2. Stop using bots, automation, or engagement pods to try to get around the IG algorithm
It’s 2023… the Instagram algorithm is highly sophisticated and the days of thinking you have a chance at outsmarting it are long gone.
Yes, there are bots and 3rd party software that are still existing on Instagram… but the platform is cracking down on these faster and faster.
The only long-term option going forward on Instagram is to abide by their Terms of Service and grow you account the ride way… without trying to take shortcuts.
3. Avoid using banned and recently blacklisted hashtags
We went over the usage of banned hashtags and the risks involved… but you also need to be wary of using popular hashtags that have been blacklisted on the platform.
For example, on #Christmas, #Thanksgiving, #4thOfJuly, etc., these hashtags will be used by millions of people and will eventually hit a threshold where Instagram suddenly (and without warning) will ‘blacklist’ that hashtag.
What this means:
Everyone who uses that hashtag going forward will be at risk of being shadowbanned.
Again, the people who used the hashtag before the blacklisting will not be affected… but users who make posts even seconds after IG does this will risk being shadowbanned.
4. Avoid using repetitive or irrelevant hashtags over and over
Instagram’s algorithm wants new and fresh content on the platform.
If you’re using irrelevant hashtags, or if you’re using the same hashtags over and over in posts… you’re going to get hit by the Instagram Shadowban (eventually).
Here’s what to do instead:
You should only be using highly relevant hashtags in your posts.
Don’t use generic hashtags like #love, #happy #sad, #glad, et cetera.
Important not:
When you’re adding your hashtags to your post, always add it to your caption… not to your first comment.
Why?
You can’t edit individual hashtags in comments.
Instagram sometimes will only ban a handful of your hashtags.
What this means:
If you go back into your post and remove the hashtags that have banned or blacklisted and kept the ones that haven’t been flagged, the restrictions on your post will be removed.
If you add your hashtags to your comments and you get hit by a shadowban, you won’t be able to go in and edit out the banned tags individually… you’ll be forced to remove all of your hashtags (even the ones that weren’t affected).
5. Reach out to Instagram through their app’s support page
Once you remove the potentially questionable 3rd party apps or software that had authorization access on your account, you need to reach out to Instagram through the IG app.
(Yes, Instagram support actually does read support requests like these (even though you most likely won’t get an email reply from them when you send them a request)
Here’s what you need to say:
You need to inform IG in your message that your followers are not able to see your posts in their feeds and they aren’t able to find you in search.
Important note:
Do NOT mention you suspect you are under a shadowbox. Just describe what is happening and explain that this is hurting your brand/business because of this bug.
6. Commenting, Liking, or DMing too much
The shadowban is also watching for any spam or non-human activity.
If you’re making 40 comments in 1 hour, Instagram doesn’t like that and will punish you.
Also, if you’re sending a bunch of DMs all at once to a mass of people, Instagram could think you’re a bot or you’re using some sort of 3rd party software.
Bottom line:
Act like a human. Don’t be mistaken for a bot.
The algorithm makes mistakes… don’t take the risk of it making a mistake and flagging your account.
7. You’re getting reported
If your account or you comments/DMs are getting reported by users, you can be subjected to a shadowban.
You won’t get shadowbanned right away, but if enough people mass report you… you can absolutely be subjected to getting a shadowban or even a permanent account ban.
8. Take a break from Instagram for a few days or even a week
Many people have come out and shown that after taking 2-7 days off from Instagram, their shadowbans were lifted.
Should you put your hashtags in your Instagram caption or in the comment below your post?
At the end of August of 2021, Adam Mosseri (current head of Instagram) publicly announced on his official Instagram @Mosseri that the Instagram algorithm favors posts when hashtags are placed inside the caption.
As a seasoned social media strategist with years of experience navigating the ever-evolving landscape of Instagram, I've closely followed the platform's developments and algorithmic changes. My expertise extends to understanding the intricacies of Instagram's Terms of Service and the nuances of organic growth strategies. I've not only kept pace with the shifts in the algorithm but have successfully adapted strategies to align with Instagram's guidelines.
Now, let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Stop using bots, automation, or engagement pods: The Instagram algorithm has become highly sophisticated, rendering outdated tactics like bots and automation ineffective. Instagram is actively cracking down on such practices. Adhering to the platform's Terms of Service is the only viable long-term option for sustainable growth.
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Avoid using banned and recently blacklisted hashtags: The article highlights the risks associated with using banned or recently blacklisted hashtags. When popular hashtags reach a certain threshold of usage, Instagram may blacklist them. Users employing blacklisted hashtags risk shadowbanning. It emphasizes the importance of staying informed about the status of hashtags to prevent negative consequences.
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Avoid using repetitive or irrelevant hashtags: Instagram's algorithm favors new and fresh content. The article advises against using irrelevant or repetitive hashtags, as this can lead to the Instagram Shadowban. Using highly relevant hashtags is recommended, avoiding generic ones. Additionally, the placement of hashtags in the caption is emphasized for effective management and removal in case of issues.
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Reach out to Instagram through their app’s support page: In case of any issues related to shadowbanning or visibility, the article recommends reaching out to Instagram through the app's support page. Users are advised to describe the problem without explicitly mentioning suspicion of a shadowban. This underscores the importance of communication with Instagram to resolve account-related issues.
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Commenting, Liking, or DMing too much: The article warns against excessive engagement activities, as Instagram's algorithm may interpret them as spam or non-human behavior. It stresses the importance of acting like a human user to avoid being flagged as a bot, acknowledging that the algorithm can make mistakes.
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You’re getting reported: Getting reported by users can lead to a shadowban or even a permanent account ban. While not an immediate consequence, mass reporting can have serious repercussions. The article emphasizes the need to maintain positive interactions to mitigate the risk of being reported.
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Take a break from Instagram for a few days or even a week: Some users have reported that taking a break from Instagram for a few days or a week resulted in the lifting of shadowbans. This suggests that periodic breaks might positively impact account visibility and engagement.
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Hashtags placement in Instagram captions: The article references a statement by Adam Mosseri, the head of Instagram, suggesting that the platform's algorithm favors posts when hashtags are placed inside the caption. This information highlights the importance of strategic hashtag placement for maximizing post visibility.
In conclusion, understanding and adapting to Instagram's evolving algorithm is crucial for maintaining a successful presence on the platform while avoiding potential pitfalls such as shadowbanning.
: What It Is And How To Remove It (2024))
