Banned From Instagram (Reasons, What To do)

 

Instagram has become one of the most popular social media applications for content creators and influencers.

It is the biggest social media platform for small to medium-sized e-commerce businesses.

Most creators depend on their Instagram followers for their business, and a sudden ban on their accounts can be devastating.

To prevent a ban, align your activities with Instagram’s standard policies.

Let’s look at some of the significant reasons for an account ban on Instagram and also discuss solutions to help you get your banned Instagram account back.

 

Banned From Instagram (15 Reasons, What To Do)

 

Whether it is a creator account or a normal account, an Instagram ban can be frustrating, especially when you have put in so much effort to gain followers.

Take a look at the fifteen primary reasons that become the basis for most Instagram account bans.

 

1. Posting Violent Content

 

Like most other social media platforms, Instagram has become extremely strict against any violent content on the platform.

You might face a permanent ban if Instagram notices that you are sharing violent content repeatedly over a short period.

Instagram bans such accounts to prevent any harm to its users.

Avoid posting any content that promotes violence.

Whether it is in the form of written content or digital media, Instagram’s algorithm is smart enough to catch it.

It will immediately bring down the post and flag your account for community violations.

 

2. Sharing Nudity

 

Instagram has strict policies against nudity or sexually explicit content since most models and influencers use Instagram for self and brand promotions.

If you share any such thing in the post or story, Instagram won’t even approve the content.

If it gets approved for some reason, Instagram will surely remove your post and give you a community violation warning.

You should also avoid sharing any such content in the comments or chats.

Although Instagram chats are end-to-end encrypted, you can still get reported by someone.

Once your account is reported for sharing nudity, Instagram will block your account without any prior warnings.

This could be a permanent ban as well.

 

3. Harassing Users

 

Harassment has been one of the major issues since the rise of different social media platforms.

Most people use these platforms as a medium to coax and harass people.

This can be in the form of blackmail, a threat, or even abusive language.

Once a user feels harassed, they have the right to report your activity to Instagram’s support.

This can lead to a temporary ban on your account.

After the recent updates in Instagram’s Terms of Service (TOS), we have noticed Instagram taking actions even against single reports under the harassment category.

This is an alarming situation for users who are using the platform to distress others.

If you harassed someone unintentionally or out of sheer ignorance, you can ask the user for forgiveness and promise to never repeat it.

If you are forgiven, you could have a strong case to appeal the decision of account suspension.

Send the evidence indicating that the user has forgiven you and an assurance you won’t engage in any such activities again.

 

4. Posting Copied Content

 

Copied content has become so common on most social platforms, especially Instagram.

However, Instagram has started banning accounts that are reported for posting copied content.

Brands or content creators can always report the copied content to Instagram’s support with proof to request the copied content to be removed.

This is a critical situation for creators using other people’s content.

Instagram has now tailored its copyright policies to be similar to those of YouTube and Facebook.

Although you can gain views and followers with the copied content, Instagram won’t monetize your account.

Your account might also get permanently banned if the original creator files a copyright infringement report.

 

5. Using Fake Bots

 

Some people have taken the gaining followers approach on Instagram to the next level.

To get maximum engagement and gain more followers, some people fail to gain organic followers and instead choose to purchase followers, likes, and comments.

This does bring a slight advantage over organic users, but it does not work in the longer run.

No matter how accurately and precisely fake bots work, your account will soon come into the limelight of Instagram’s algorithm.

Consequently, you will face a permanent ban from the platform since Instagram does not tolerate any such policy violations.

However, if the algorithm misses you, specific reports from user accounts can also become the reason for your account ban.

Therefore, it is better to avoid any such activity on the platform and wait for organic growth.

 

6. Multiple IP Logins

 

Simultaneous actions of a single account are one of the major reasons for most Instagram account bans.

Instagram’s algorithm is powerful to catch multiple IPs and sends you the warning straight away.

More than one person uses most Instagram business accounts for managing the business on the internet.

Instagram is outstanding for providing multiple user access to the same account, but you need to make sure all the logins are not made simultaneously.

You also need to ensure that the account is not carrying out the same actions from multiple IPs.

This includes the usage of VPNs or VPS for different purposes.

If you have activated VPN for any other purpose and accidentally logged in to your Instagram account, you might put your account at risk.

However, if you have a VPN or VPS plan that does not continuously change the IP address, your account will be at less risk.

 

7. User Complaints

 

User complaints are one of the primary reasons for the permanent ban on Instagram.

