.
- Review your recent posts for guideline violations.
- Check if you used banned or flagged hashtags.
- Consider if you’ve engaged in spammy or bot-like behavior.
3. Remove sketchy content
Cleaning up your account is crucial to lifting the shadowban. Ensure your content aligns with Instagram’s community standards.
- Delete or edit posts that might violate guidelines.
- Remove any banned or irrelevant hashtags from your posts.
- Consider archiving posts instead of deleting to maintain your feed.
4. Log out everywhere else
Third-party apps can trigger a shadowban, especially those that automate engagement. Disconnect any non-essential apps linked to your Instagram account.
- Revoke access to unauthorized third-party apps.
- Avoid using bots or automation tools for likes or follows.
- Stick to Instagram’s native tools for managing your account.
5. Switch to a Personal account
If you’re using a business account, switching to a personal one might help. Personal accounts often face fewer restrictions.
- Go to your account settings and switch to a personal account.
- Monitor if the shadowban lifts after a few days.
- You can switch back to a business account after the issue is resolved.
6. Contact support
If the shadowban persists, reaching out to Instagram support can be helpful. Explain your situation and request a review of your account.
- Use Instagram’s in-app support to report the issue.
- Provide a clear, concise explanation of your problem.
- Be patient while waiting for a response from support.
7. Engage normally
Once your shadowban is lifted, focus on genuine interactions. This helps prevent future bans and builds a more authentic community.
- Interact with your followers naturally and regularly.
- Avoid spammy behavior like mass following or liking.
- Use relevant, non-banned hashtags that align with your content.
Following these steps should help you remove the shadowban and avoid future issues.
How Long is an Instagram Shadowban?
Answer: No fixed duration, however people speculate it’s from 2 weeks to 3 months.
I wish I could reference the second part of this answer, but this is just based on Reddit comments and testimonials from TikTok.
Realistically, each shadowban depends on what the user’s done to upset Instagram.
FAQ
1. How do I stop my account from Shadowbanning?
To avoid shadowbanning on Instagram, follow the platform’s guidelines by avoiding excessive use of hashtags, automation, or engagement pods.
Regularly engage with your audience authentically and ensure your content doesn’t violate community standards.
2. Will my Instagram shadowban go away?
Answer: Yes.
Your Instagram shadowban will 100% lift if you stop violating the platform’s rules and guidelines.
3. How do I know if I am shadowbanned on Instagram?
Answer: Most of the time, people aren’t shadowbanned. Go to your “Account Status” settings and see if there are any issues. If there are, then there’s no shadowban.
If “Account Status” says everything’s alright but your engagement is still way lower than usual, then yes, in that situation you’re shadowbanned.
Conclusion
The Instagram shadowban is definitely frustrating, but understanding the causes and taking strategic steps can help you regain visibility.
Further Action: By taking a break, cleaning up your account, and engaging authentically, you can lift the shadowban and prevent future occurrences.
Stay informed, act responsibly, and you’ll be back to connecting with your audience in no time.
Thanks a lot for reading this,
David Ch
Head of the Editing Team at SendShort
