If you’ve tagged #sopretty, #snapchat or #happythanksgiving in a recent post and wonder why your engagement has dropped, it’s probably because Instagram has restricted the use of those hashtags. And whatever you do, don’t tag #girlsofinstagram, #popular or #like – all three are completely banned from the platform.
It’s understandable why certain hashtags of inappropriate and explicit nature are forbidden from Instagram, but why are tags like #kansas and #streetphoto on the list???
Nobody is 100% certain, but some netizens speculate if there is a lot of activity surrounding a particular hashtag (i.e. holiday-related hashtags) Instagram will restrict it. It could also have something to do with Instagram’s recent crackdown on bots and other third-party engagement growth software. Either way, you’re best off avoiding any restricted tags.
How do you check to see if a hashtag is restricted? Easy.
Search for the hashtag in Instagram. We’re using #saltwater as an example below.
Click on it and scroll through the hashtag’s feed. You might even be able to see a few posts tagged with the hashtag.
You will only be able to get through about 36 images before coming across a message at the bottom from Instagram (“Recent posts from [insert hashtag] are currently hidden . . . ”) See example below.
That’s how you know if that hashtag is restricted on Instagram.
Avoid using restricted hashtags, to prevent yourself from being shadowbanned from Instagram. If you end up using a restricted hashtag accidentally, don’t stress. It might affect your engagement rates for a period of time, but you won’t indefinitely be banned from Instagram.
And what about a banned hashtag? Simple.
It simply won’t show up when you try to search for it in Instagram.
As of November 2017, here’s an updated list of a few (unexpected) restricted hashtags . . .
#boho
#bombshell
#goddess
#costumes
#tanlines
#humpday
#brain
#saltwater
#petitie
#curvy
#singlelife
#desk
#elevator
#streetphoto
#books
#newyears
#saltwater
#todayimwearing
#snapchat
#skype
#shesquats
#pushups
#easter
#kansas
#streetphoto
#curvy
#hairychest
#ineedhelplol
#girlsofinstagram
#popular
#like
#happythanksgiving
#sopretty
Have you been shadowbanned from Instagram by accidentally using a restricted hashtag? Let us know in the comments below.