Written by: Jules Samuel | Est. 8 min.

Have you noticed a sudden drop in your Instagram engagement? Or perhaps your posts aren’t showing up under hashtags anymore? You could be facing a shadowban. In some cases, Instagram may even suspend your account altogether, making it inaccessible. Both shadowbans and suspensions can be frustrating, especially if you rely on Instagram for your brand, business, or content creation.
But don’t worry—you can take steps to appeal a shadowban or suspension, and get your account back on track. In this guide, we’ll break down what these terms mean, why they happen (including the aftermath of ordering fake accounts), and how you can restore your Instagram presence.
How to Identify if You’ve Been Shadowbanned
A shadowban is when Instagram limits the visibility of your posts without notifying you. While your account remains active, Instagram’s algorithm quietly restricts your reach, making it difficult for your followers—or anyone else—to see your content.
Signs of a Shadowban
Here are some common signs that you’ve been shadowbanned:
- Your posts don’t appear under hashtags: A major sign of a shadowban is that your posts no longer show up under the hashtags you use, even though they are correctly applied.
- Sudden drop in engagement: If you notice a sharp decline in likes, comments, or shares, it could be due to a shadowban.
- No reach beyond current followers: Your content may only be visible to your current followers, limiting its reach to new audiences.
How to Confirm a Shadowban
To confirm if you’ve been shadowbanned:
- Check your posts from another account: Ask a friend (who doesn’t follow you) to search the hashtags you’ve used and check if your posts appear. If they don’t, you may be shadowbanned.
- Hashtag testing: Create a new post with a small, uncommon hashtag. Then, search for that hashtag from a different account. If your post doesn’t appear, it’s likely your account is shadowbanned.
How to Appeal a Shadowban on Instagram

Once you’ve identified that you’re shadowbanned, it’s crucial to take action. Fortunately, appealing a shadowban on Instagram is possible, and many users successfully restore their visibility with the right steps.
Step 1: Stop Suspicious Activity
Before you begin the appeal process, it’s essential to stop any activity that could have triggered the shadowban. Common activities that Instagram flags include:
- Buying fake followers: Instagram’s algorithm can detect inauthentic followers, which may lead to a shadowban.
- Using third-party apps: Any unauthorized apps that automate engagement (likes, follows, etc.) could also trigger a ban.
- Spamming hashtags: Overusing the same hashtags on every post or using banned hashtags can result in a shadowban.
To avoid further penalties, remove fake followers and cease using any suspicious apps or practices.
Step 2: Report the Issue to Instagram
The next step is to report the shadowban to Instagram. Here’s how:
- Go to the Help Center: In the Instagram app, navigate to your profile and tap the menu (three horizontal lines). Select Settings, then go to Help > Report a Problem.
- Explain the Situation: In your report, be honest about what may have caused the shadowban. If you’ve bought fake followers in the past, acknowledge it and explain that you’ve taken steps to correct the problem (such as removing fake accounts).
- Submit the Report: After explaining your issue, submit the report and wait for a response from Instagram.
Step 3: Contact Instagram Support
In addition to reporting the problem through the app, you can also contact Instagram Support online:
- Visit the Instagram Help Center on their website.
- Submit an inquiry or request for support explaining that you’ve been shadowbanned.
- Include screenshots or any evidence that your account has been affected (e.g., showing posts not appearing under hashtags).
Instagram will typically respond within a few days, though it may take longer in some cases.
Follow Up on Your Appeal
If you don’t hear back from Instagram after a week or two, don’t hesitate to submit another report or reach out again. Persistence can be key in getting the issue resolved, especially if Instagram’s support team is backlogged with similar reports.
How to Recover from an Instagram Suspension

An Instagram suspension is more severe than a shadowban. When your account is suspended, you may lose access to your profile entirely, and your content becomes invisible to everyone. A suspension usually occurs when Instagram believes your account has severely violated their guidelines, such as repeated use of fake followers or spammy behavior.
Difference Between a Shadowban and Suspension
- A shadowban limits your account’s reach but still allows you to post and access Instagram.
- A suspension completely locks you out of your account, restricting your access and visibility to followers.
Steps to Appeal a Suspension
If your account has been suspended, you’ll need to go through a formal appeal process. Here’s how:
- Submit an Appeal Form: Instagram will provide an appeal form when your account is suspended. If you can’t access your account, you’ll receive a prompt to submit this form when attempting to log in.
- Explain the Situation: In the appeal form, explain what happened. Be transparent—if the suspension was due to buying fake followers or using unauthorized apps, acknowledge it and state that you’ve corrected these issues. Instagram values honesty in these cases.
- Await Review: Once the form is submitted, Instagram will review your appeal. This can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the suspension and the volume of appeals they’re handling.
How Long It Takes to Get a Response
While Instagram typically responds to appeals within a few days, it’s important to be patient. If you haven’t heard back after two weeks, consider following up through the Help Center.
Preventing Future Shadowbans or Suspensions
The best way to avoid future shadowbans or suspensions is to follow Instagram’s rules and maintain authentic engagement. Here are some tips:
Avoid Using Bots or Third-Party Apps
Instagram’s algorithm flags the use of bots or unauthorized apps that automate actions such as following, liking, or commenting. These actions can easily result in a shadowban or suspension, so avoid using any third-party apps that promise to boost engagement artificially.
Follow Instagram’s Community Guidelines
Make sure you regularly review and comply with Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service. This includes:
- Avoiding the use of spammy tactics like overusing hashtags.
- Only using authorized apps and tools that comply with Instagram’s terms.
- Maintaining authentic interactions with your followers.
Engage Authentically
The best way to stay in Instagram’s good graces is by creating authentic content and engaging genuinely with your audience. Respond to comments, participate in discussions, and focus on building meaningful connections instead of focusing solely on growing your follower count.
Regular Account Audits
Conduct regular audits of your account to ensure no suspicious activity is happening behind the scenes. Use tools to monitor follower quality and engagement, making sure your account remains healthy and compliant.
Tools to Monitor and Improve Account Health
There are several tools that can help you monitor the health of your Instagram account, ensuring you don’t get flagged for suspicious activity:
- Iconosquare: This tool offers in-depth analytics to monitor engagement metrics, follower growth, and content performance. It helps identify any potential red flags early on.
- HypeAuditor: Use this tool to analyze your follower base and check for fake followers, bots, or suspicious activity that could lead to a shadowban or suspension.
- Social Blade: Another great tool for tracking follower quality and engagement metrics. It helps spot sudden changes in follower growth that may signal fake accounts.
These tools provide insights that can help you prevent future bans and keep your account performing at its best.
What to Do While Waiting for Appeal Resolution
While you’re waiting for Instagram to review your appeal, there are still things you can do to keep your account active and engaged with your audience:
Continue Posting Authentic Content
Even if your account is shadowbanned, it’s essential to continue posting authentic, high-quality content. Focus on engaging with your existing followers through Stories, Reels, and direct interactions.
Engage with Your Followers
Keep interacting with your audience by responding to comments and messages. While your posts might have reduced visibility, staying active helps maintain relationships with your current followers.
Stay Positive and Be Patient
Appealing a shadowban or suspension can take time, but it’s important to remain patient and follow the steps outlined in this guide. If you’ve corrected the behavior that led to the issue, there’s a good chance Instagram will restore your account.
Conclusion
Being shadowbanned or suspended on Instagram can be stressful, but with the right steps, you can recover. By stopping suspicious activities, appealing directly to Instagram, and following their guidelines moving forward, you can restore your account’s visibility and prevent future issues. Remember, authenticity and patience are key to long-term success on Instagram.
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