Unlike most other social media platforms, Instagram is very strict with user reports and takes necessary actions to prevent any problems for the users.

Typically, more than ten account reports can lead to a permanent account ban once Instagram processes the reports.

However, in some cases, the number of reports required to ban an Instagram account permanently can even be reduced to five or fewer, depending on the seriousness of the issue.

Instagram takes quick action on reports that fall into the categories of harassment and violent content.

The reports users make against any violations need to be authentic and must be backed with proof.

Instagram does not take action on reports that do not prove their case.

 

8. Continuous Posting

 

Instagram is slightly different from most social media platforms when it comes to sharing content.

Instagram’s algorithm works differently since it shows every post on your follower’s feed.

The platform does not allow creators to keep spamming the posts section with continuous content.

Instagram has not revealed any posting limit.

However, you should not post more than once a day or three to four times a week.

If you post more than once a day, your account will lose engagement.

Instagram might ban you if you post more than five times a day continuously for more than two weeks.

 

9. Spam Activities

 

Instagram is very straightforward against any spamming activity that might cause harm to other users or the platform.

You should avoid continuous commenting, liking, sharing, and messaging random people.

Instagram’s algorithm might shadowban you from various activities if you do that.

Most people think Instagram allows them to follow many random people, which is not valid.

If you have a habit of spamming the follow button to get the follow back, sooner or later, Instagram will ban you.

Spamming the hashtags on every post also comes under spam activity.

You must always use relevant hashtags for your posts on the platform.

Relevant hashtags will make your posts appear on pertinent search queries.

However, irrelevant hashtags always bring your posts down.

 

10. Third-Party Software

 

Most content creators and business accounts on the platform use different third-party software to allow bulk actions with a single click.

They try to gain quick followers, increase likes, and boost engagement.

Although this can bring some immediate results, the account does face the risk of getting banned.

Also, connecting your accounts to any third-party software is one of the major privacy and security risks.

Instagram might also permanently ban your account once caught.

 

11. Selling & Purchasing Account

 

Different Instagram account sellers roam the internet, providing established accounts at affordable rates, which is entirely against Instagram’s policies.

Although you will get a designated account on the purchase, Instagram will ban your account once caught.

Avoid making any purchases that go against the platform’s guidelines.

 

13. You Are Under Age

 

Instagram has an age limit of 13 and you should not create an Instagram account if you are below that age.

The platform verifies your age through your Google account at the time of account creation.

However, if you have somehow created an Instagram account, Instagram will find out your age and eventually ban your account.

 

14. Selling Illegal Things from Your Account

 

Most business owners use the platform as an e-commerce marketplace that helps in boosting sales.

Instagram itself promotes e-commerce businesses as they drive revenue to the platform in ad spend.

However, it keeps the community safe by banning illegal activities from the platform.

If you are selling illegal goods and services, your account can face a ban.

Pay special attention to the banned products in your country and refrain from selling those on the platform.

 

15. Creating Duplicate Accounts

 

Most people try to create duplicate accounts to get fake followers and likes on the platform.

This can work for a while, but you will face an account ban once Instagram catches the spam activities.

After the recent policy updates, Instagram keeps a close eye on duplicate Instagram accounts.

Avoid creating two or more accounts on the platform with different emails or Facebook IDs.

 

How To Get Banned Instagram Account Back

 

Recovering an Instagram account can be challenging if the platform has banned you permanently.

However, you should still try to get your account back as Instagram has lifted bans from different accounts in the past and your account could also be the next one to get unbanned.

Here are the five methods to get back a banned Instagram account.

 

1. Wait For Two To Three Days

Initially, as Instagram bans your account, wait for two to three days to see if something might change.

In most cases, Instagram lifts the ban automatically without notifying the user.

However, this is only possible if you have a track record of meeting Instagram’s policies without major violations.

Waiting for a few days is also effective if Instagram has imposed a shadowban on your account.

You may notice the ban is lifted in a few days.

 

2. Verify Your Age

Sometimes Instagram bans accounts when they have doubts about your age.

The platform does this without notifying the users.

It is better to verify the age before proceeding to the next steps.

1. Go to the Support menu. Click on the age verification section. (https://help.instagram.com/contact/730583250290732)
2. Type in your personal details with your exact Instagram user name.
3. Attach your ID card (you can also attach your passport or birth certificate if you are under 18.)
4. Fill out all the additional information in the bottom portion, if any.
5. Submit the form.

Instagram will take a day or two to verify the provided information.

This might also take longer if you belong to any third-world country since Instagram does manual verification.

