Banned Hashtags on Instagram – 140+ Not Allowed Hashtags

If you want to create a post or develop a social media marketing strategy, you will likely incorporate hashtags into your captions.

When implemented correctly, using hashtags while sharing posts can boost overall traffic to your account and maximize engagement.

However, there is a difference between using banned hashtags and using appropriate hashtags. Did you know that Instagram even maintains a list of banned hashtags?

Comprehensive List of All Banned Instagram Hashtags

Currently, the list of banned hashtags on Instagram is quite extensive. In fact, there are now so many banned hashtags that it is challenging to keep up with them.

When developing your Instagram hashtag marketing strategy, use only relevant hashtags. Choosing irrelevant hashtags may lead to the use of hashtags that Instagram has banned. It is crucial to avoid banned hashtags at all times.

If you require a comprehensive 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 several reasons why hashtags may be banned.

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

Given that many accounts widely use hashtags, there are instances where they are employed for inappropriate purposes.

Why Are Hashtags Banned?

Any questionable activities that could be harmful, cause problems, or violate human rights will lead to the termination or restriction of users’ accounts.

The same is true for hashtags. There are several reasons why hashtags may eventually be banned on Instagram.

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

1. Inappropriate Content

Both Meta and Instagram enforce a strict policy against posting inappropriate content. Any images that feature nudity or depict violence are in violation of Instagram’s community guidelines.

Once Instagram made this clear, some users have consistently and repeatedly posted this type of content using common Instagram hashtags.

In response to numerous reports from other Instagram users worried about their 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 now have access to Instagram. A quick search on the explore tab is enough to come across content that can influence the behavior and actions of young viewers.

Hashtags can occasionally be used to promote content that includes highly disturbing posts.

Instagram is taking steps to protect vulnerable teens and individuals from being exposed to content that could trigger self-harm and suicidal thoughts.

Visit Instagram’s Safety page.

3. Sexual Services and Organized Crime

Instagram is encountering two major problems, and you might be unknowingly using one of the banned hashtags associated with this issue.

Accounts are being created where individuals or entire groups offer sexual services or other illegal services, potentially implicating many innocent Instagram users without their knowledge.

I regret to inform you that there are lists of banned Instagram hashtags, and unfortunately, this list is continually changing. Even generic hashtags that you may have already come across can find themselves on the banned hashtag list.

Numerous community reports are highlighting the issues to Instagram.

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

A way to stay updated on the latest banned Instagram hashtags is by using third-party apps and websites. Before you create your post or formulate your hashtag strategy, you can visit the website Banned Hashtags.

4. Instagram Bots

Some may contend that Instagram bots are a nuisance on social media platforms.

These are essentially fake Instagram accounts. Believe it or not, there are currently 95 million such accounts on Instagram.

Have you ever considered the difference between real followers and bots?

Real followers, regardless of their follower count, have built their following through organic reach, whereas bots often follow thousands of accounts but have few or no followers in return.

Instagram’s bots exacerbate the problem of banned hashtags, as many of them excessively follow posts and hashtags with harmful intent.

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

Influencers Buying Followers

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

Before following advice from an influencer, research their background and how they gain new followers.

Not everything that glitters is gold, and some influencers have simply paid a certain amount of money to be promoted or to portray themselves as creators with a significant following.

5. Instagram’s Rules

Instagram has clearly outlined what is prohibited and not allowed. Always aim to follow Instagram’s community guidelines as a creator.

Hate speech, spammy content, and the use of banned hashtags can result in a permanent ban. Consequently, using banned hashtags can harm your account.

Sometimes, a single post of the wrong type can get you into trouble.

Instagram’s investigations are ongoing, and the misuse of hashtags can lead to account termination or cause users to be shadow-banned.

A growing 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 repeatedly engages in specific activities over time, Instagram’s algorithm may identify this behavior as bot-like and spammy. In such instances, the account could experience an Instagram shadowban lasting 14 days.

If this occurs, 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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