What to do when your Instagram account is shadowbanned

Feeling invisible on Instagram? Your account might have been shadowbanned without you realizing it. A shadow ban is when a platform restricts your content’s reach without notifying you.

Don't worry—you're not alone, and there are ways to fix it. In this article, we'll break down what a shadow ban is, why it happens, and most importantly, what you can do to get your account back in the spotlight. Let's dive in and get your Insta game back on track!

Finding out if you’ve been shadowbanned

Here are the steps to figure out if your Instagram account has been shadowbanned. 

1. Open Instagram: Launch the Instagram app on your mobile device.

2. Go to settings: Tap on your profile picture at the bottom right to go to your profile. Then, tap the three horizontal lines (menu) at the top right and select "Settings."

3. Account status: Scroll at the bottom and tap on "Account Status." 

Here you can see five sections: 

Each should have a green checkmark. If any of these have an orange check, it means your account is being restricted. 

Why has my account been shadowbanned?

Now that you’ve seen an orange check, you’re probably wondering what caused it. 

Start by checking the “What can’t be recommended” section to ensure your account is visible to everyone. Then, click on it to see why your account has been flagged.

• Content issues: The message may point out specific posts that violate community guidelines or policies. This could include inappropriate images, spammy behavior, or content that goes against Instagram’s Community Guidelines.

• Bio issues: Sometimes, the issue may lie within your profile bio. Perhaps you’ve used inappropriate language or you’re posting links to prohibited sites (e.g. OnlyFans, Fansly etc.).

Diagnosing the problem

If the message doesn’t provide specific details about what the issue is, Instagram may be in the process of reviewing your account. In these cases:

• Wait 24 hours: Instagram sometimes takes up to 24 hours to process and provide a detailed explanation of the problem.

• Be patient and test: While waiting, you can test your account by posting new content that adheres strictly to community guidelines or by updating your bio to ensure it complies with Instagram’s policies.

Posts

Carefully examine your recent posts for any content that clearly violates Instagram's Community Guidelines. Look for nudity, hate speech, spam, or any other prohibited material.

If you identify content that is obviously against the rules, delete the most problematic post first to mitigate further issues.

If the flagged content has gone viral, consider appealing the decision before deleting it. To ask for a review, go to “Settings and Privacy” and click on “Help”:

Then, select “Support requests”:

Under “Violations” you’ll be able to see which posts were flagged. Tap on the post you’d like Instagram to review.

Profile and bio

Even if flagged content is identified and addressed, your profile and bio might also contribute to the problem.

Here are some potential violations:

• Emojis: Emojis like the chili pepper 🌶️, eggplant 🍆, peach 🍑, and other suggestive symbols can be seen as inappropriate or hinting at adult websites. Review your bio and remove any emojis that could be interpreted as suggestive or violating community standards.

• Inappropriate profile picture: Ensure your profile picture is appropriate. Avoid images that show excessive cleavage or other forms of revealing clothing. Your profile picture should be a clear, respectable representation of yourself or your brand.

• Banned words: Review your bio and account name for words that could be flagged as inappropriate. This includes terms like "sexy," "naughty," and any other words that might suggest adult content. Avoid using words that aren’t politically correct like “dumb” and “lame”. Use professional and clear language in your bio to describe who you are or what your brand is about.

If you notice any issues, make changes one at a time to identify which modification resolves the issue. After each change, check if the orange flag has been removed by looking for the green tick in your “Account Status.”

Links

Links in your Instagram bio or posts can sometimes trigger flags from Instagram’s automated systems, which may limit your account’s visibility or even result in temporary restrictions. If you notice that your account has been flagged, it’s a good idea to remove the link from your bio or posts for the time being.

A useful workaround is to utilize Instagram Stories. Create a story highlight that includes a “More here” link or a call-to-action directing your followers to the link you want to share. This way, you can still direct your audience to the content without directly placing a link in your bio or posts. Highlighted stories remain visible on your profile, allowing users to find the link without risking a flag.

You can also use link aggregator tools like Linktree or bit.ly. This way, you can put all your links under one separate page and avoid putting your spicy links directly in your bio.

Set up a backup account

In case your main account gets shadowbanned or banned altogether, it's wise to have a backup account ready. This ensures you can continue interacting with your followers and keep your engagement steady if your main account is restricted. 

A backup account allows you to keep sharing content without interruption, maintaining your presence and brand visibility. It can also serve as a testing ground to try out content before posting it on your main account to avoid potential flags.

To set up a backup account, sign up for a new Instagram account using a different email address from your main account. 

Make sure the backup account's name and bio are similar to your main account to make it easier for followers to find you. Announce the backup account through stories and posts on your main account, encouraging your followers to follow it to stay updated. 

Keep the backup account active by regularly posting content and engaging with followers to maintain its visibility and readiness in case you need to switch. Use Instagram's feature to link your accounts, making it easier to switch between them without logging out.

Fixing the orange checkmark in your Instagram profile

Getting that green checkmark in your Account Status is vital to grow your Instagram.

If you see an orange flag, don’t give up on your account. Instead, try to solve any issue that might be causing the problem. Check your bio, your profile picture, and any links that you’ve shared.