Understanding and Overcoming Instagram Reels Shadowbans

Instagram introduces a unique set of challenges, and one of the more puzzling issues users face is the reels shadowban. This article aims to clarify what a shadowban is, and provides steps to follow in order to remove an Instagram shadowban.

What is a Shadowban?

When you’re dealing with a shadowban, you don’t notice a change in your Instagram account; posts and stories look like they are getting the usual amounts of engagement. However, the community notices a significant drop. The shadowban might be due to community guidelines violations or a complaint by another user. It’s a way for Instagram to temporarily restrict a user’s visibility without outright banning them.

Dealing with a Shadowban

If you’ve tried all the recommended methods and are still facing a shadowban, here are some steps you can take:

Getting In Touch with Instagram

One of the most effective ways to resolve a shadowban is to contact Instagram directly. Use the “Report a Problem” feature in the app, as it allows you to provide specific details about the issue you're facing. If they decline to reactivate your account, understand that Instagram has the discretion to maintain the ban if they feel your past actions were detrimental to the platform.

Creating a New Account

As a last resort, consider creating a new Instagram account. However, note that this might be difficult because Instagram might block the IMEI identification number of your current phone. You may need to use a new phone or a phone number that hasn’t been previously associated with your original account.

Remove Hashtags from Recent Posts

To possibly help improve your visibility, try deleting or managing hashtags in your recent posts. Here are some strategies:

Delete Hashtags: Navigate to the reel, click on the three-dot menu in the corner, and select “Delete” to remove the hashtags altogether. Place Hashtags in Caption: If deleting hashtags isn't an option, consider putting relevant hashtags in the caption instead of the post itself. Don't Overload with Hashtags: Use hashtags strategically, and avoid using too many in one post, as this can be seen as spam and might exacerbate the shadowban.

Conclusion

While a shadowban can be frustrating, understanding its nature and exploring these solutions can help you regain a more open profile. If nothing works, it might be time to reassess your content and engagement strategy to avoid potential issues in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why is my Instagram account shadowbanned?
A: Typically, a shadowban occurs when your content breaches Instagram’s community guidelines or when another user files a complaint about your account.

Q: Can I create a new Instagram account if I have a shadowban?
A: Yes, but you may need to do so via a new phone number or IMEI number to avoid association with the original banned account.

Q: How can I check if I have a shadowban?
A: Look at your engagement metrics. If there is a noticeable drop in likes, comments, and views, it might be due to a shadowban.