What is Instagram Shadowban? Truth and Reality

Many brands and individuals get confused when their Instagram engagement drops. They often wonder if the Instagram shadowban is to blame. 

You might not even know what being shadowbanned means. How can you blame this phenomenon for your lost engagement? 

Let’s break down what the shadowban is, where this tall tale came from and uncover the truth.

What is the Instagram Shadowban?

Shadowbanning happens when Instagram quietly limits a user’s content visibility without telling them. Unlike a ban, which can suspend an account, shadowbanning is subtle. Users keep posting, but they’ll notice fewer likes, comments, and views. Their posts won’t show up in hashtag searches, the Explore feed, or even their followers’ main feeds.

This usually happens when accounts break community guidelines. For example, using banned hashtags, posting inappropriate content, or acting in a spammy way. The tricky part is Instagram doesn’t tell users about these restrictions.

To avoid shadowbans, it’s important to understand the platform’s rules. Shadowbanning helps keep content in line with community standards without fully banning accounts. This can be confusing when engagement drops without explanation. Other platforms, like Reddit and Twitter, have used similar methods to quietly limit content.

Common misconceptions and initial reactions

When people notice a drop in Instagram engagement, they often jump to conclusions, thinking it’s a shadowban. While a shadowban can affect engagement, it’s not usually the main cause. Several factors can lead to lower interaction, like changes in Instagram’s algorithm, shifts in content relevance, or even changes in what your audience is interested in. 

Origins of the Shadowban Myth

The term “shadowban” began on online forums like Reddit, where admins would hide posts without notifying users. In 2017, Instagram users noticed drops in engagement and suspected shadowbanning, believing their posts weren’t appearing in feeds or hashtag pages. 

This led to widespread confusion, as many users tested changes like hashtags and schedules to lift the alleged ban. The lack of official responses from Instagram only fueled the myth, causing debates and misconceptions about the shadowban.

Alleged Reasons Behind the Instagram Shadowban

People who believe in the Instagram shadowban think there are many reasons your account might get in trouble, but most of these reasons aren’t true.

Banned or broken hashtags

Banned hashtags are tags restricted by Instagram for violating community guidelines, often due to spam, explicit content, or harmful behavior. Using them reduces visibility as posts won’t appear in searches, Explore pages, or hashtag feeds. 

While using broken hashtags won’t lead to a shadowban, it can hurt your post’s visibility. Stick to niche hashtags instead to avoid getting lost in the crowd and to keep your account safe from being marked as spam.

Software that violates the TOS

Using unauthorized software on Instagram, like bots or automation tools, can get your account penalized or banned. These tools violate Instagram’s terms of service by automating actions like liking, commenting, and following. 

While they won’t trigger a shadowban, they can reduce your account’s visibility or even result in full account suspension. Stick to safe, approved tools to avoid risks and protect your account.

Switching a business account to a personal account

There’s a myth that switching to a personal account prevents shadowbanning, but there’s no evidence to support this. Some also think business accounts get lower engagement, but that’s not true either. 

Business accounts actually provide useful tools like analytics and ads to help grow your reach. So, it’s better to stick with a business account for its extra features.

The Truth Behind Your Low Engagement

Before you start Googling “Am I shadowbanned?”, wait! You’re guaranteed to uncover articles blaming your use of hashtags as the reason you aren’t getting your usual number of likes and comments. 

Remember, Instagram itself has said shadowbanning is not a real thing, and that users’ posts will not be hidden for using too many hashtags or the same hashtags. 

The concept of the Instagram shadowban is indeed a myth. In reality, users who have noticed a drop in their likes, comments, and overall follower count are likely just experiencing the effects of the change in the Instagram algorithm.

The most recent algorithm changes were designed to sort users’ content according to relevancy. As an attempt to block out abusive content and connect users with those they are more interested in, the new algorithm inadvertently caused brands to experience lower engagement across the board.

The truth of the matter is that if you are looking for ways to fix your Instagram “shadowban,” you’re headed on a wild goose chase. What you really need are effective strategies to boost your Instagram engagement.

Understanding the Decline in Engagement

A drop in Instagram engagement can be worrying, especially for influencers and businesses who rely on the platform to grow. There are a few possible reasons for this. Instagram’s algorithm changes regularly, sometimes favoring certain types of content over others, which can affect visibility.

If your posts don’t align with these updated preferences, they might get fewer views and less interaction. Also, engagement can drop during busy times, like holidays or major events, when people are occupied with offline activities.

Real Reasons for Declines

When engagement drops on Instagram, consider this: Check your hashtags for banned or irrelevant tags. They can hurt visibility. Stick to a regular posting schedule to avoid confusing followers. Vary your content by including photos, videos, Stories, and Reels. Finally, boost interaction by liking, commenting, and messaging your followers.

Algorithm Changes

Instagram’s algorithm shows posts based on how much users interact with them, how relevant they are, and when they’re posted. Algorithms show posts with more likes, comments, and shares more often. To improve engagement, focus on creating quality content, and use Stories and Reels. Instagram offers tips and updates to help users improve their content and engagement. Keeping up with these changes can help increase your reach.

 Effective Strategies to Boost Engagement

The key to taking back your engagement on Instagram is to focus on improving your current Instagram practices. Start by using the following four strategies to single-handedly boost your Instagram engagement.

Quality Content

Focus on posting high-quality, visually appealing content. Whether you choose a minimalistic Instagram theme or one that matches your branding colors, aim for a clean, attractive grid that invites people to follow. 

Ensure your photos are high-res, your graphics look professional, and your captions are well-written. Create content that resonates with your audience and aligns with your brand to boost engagement.

Call to Actions

Add clear calls-to-action (CTAs) in your captions to boost engagement. For example, encourage followers to comment, tag a friend, or visit your profile. Test different CTAs to see what works best, and include them in every post and Instagram Story to invite interaction.

Hashtags

Use more trending hashtags to improve content discovery and boost engagement. Posts with hashtags see 12.6% more engagement. Mix large and small hashtags and ensure they’re relevant to your content. For hashtag ideas, check your competitors’ posts for inspiration. 

Location Geotag

Tagging your location boosts engagement by 79%. It makes your content visible in location searches and helps attract a larger audience. You can create a location tag on Facebook if it doesn’t exist, and encourage customers to use it. Businesses in smaller areas can also tag a nearby city for more visibility.

How to create and use location tags effectively

• Choose Relevant Locations: Pick locations that match your content and audience, like cities, landmarks, or local spots related to your post.
• Use Popular and Specific Locations: Mix well-known spots for a wide reach with specific ones to connect with niche groups. Research trending locations and consider using geo-tags for events or businesses.
• Be Accurate and Consistent: Make sure the location tag is correct. Use official names and check the spelling for better search results.
• Use Instagram Stories and Posts: Add location tags to both Stories and posts. In Stories, location stickers boost engagement by helping users find related content.
• Encourage User Interaction: Get your audience involved by exploring or sharing their own experiences at the tagged location. This increases engagement and broadens your post’s reach.

Conclusion

There’s a lot of confusion around the Instagram shadowban, but don’t worry, it’s not as scary as it seems! Instagram’s algorithm changes, banned hashtags, and spammy behavior might lower your post’s visibility. But, they don’t always mean you’ve been shadowbanned. Instagram has actually clarified that they focus on community guidelines, not shadowbanning. 

To keep your engagement strong, stay updated on algorithm changes. Also, fine-tune your content strategy. Prioritize genuine interactions with your followers. By staying proactive and informed, you can clear up myths and boost your Instagram game!