Banned Hashtags on Instagram

Ron Azogui

CTO & Co-founder at Spikerz

Published -

May 22, 2024

Instagram (IG) serves as a vibrant stage for both personal expression and strategic marketing efforts. To promote a secure and engaging online environment, the platform enforces various guidelines, including the prohibition of specific hashtags. These "Instagram blocked hashtags" are predominantly targeted to mitigate the dissemination of unsuitable content, reduce spam, and prevent abusive behaviors.

This blog will look at the issues behind banned hashtags. The purpose is to shed light on the challenges faced by social media platforms in regulating content without stifling user creativity. By providing the lists of restricted hashtags and examining the implications of these bans, this article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of Instagram's efforts.

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Understanding Instagram's Hashtag Bans

Exploring IG's hashtag bans is important for anyone who wants to optimize their presence on the platform without breaching its content policies. This section looks into what exactly constitutes a banned hashtag, why Instagram restricts certain tags, and the direct impact these bans have on users' content visibility and engagement.

What are Banned Hashtags?

Banned hashtags on Instagram refer to those tags that the platform has either completely blocked or significantly limited in usage. This action is typically taken when a hashtag is repeatedly used with content that violates the platform’s community standards. This content includes posts that are offensive, harmful, or spammy. The aim is to deter users from promoting such content and maintain the quality and safety of the platform.

Banning a hashtag begins when it becomes predominantly linked to undesirable content. These instances draw the attention of IG's moderation systems. Algorithms and user reports play a crucial role in identifying such hashtags. The reports are then scrutinized and potentially added to the banned list if found to create negative interactions or distribute prohibited material repeatedly. This mechanism helps the platform secure for all users to provide a positive social media experience.

Once a hashtag is banned, any posts featuring it are either hidden or severely restricted in their reach. This prohibition can inadvertently affect users unaware of the ban. Regular users, marketers, and influencers need to stay updated on which hashtags are currently banned to avoid unintentional penalties. The dynamic nature of social media means that the list of banned hashtags can frequently change. Users must adapt their strategies and remain vigilant about the content they share.ֿ

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Banned Hashtags in 2024

It might surprise you to know that seemingly innocent hashtags like #beautyblogger or #valentinesday have been restricted at times because they were misused to share content that violates Instagram's community guidelines. Other examples include seemingly benign tags like #eggplant and #tgif, which have been used to distribute spam or offensive content.

The following lists are the banned hashtags this year taken from Kicksta.com:

#abdl
#addmysc
#adulting
#alone
#always
#armparty
#asiangirl
#ass
#assday
#assworship
#attractive

#babe
#bbc
#beautyblogger (#beautybloggers works.)
#beautydirectory
#besties
#bikinibody
#boho
#books
#brain

#costumes
#cpr
#curvy
#curvygirls
#customers

#date
#dating
#desk
#direct
#dm
#daddylove
#dogsofinstagram

#easter
#edm
#eggplant
#eggplantparm
#elevator

#fishnets
#fitnessgirls
#followforfollow

#girlsonly
#gloves
#goddess
#graffitiigers

#happythanksgiving
#hardworkpaysoff (#hardworkpaysoff💪 is ok.)
#hawks
#hotweather
#humpday
#hustler

#ice
#ig
#ilovemyinstagram
#instababy
#instamood
#instasport
#iphonegraphy
#italiano

#kansas (**Note: #kansascity works.)
#kickoff
#killingit
#kissing

#l4l
#lean
#like
#likeback
#likeforlike
#lingerie
#livinforalivin
#loseweight
#lulu

#master
#mileycyrus
#milf
#mirrorphoto
#models
#mustfollow

#nasty
#newyears
#newyearsday
#nudity

#overnight

#parties
#petite
#pornfood
#prettygirl
#publicrelations
#puppydogmondays
#pushups

#rate
#ravens

#saltwater
#samelove
#selfharm
#sexworker
#single
#singlelife
#skateboarding
#skype
#snap
#snapchat
#snowstorm
#sopretty
#stranger
#streetphoto
#stud
#sunbathing
#swole
#shower
#shit

#tag4like
#tagsforlikes
#tanlines
#todayimwearing
#teens
#teen
#tgif
#thought
#todayimwearing
#treasurethesemoments

#undies
#underage

#valentinesday

#woman
#womancrushwednesday
#women
#workflow
#wtf

#Youngmodel

Meanwhile, soravjain.com also published its list, but many just replicate the list from above. Still, you can check out the page to see if the hashtag you will be using is blocked.

