Banned Hashtags on Instagram – 140+ Not Allowed Hashtags

If you want to create a post or plan a social media marketing strategy, you will likely include hashtags in your captions.

When implemented correctly, your use of hashtags while sharing posts can enhance the overall traffic to your account and maximize engagement.

However, there is a distinction between using banned hashtags and using accurate hashtags. Did you know that there is even a list of banned hashtags on Instagram?

Comprehensive List of All Banned Instagram Hashtags

Currently, the list of banned hashtags on Instagram is quite extensive. In fact, there are now too many banned hashtags, making it challenging to stay updated on them.

If you are developing your Instagram hashtag marketing strategy, use only relevant hashtags. If you choose to use irrelevant hashtags, you risk using hashtags that Instagram has banned. It is essential to avoid banned hashtags at all times.

If you need a complete list of currently banned hashtags, here it is:

What Exactly Are Banned Hashtags on Instagram?

Banned Instagram hashtags refer to a specific list of hashtags that have been prohibited on Instagram. There are multiple reasons why hashtags may be banned.

Instagram’s policies have evolved significantly over the years. The goal has been, remains, and will continue to be to provide users and creators with a safe environment for sharing their content.

Given that hashtags are widely used by many accounts, there are instances where they are employed for inappropriate reasons.

Why Are Hashtags Banned?

Any questionable activities that may be harmful, cause issues, or violate human rights will result in the termination or restriction of the users’ accounts.

The same applies to hashtags. There are several reasons why hashtags may ultimately be banned on Instagram.

Seemingly innocent hashtag names are being used as cover-ups. Behind these simple hashtags, one would never suspect that an individual or an organized group could have the most insidious and cruel intentions.

1. Inappropriate Content

Both Meta and Instagram have a strict policy that prohibits posting inappropriate content. Any imagery that contains nudity or depicts violence violates Instagram’s community guidelines.

Once Instagram has made this clear, some users have continuously and repeatedly posted this type of content using ordinary Instagram hashtags.

Following numerous reports from other Instagram users concerned about their own safety and that of their children, certain hashtags have been permanently banned.

2. Self-Harm

It is important to note that an increasing number of younger individuals have access to Instagram today. A brief search on the explore tab is sufficient to encounter content that can influence the behavior and actions of young viewers.

Hashtags can sometimes be used to promote content that features very disturbing posts.

Instagram is implementing measures to safeguard vulnerable teens and individuals from exposure to content that may trigger self-harm and suicidal tendencies.

Explore Instagram’s Safety page.

3. Sexual Services and Organized Crime

Instagram is facing two significant problems, and you may unknowingly be using one of the banned hashtags related to this issue.

Accounts are being created in which individuals or entire groups offer sexual services or other types of illegal services, potentially involving many innocent Instagram users without their knowledge.

I hate to break it to you, but there are lists of banned Instagram hashtags, and unfortunately, that list is constantly changing. Even generic hashtags you may have already encountered can end up on the banned hashtag list.

Many community reports are bringing the problems to Instagram’s attention.

On the bright side, there are websites where individuals are dedicated to researching, managing, and analyzing reports from thousands of users regarding the Instagram algorithm to identify problematic posts and hashtags.

A method to keep yourself informed about the latest banned Instagram hashtags is to utilize third-party apps and websites. Before you create your post or develop your hashtag strategy, you can visit the website Banned Hashtags.

4. Instagram Bots

Some might argue that Instagram bots are a nuisance on social media platforms.

They are essentially fake Instagram accounts. Believe it or not, there are currently 95 million of these accounts on Instagram.

Have you ever wondered about the difference between real followers and bots?

Real followers, regardless of their follower count, have gained their following through organic reach, while bots typically follow thousands of accounts but have few to no accounts following them back.

Instagram’s bots contribute to the issue of banned hashtags, as many of them are excessively following posts and hashtags with malicious intent.

Visit the website Shield if you have any of these fake followers in your follower list.

Influencers Purchasing Followers

A significant issue that is currently being widely discussed is the practice of many popular influencers and even celebrities ‘buying’ fake accounts to inflate their follower count, rather than naturally and organically engaging with their target audience.

Before you take advice from an influencer, conduct some research on them and how they acquire new followers.

Not everything that glitters is gold, and some influencers have merely paid a specific amount of money to be promoted or to present themselves as creators with a substantial following.

5. Instagram’s Rules

Instagram has made it abundantly clear what is prohibited and not allowed. Always strive to adhere to Instagram’s community guidelines as a creator.

Hate speech, spammy content, and the use of banned hashtags can lead to a permanent ban. Therefore, the reality is that using banned hashtags can damage your account.

Sometimes, just one post of the wrong kind can land you in trouble.

Instagram’s investigations are ongoing, and the improper use of hashtags can lead to account termination or result in users being shadow-banned.

An increasing number of users are becoming aware of this.

You can review Instagram’s Terms of Use and Meta’s Platform Policy.

Shadow-banning

If a user engages in specific activities repeatedly over a period, Instagram’s algorithm may recognize this behavior as bot-like and spammy. In such cases, the account could face an Instagram shadowban lasting 14 days.

If this happens to you, don’t worry! Avoid messaging, liking posts, or replying to comments. Log off for a few days and resume posting once the Instagram shadowban has been lifted.

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