Instagram Shadowban and the Impact of Using the Wrong Hashtags

If you are seeing a sudden drop in the reach of your Instagram content, you could have been shadowbanned. A shadowban involves the platform significantly reducing the reach and visibility of your post, which can make you feel like your content isn't reaching your followers.

 Instagram’s shadowban content is a result of several reasons, such as:

• Violating content guidelines.
• Posting spam on inappropriate content.

The platforms aim to enhance user experience and that's why you also need to understand how to create a good first impression on Instagram. While Instagram doesn't officially accept shadow-banning accounts, evidence suggests it does. If you spend some time digging through Instagram, you will come across tens of users claiming that their followers cannot find their posts in their feeds.

Musician, Mia Khalifa, claimed she had a private meeting with Instagram employees to discuss shadowbanning. The company confirmed that shadowbanning is real and even went ahead to reveal the criteria the company uses to decide to limit accounts. One of these is the use of banned hashtags.

Commonly Banned Hashtags on Instagram

Specific hashtags are banned from being used on Instagram. When someone accidentally uses these hashtags in their story, reel, caption, or comment, the platform restricts their accounts. That means your posts will not be seen in your followers’ feeds or appear on the Explore page. Some users have reported that their accounts were entirely banned after using one of the Instagram-banned hashtags.

An example of a banned hashtag is #Snapchat. Since Snapchat isn't allowed on Instagram, using the hashtag will cause the shadowbanning of your account. It is also worth noting that some banned hashtags aren't obvious, and not all violate the platform's policy. For instance, standard terms like #Alone,#brain, and #pushup are also banned on the platform. These are often banned because they can be associated with mental health issues. Other banned hashtags on Instagram include:

• #adulting. This is seen to be off-topic or inappropriate content.
• #Asia. Primarily used in spam content.
• #Beautyblogger. Often seen as misinformation or spam.
• #besties. Often contains irrelevant content, making it less valuable.
• #Brain. Linked to wrong medical advice.
• #Boho. Used in commercial spam.
• #Curvygirls. Seen as a form of explicit content,
• #Costumes. Again, it is used in inappropriate or spammy content
• #Desk. It is seen as irrelevant content.

Impact of Using Banned Hashtags

The most apparent impact of using banned hashtags is reduced visibility of your content on Instagram. This is also one cause of shadowbanning, where people who follow you aren't shown your content. Your account may also be suspended or penalized in other ways. Let us look at these penalties more deeply.

Less Visibility

The use of banned hashtags can cause the Instagram algorithm to penalize your posts so that they are no longer visible on the hashtag feed and search results. This restriction can reduce your post engagement, and the content won't be visible to many users. Low social visibility will result in fewer likes, shares, and comments, hindering your reach. In the long run, this can impact the growth and influence of the account. Therefore, you must understand how to beat the Instagram algorithm for more views.

Shadowbanning

When your content is shadowbanned, it won't be visible to those who don't follow you. This is one of the penalties for people who regularly use banned hashtags. The penalty can be frustrating as it can limit your account's ability to attract new followers and grow its reach.

Account Suspension

When the Instagram algorithm realizes that you regularly use banned hashtags, your account could be temporarily limited or permanently banned, as the platform takes violations of the community guidelines seriously. If you lose your account, you also lose your followers, and all the work you have put into growing the account will be in vain. That's why it is essential to avoid using banned hashtags.

How to Fix an Instagram Shadowban Due to Banned Hashtags

If you suspect that your Instagram account has been shadowbanned, you can take several measures to correct the issue:

Remove Third-party Apps

If you are using third-party software or apps on your Instagram account, you need to remove them. You can determine the websites and apps on your Instagram account by:

• Signing into your account on a desktop.
• Tap settings> Apps and websites
• If there are any questionable websites and apps with access to your account, remove them.

Remove the Banned Hashtags

We have listed the banned hashtags above. However, the list isn't conclusive and is constantly updated. Holiday hashtags were once banned, but this is no longer the case. It's advisable to avoid using generic hashtags. Also, the Instagram algorithm is looking for new and fresh content.

If you continue using irrelevant hashtags, your content will be shadowbanned. Remember to use hashtags in the captions and not in the first comment, as it's impossible to edit comments in case you are shadowbanned.

Contact Instagram support

While they will not email you, Instagram support usually reads your message. Contact them and inform them that your followers cannot see your posts. Don't tell them you suspect you are being shadow-banned; just describe the situation.

Over-Commenting and DMing

You can also be shadow-banned because of nonhuman or spam activity. If the IG algorithm realizes that you are making 50 comments in an hour, you will be mistaken for a bot and shadowbanned. The same applies to accounts that send mass DMs to people. Therefore, ensure that you act like a human in your engagement.

Account Getting Reported

If your Instagram account is getting reported by many people, it could be affected by a shadowban. This could result from sending spam comments, story replies, or DMS to other users. Getting reported too many times can also cause your account to be permanently banned. 

In Conclusion

One of the main reasons Instagram shadowbans users is the use of banned hashtags. Due to the long list of these hashtags, some users aren't even aware they are doing anything wrong. They only notice one day that their content is restricted. Therefore, you must read our guide on using the right Instagram hashtags to avoid getting shadowbanned. You should also analyze Instagram competitors to see what they are doing differently.