 

3. Contact The Support

If waiting for some time does not work, you need to contact support with all the evidence. There is no harm in offering an apology if you have accidentally violated the terms of service of Instagram.

However, if the account is blocked accidentally, fill out the form with relevant screenshots, and Instagram will surely reinstate your account.

Take the following steps to fill out the contact form.

1. Go to the Instagram account support section from the main page of Instagram. (You can also proceed to it through Facebook Business Manager if you have linked your Instagram to Facebook.) (https://help.instagram.com/contact/606967319425038)
2. Fill out the personal information, including your Instagram username.
3. Mention the mobile number you linked to the Instagram account.
4. Explain the case in detail in the messaging section.

While filing an appeal, make sure to explain the case openly and honestly.

You can also add relevant links and share screenshots by posting and sharing viewable links on the cloud.

This will help Instagram’s support identify the activities in detail, and they might reinstate your account.

After filing an appeal, make sure to wait for a week or two before proceeding with any further actions.

 

4. Email Instagram Community Support

If Instagram has rejected your appeal, you should contact the community managers via email with a detailed explanation.

This is an effective way to reinstate the account, but it will require some time.

Here are the emails of some of the major profiles of the community support.

1. Instagram’s IP team: [email protected]
2. Business Support Team: [email protected]
3. Security Support Team: [email protected]
4. Meta Support Manager: [email protected]
5. Instagram’s Help: [email protected]

You should send emails to all of them with relevant evidence.

To get support’s attention, make your email subject pop so your email doesn’t get ignored.

 

5. Use Third-Party Service Providers

The last way to appeal the decision and reinstate a banned Instagram account is through third-party service providers.

These service providers have direct links with Instagram and can generate a response from the support within no time.

Some major service providers like Do Not Pay (https://donotpay.com/) and IG Recover (https://igrecover.site/#/) provide account creation opportunities on their websites.

Once you do that, they act like a robot lawyer and put your case in front of the Instagram support with all the evidence and proof.

Their applications have a higher possibility of account recovery since they know all the requisites of sending the application correctly.

 

Types Of Instagram Ban

 

Instagram imposes different types of bans depending on the situation of the TOS violation.

Try to gain more knowledge about these types of bans to prevent your account from getting banned in the future.

 

1. Actions Blocked

Instagram blocks specific actions once they notice spam activities.

This ban restricts the users from taking certain actions like liking, commenting, following, or even posting.

Instagram notifies you when you try to get involved in an action that is not allowed on the platform.

Typically, Instagram automatically lifts this ban without issue in two to three days.

 

2. Shadow Ban

Instagram imposes a shadowban when the user uses broken, prohibited, or irrelevant hashtags to gain more engagement on their posts.

When Instagram imposes this ban, your posts won’t reach the followers even if you are posting continuously.

It also won’t appear in relevant searches and hashtags.

The only way to prevent and get out of this ban is to avoid using irrelevant hashtags.

You should also wait for a short time and start fresh with new content.

 

3. Permanent Ban

A permanent ban is one of the most significant and strict actions Instagram takes.

When Instagram imposes this ban, you won’t be able to login to Instagram.

In some cases, Instagram might even block your IP, which means you won’t be able to create new accounts using the same location.

 

How Long Does It Take To Remove A Ban From An Instagram Account?

 

Instagram ban removal can take a month or two.

In some cases, it may happen in two to three days.

Ultimately, it depends on the situation and the reasons for your account ban.

Account reinstatement can be a quick process if you take the services of a third-party service provider.

However, if you do the process manually, you might have to wait for a month or two.

 

How To Avoid Instagram Ban?

 

One of the best ways to avoid a permanent ban on Instagram is by linking external accounts.

This will make Instagram think twice before banning your account, even if you have violated Instagram’s terms of service.

Take the following steps to link external accounts to your Instagram.

1. Tap Settings by proceeding to the accounts section of your account.
2. Click the Account option from the menu.
3. Tap Linked Accounts from the menu.
4. Paste links to your accounts by clicking them individually.

Linking external accounts can protect you from permanent ban to a certain extent.

However, Instagram can still block your account if you keep violating Instagram’s terms.

For this reason, you should always keep your actions within the terms of service of Instagram.

 

Conclusion

Getting an Instagram account unbanned can be challenging if you have violated some of the major terms of service.

However, with proper evidence, there is a chance to get your account back.

If you get permanently banned, unfortunately, there may not be a solution out of it.

Make sure you practice safe measures when using social media to avoid getting into trouble.