What is Shadowbanning?
Shadowbanning occurs when Instagram limits the visibility of your posts without notifying you directly. This can result in reduced reach and engagement, particularly when using hashtags, as your posts may no longer appear in hashtag feeds or be visible to non-followers. Instagram employs shadowbanning as part of its efforts to reduce spammy or inauthentic activity on the platform.
Why You’re Safe with Hopper HQ
At Hopper HQ, we take your account’s security very seriously. We use the official Instagram API, which means that your posts are published in accordance with Instagram’s guidelines. To be clear, any content you publish through Hopper HQ is recognised by Instagram as coming from an official partner, ensuring that your account stays compliant with Instagram's terms of service.
We continuously monitor Instagram’s spam logic, which evolves over time, to ensure that your account remains safe while using Hopper HQ. We are proud to offer a platform that adheres to Instagram's best practices.
Common Causes of Shadowbanning
While Hopper HQ ensures compliance, there are other factors that could increase your risk of shadowbanning, including:
Using too many hashtags, irrelevant or repetitive hashtags.
Third-party engagement tools, analytics apps, or follow/unfollow apps that don’t comply with Instagram’s terms.
Posting too frequently or engaging in repetitive behaviours (like using the same first comment on every post).
How to Improve Your Post Engagement and Avoid Shadowbanning
To maximise engagement and reduce the risk of shadowbanning, here are some tips:
Avoid scheduling posts for on-the-hour times: Many Instagram users schedule their posts at exactly 12:00 or 3:00, for instance, which leads to a flood of content at these times. Posts made at off-peak times (like 12:12 or 3:07) can experience better engagement since they face less competition.
Diversify your hashtag strategy: Instead of using the same set of hashtags for every post, aim for 3-15 highly targeted hashtags and try splitting them between your caption and the first comment.
Keep your first comments unique: Using the same first comment on all your posts can trigger Instagram's spam filters. Varying your comments helps ensure that your content remains authentic.
Still Concerned? Let Us Help!
Instagram’s spam filters and shadowbanning policies can be tricky to predict, but our team is always here to assist. If you have concerns or want further advice on how to optimise your posting strategy, feel free to reach out. We're here to help you protect your account and ensure maximum engagement with your content! 😊