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The Impact of Using Banned Hashtags

The consequences of using banned hashtags on Instagram can be significant and far-reaching for users.

Decreased Reach and Visibility

Using a banned hashtag can significantly decrease the reach of your posts. Instagram's algorithm may hide or limit the visibility of any content associated with these tags. This affects the problematic post and potentially the visibility of your entire account.

As a result, even high-quality content that inadvertently includes a banned hashtag might not appear in followers' feeds or on discovery pages, which reduces user engagement and interaction opportunities. This could also lead to a decrease in followers and a negative impact on overall account performance.

Risks of Shadowbanning

The use of banned hashtags can lead to 'shadowbanning,' where users are unaware that their content is being restricted. This can be frustrating for content creators and businesses that rely on Instagram for engagement and audience growth. When shadowbanned, posts do not appear on anyone's feed except for those who already follow the account, drastically limiting the ability to reach new audiences. Moreover, this type of ban is not officially acknowledged by Instagram, leaving users confused and without clear recourse to restore their account's visibility.

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How to Identify Banned Hashtags

Identifying banned hashtags is crucial for maintaining the reach and effectiveness of your Instagram content. Here, we explore various strategies and tools that can help you detect which hashtags are currently restricted or completely banned by the platform.

Regularly Update Your Hashtag Lists

To avoid using banned hashtags, it's crucial to regularly update your hashtag lists. Keep an eye on the engagement levels of your posts, as a sudden drop might indicate that you've used a problematic tag.

Additionally, actively participating in Instagram communities and following industry leaders can alert you to changes in hashtag trends and bans. Staying informed through these channels ensures that your content remains compliant and visible to your audience.

Use Hashtag Tools

There are several online tools and apps available that can help you identify which hashtags are currently banned or restricted on Instagram. These tools analyze various hashtags and provide updates on which ones to avoid.

For instance, Spikerz offers specialized tools tailored for Instagram users. Spikerz's Banned Hashtag Tool allows you to check your entire account for problematic tags, while the Banned Hashtag Checker can analyze individual hashtags. Using these resources can significantly improve your posting strategy, ensuring compliance and enhancing post visibility. They are easy to use and give the results almost in an instant.

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Last Words

Learning about banned hashtags on Instagram is more than just avoiding certain tags. It’s about understanding the broader implications these restrictions have on your digital strategy and the integrity of your online presence.

As Instagram continues to grow and adapt, staying informed and vigilant about hashtag health is indispensable. By leveraging tools like Spikerz and keeping a proactive approach to hashtag usage, you can ensure that your content not only reaches its intended audience but does so in a manner that is both safe and compliant with Instagram's evolving policies.

Ready to clean up your hashtag strategy? Check your account with Spikerz's Banned Hashtag Tool and analyze your tags with the Banned Hashtag Checker today to keep your posts visible and engaging!

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FAQs

What are the most common reasons a hashtag might be banned on Instagram?

Hashtags typically get banned on Instagram when they are frequently associated with content that violates the platform's community guidelines. This can include spammy behavior, promoting inappropriate or harmful content, or facilitating abusive interactions among users.

How can businesses ensure their social media marketing doesn't suffer from banned hashtags?

Businesses should regularly review their social media strategies and hashtag usage to ensure compliance with platform guidelines. Keeping up-to-date with the latest hashtag trends and using tools to monitor hashtag health can prevent potential drops in engagement and visibility.

Can using a banned hashtag affect my Instagram account long-term?

Yes, consistently using banned hashtags can lead to long-term consequences such as decreased post reach, shadowbanning, and even permanent restrictions on your account if the behavior continues to violate Instagram's policies.

How can Spikerz help resolve issues related to banned hashtags on Instagram?

Spikerz offers tools like the Banned Hashtag Checker which can analyze individual hashtags and your entire account for any tags that might be problematic. This preemptive measure helps users avoid using banned hashtags that could restrict their post visibility and overall account health.

Are there any automated tools to help detect risky hashtags before posting on Instagram?

Yes, there are automated tools designed to identify risky hashtags before you use them in your posts. These tools, including Spikerz’s suite of services, analyze hashtags in real-time, providing alerts if a hashtag is potentially harmful or banned, thus ensuring safer social media practices.