Instagram: The place where even your cat can become an influencer.
Greetings, fellow Instagram addicts! Have you been scratching your head wondering why your posts aren’t getting as many likes and comments as they used to? Well, you may have fallen victim to the Instagram shadowban.
Don’t worry; you’re not alone. In fact, the shadowban has become such a common issue that it should come with a warning label.
For those of you who don’t know, the Instagram shadowban is like being grounded by your parents. It’s when your posts get hidden from the Instagram community without your knowledge, resulting in a decrease in engagement and a sudden drop in followers.
For those with a professional account, no more sweating bullets and wondering if your latest post got lost in the algorithmic void. From Account Status, you can view if content you posted violated Instagram’s recommended guidelines. And don’t worry, if something is amiss, Instagram will provide you with some helpful suggestions to fix it up.
It’s super easy to access too! Just navigate to your profile on the app, then Menu > Settings > Account > Account status. And voila, you’ll be able to verify what is affecting your account (if anything) and get suggestions for how to remedy it.
For those without a professional account, it might be a bit more complicated to check. But fear not, for I am here to save the day. Here are some tips and tricks to test for a shadowban and prevent it from happening.
The key to success in content creation? Consistency, creativity, and a little bit of luck.
Keep it clean, folks!
If you want to avoid getting shadowbanned, make sure to use clean and appropriate hashtags. No #adultcontent, #violence, or #fakegiveaways. You don’t want to be that person who’s grounded for using inappropriate language, do you? If you’re unsure, do a quick Google search or use a tool like Flick to check if the hashtag is allowed.
Pro-tip. If you’re struggling to find clean hashtags, try using emojis instead. It’s a fun and creative way to make your posts stand out without getting you grounded.
Say NO to bots
Using bots to automate your Instagram activity might seem like a good idea, but trust me, it’s not. Instagram has a zero-tolerance policy for automated activity and can quickly detect and punish accounts that use bots. It’s like getting caught cheating on a test. Not a good look.
Pro-tip. Instead of using bots, engage with your followers and other users manually. It’s a great way to connect with others and grow your following organically.
Avoid the repost trap
Reposting content from other users is an excellent way to curate your feed and share great content with your followers. However, be careful when reposting, as it could result in a shadowban if you don’t give proper credit or permission. It’s like taking someone’s lunch money without asking first.
Pro-tip. Always make sure to tag the original creator and ask for permission before reposting their content. It’s a win-win situation. You get to share great content, and the creator gets exposure.
Consistency is key
We’ve all heard the saying, “consistency is key,” and when it comes to Instagram, it couldn’t be truer. Posting regularly keeps your followers engaged and your account growing. But, there’s a fine line between being consistent and being downright spammy. Flooding your followers’ feeds with a hundred posts a day, not only gets them unfollow you, but you may also get slapped with a shadowban.
Pro-tip. Aim for at least one post a day, but don’t be afraid to skip a day or two if you don’t have anything new to share. Quality over quantity!
Watch your engagement
And while you’re at it, keep an eye on your engagement. You want to see your likes, comments, shares, and followers grow, not suddenly drop off a cliff. A sudden drop in engagement can be a sign of a shadowban. Maybe your audience is tired of seeing your cat memes or your attempts at cooking. In this case you need to switch it up and keep it fresh!
Pro-tip. Use Instagram Insights to track your engagement and identify any sudden drops. If you notice a significant drop in engagement, it may be time to re-evaluate your content and strategy.
Mix it up
Instagram loves diversity, and that means mixing up your content to keep your feed fresh and exciting. Posting the same type of content or using the same hashtags over and over again might make Instagram think you’re a bot or a spam account, resulting in a shadowban. It’s like wearing the same outfit every day. Not a good look.
Pro-tip. Try to mix up your content by posting photos, videos, and stories. Use different hashtags and captions to keep your feed fresh and interesting. It’s like having a new outfit every day.
Create content that inspires you, and you’ll never run out of ideas.
So, there you have it, folks! Some tips on how to prevent the Instagram shadowban from happening to you. Remember, to have fun and engage with your followers.
Happy Instagramming!
If you want to talk some more, we’re waiting for your DM on Instagram.
Your biggest fan,
Oana Corina Jelea.
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