10 Common Reasons For Instagram Account Bans And How to Avoid Them
Introduction: Reasons For Instagram Account Bans
Instagram bans or suspends accounts for various reasons; some accounts can be recovered, while others are lost permanently.Intentional or unintentional mistakes may lead to restrictions, suspensions, or permanent bans. You may ask, why does Instagram ban accounts? In this article, we explore common reasons that lead to Instagram account ban or suspension.
No.1: Instagram automation tools that cause bans
To increase engagement, many users use automation tools, but Instagram’s algorithms are smart enough to detect and demonetize such behavior. Brands that use bots to follow a ton of accounts, leave the same comment on posts or like hundreds of posts an hour, they're damaging their authentic interaction as a result. Because Instagram is more focused on real engagement, applying automation could cause account suspensions temporarily or even permanent ban. The platform uses algorithms to detect unnatural user activity, such as that caused by bots or mass engagement schemes. Accounts that practice these can get shadowbanned or simply removed, losing visibility.
A big problem with automation is that it leads to a fake social media presence. These repetitive, meaningless comments prevent substantive discussion and genuine conversation. Yet, such strategies risk repelling real followers who recognize spammy behavior, hindering the growth of a dedicated following.
No.2: Instagram content policies and banned posts
Instagram’s Community Guidelines explicitly ban content that includes hate speech, violence, nudity, self-harm or anything illegal. Even if a post may appear inconsequential, multiple reports can catch the attention of Instagram, resulting in content removal or account suspension.
Always check Insta’s content policies before posting. When reposting content created by a user community, confirm that it adheres to community standards to avoid possible penalties. The best way to ensure compliance with these rules is to create original, ethical content.
No.3: Avoiding spam behavior on Instagram to prevent bans
Spammy behavior isn’t limited to blasting out DMs — it can also involve excessive liking, following, commenting, and posting in rapid succession. Instagram tends to see this as bot-like behavior and can impose temporary restrictions or even longer-lasting bans.
Don’t mass-PM the same DM to multiple users, don’t spam your content on their comment sections, and your engagement should appear natural, not mechanical.
No.4: Copyright violations leading to Instagram bans
Uploading unlicensed images, videos, or music is one of the fastest paths toward copyright strike, content removal, or permanent ban on Instagram. Instagram rigorously protects intellectual property rights, ensuring creators get the credit they deserve.
Even if a violation is not intentional, the consequences can still come with heavy prices such as removal of posts, shadowbanning, or termination of accounts. Copyright complaints are usually filed by rights holders who see their work being used without permission and Instagram tends to act quickly in these cases.
So as long as you use royalty-free media or request permission directly from the initial creator, you are probably doing ok. There are some places like Unsplash, Pexels, and Pixabay, where you can find free images and videos to use on your websites, for commercial or personal use. If you’re using licensed music, double check that it’s allowed to be used on social media — some songs aren’t available for use on the platform, even though you can find them. When it comes to reposting content, tagging the creator and crediting them in the caption is always the right thing to do, but it may not be enough when it comes to the content owner still not wanting you to use their content.
Companies and influencers should also be careful with trademarks. Using brand logos or other trademarked materials without permission might cause legal problems, such as getting a cease-and-desist letter or having your account limited. Plagiarizing content from other accounts is also a surefire way to kick the account off the platform; even when the content generally goes viral, if the person that created the post does not give permission for you to use it, it is out of bounds with no exceptions.
Compliance with copyright and trademark laws promotes ethical content creation and isn’t just about avoiding financial penalties. Ultimately, if you have any concerns, you should create your own content or obtain proper licensing to protect your account and credibility in the long run.
No.5: Follow-unfollow strategy and Instagram account restrictions
There are also users who try to build their following by following as many accounts as possible and then unfollowing them immediately after they follow their account back. Not only is this counter-productive in a long term but in addition, it is opposed to Instagram's policy. Accounts which use this method are often deleted, resulting in temporary action blocks or permanent bans.
A much better way is true community engagement. Interact by commenting on posts and joining discussions & responding with valuable content. In the long run organic growth will be more sustainable and more healthy.
No.6: Instagram hashtag mistakes that result in bans
Proper hashtags boost visibility, while inappropriate ones hinder it. Some hashtags get banned because there is inappropriate content associated with them (even if the post by the user is harmless). Employing them may render content invisible or shadowban accounts, decreasing their reach.
Research the status of hashtags before you use them. To maintain a balanced engagement rate, use at least three non-controversial and non-banned Instagram hashtags from a selection of twenty trending topics.
No.7: Buying followers on Instagram and its risks
Buying followers, likes or comments might appear to be a quick way to make an account look popular, but in reality, it is far more damaging than it is beneficial. Instagram’s advanced algorithms are extremely good at spotting inauthentic activity, and accounts that pay for followers or likes are often punished. Fake engagement doesn't just dilute credibility; it suppresses the organic reach as well, making it nearly impossible for a brand to grow a real following. Instagram’s periodic purges of fake accounts mean that purchased followers often vanish within weeks, leaving users with fewer followers and no increase in meaningful engagement.
Fake engagement penalties on Instagram
The problems don’t end there. Instagram’s algorithm punishes accounts who use fake engagement by preventing their posts from being seen. This shadowban-esque move means that content is less likely to show up in follower feeds, or in explore pages, making organic growth close to impossible.
No.8: Posting Too Frequently or Inconsistently
Posting too often can annoy followers, and also spam filters can kick in, resulting in reduced reach or action blocks. On the other hand, long bouts of inactivity can also negatively impact engagement rates and make it harder to re-enter the public consciousness.
Fine-tuning your superpower requires a posting schedule tailored to your audience’s tastes. Use content calendars and scheduling tools to ensure that you post consistently while not bombarding followers with constant contents.
Using third-party apps that claim to provide analytics insights, engagement boosts or scheduling help can violate Instagram’s terms of service. Unauthorized apps can expose the account to security risks that might automatically restrict or suspend your account.
Use only Instagram-approved tools to stay safe. To safeguard your account’s integrity, routinely check and revoke access to shared apps through Instagram’s settings.
No.10: Accumulating Too Many Reports
If multiple people click that your content is harmful or inappropriate, or if multiple people click that your account violates community guidelines, Instagram is more likely to take action — even if false reports. Controversial debates for engagement, trolling, or aggressive marketing may result in user complaints and account suspension.
Professional Instagram unban services for suspended accounts
The ideal approach to avoid getting reports is to keep interactions positive and make sure all content aligns with Instagram’s guidelines. But if you are restricted for the wrongful reason, professional help can reduce the waiting time. InstaDeal provides specialized Unban Instagram services that assist users in quickly appealing suspensions and recovering their accounts. With years of experience, we’ll expertly handle your case and maximize your chances of success.
Final Thoughts: Reasons For Instagram Account Bans
Keeping a good account on Instagram isn’t just about posting right—the key is to be following the rules of the platform and being authentically engaged. This may lead you to bypass the guidelines to get to where you dream of being, quick, but that is often followed with restrictions on the account, thus long-term success becomes harder. By avoiding these common mistakes and following best practices, you can keep your Instagram account active, visible, and engaging for years to come.
