Instagram Account Restrictions and Bans: How to Avoid Them, Appeal, and Restore Your Account

Instagram is one of the most influential platforms for businesses, creators, and individuals. However, account restrictions and bans can disrupt your digital presence, causing loss of followers, engagement, and potential revenue. Whether you’re a business leveraging Instagram for marketing or a creator connecting with your audience, understanding Instagram’s rules and how to manage account issues is essential.

This guide provides comprehensive insights into Instagram account restrictions and bans, how to avoid them, best practices in account management, and the steps to appeal and restore your account. We’ll also discuss how tools like Postly, an approved Instagram content scheduler, can help maintain compliance with Instagram’s policies.

Why Instagram Restricts or Bans Accounts

Instagram enforces strict guidelines to ensure a safe and authentic experience for its users. Common reasons for restrictions or bans include:

1. Violating Community Guidelines:
   • Sharing inappropriate content (e.g., violence, hate speech, nudity).
   • Engaging in harassment or spamming other users.
   • Promoting misleading or harmful content.
2. Learn more about Instagram’s Community Guidelines.
3. Using Automation or Bots:
   • Automating actions like liking, following, or commenting using unapproved tools.
   • Spamming messages or repetitive content.
   • Behaving in ways that mimic non-human activity.
4. Exceeding Action Limits:
   • Following/unfollowing too many accounts in a short period.
   • Liking or commenting excessively, triggering Instagram’s spam filters.
5. Copyright Violations:
   • Posting content without proper rights or attribution.
6. Security Concerns:
   • Logging in from multiple locations or using suspicious third-party apps.
   • Accounts flagged for suspicious activity or hacking attempts.
7. Follow/Unfollow Limits

New Accounts:

1. New Accounts:
   • If your account is less than 3 months old, the limit is 100–150 follows/unfollows per day.
   • Spread these actions throughout the day to avoid being flagged for suspicious activity.
2. Established Accounts:
   • For accounts older than 3 months, the limit is around 200–400 follows/unfollows per day.
   • Again, avoid performing all these actions in a short time span.
3. Hourly Limits
   1. Instagram typically allows up to 30 follows/unfollows per hour, regardless of account age.
   2. Exceeding this limit can trigger temporary restrictions or warnings.

Best Practices

1. Avoid Sudden Spikes:
   • Gradually increase your follow/unfollow activities to prevent Instagram’s algorithm from flagging your account.
2. Engage Meaningfully:
   • Pair follows with genuine interactions, like liking or commenting on posts, to maintain authenticity.
3. Use Approved Tools:
   • Use tools like Postly, which adheres to Instagram’s official guidelines and ensures compliance with action limits.

Consequences of Exceeding Limits

• Temporary Blocks: Instagram may prevent you from performing actions like following or unfollowing for 24–48 hours.
• Account Restrictions: Repeated violations can lead to longer restrictions or a flagged account.
• Permanent Ban: Severe or repeated abuse of follow/unfollow limits can result in account suspension.

By staying within Instagram’s limits and maintaining authentic engagement, you can grow your account safely and sustainably.

• If your account is less than 3 months old, the limit is 100–150 follows/unfollows per day.
• Spread these actions throughout the day to avoid being flagged for suspicious activity.
1. Established Accounts:
   • For accounts older than 3 months, the limit is around 200–400 follows/unfollows per day.
   • Again, avoid performing all these actions in a short time span.

How to Avoid Instagram Restrictions and Bans

Preventing account restrictions starts with adhering to Instagram’s guidelines and best practices. Here’s how to keep your account safe:

1. Use Official Tools Like Postly

Postly is an Instagram-approved content scheduler that uses the official Meta API. Unlike unapproved automation tools, Postly adheres to Instagram’s policies, enabling you to:

• Schedule posts, Stories, and Reels seamlessly.
• Upload and publish content in bulk, maintaining consistent activity without violating action limits.
• Manage multiple accounts efficiently, ensuring compliance.

2. Post High-Quality, Relevant Content

• Avoid controversial or inappropriate topics.
• Follow copyright rules by only sharing content you own or have permission to use.
• Create engaging posts, Stories, and Reels that add value to your audience.

3. Avoid Automation Abuse

• Do not use bots to increase followers, likes, or comments.
• Limit actions such as mass following/unfollowing or liking hundreds of posts in a short time.

4. Stay Within Action Limits

• Follow Instagram’s daily limits for likes, follows, and comments.
• New accounts should avoid excessive activity to prevent being flagged as spammy.

5. Protect Your Account

• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Avoid logging in from multiple locations or suspicious devices.
• Use secure passwords and keep your account information private.

6. Monitor Your Account Activity

• Regularly check Instagram Insights for unusual patterns in engagement or follower growth.
• Use Postly’s analytics tools to track performance trends and ensure compliance.

How to Appeal a Restricted or Banned Account

If your account is restricted or banned, you can appeal directly to Instagram. Here’s how:

Step 1: Understand the Reason

• Review the notification or email from Instagram explaining the restriction or ban.
• Check if you’ve violated Community Guidelines or Terms of Use.

Step 2: Submit an Appeal

• For restricted accounts:
  1. Open the Instagram app and log in.
  2. Follow the prompts on the restriction notification to appeal.
• For disabled accounts:
  1. Visit Instagram’s appeal form.
  2. Provide your account details and explain why the restriction/ban was unwarranted.

Step 3: Be Honest and Polite

• Clearly explain your case without being confrontational.
• If it was an error, emphasize your commitment to following Instagram’s policies.

Step 4: Wait for a Response

• Instagram typically takes a few days to review appeals. Check your email or app notifications for updates.

How to Restore a Restricted or Banned Account

Restoring your account may require additional steps beyond appealing. Follow these measures to regain access:

1. Verify Your Identity

• Instagram may request identity verification. Submit the required documents promptly.

2. Resolve Security Issues

• If flagged for suspicious activity, change your password and secure your account.
• Remove unapproved third-party apps.

3. Follow Up

• If you don’t hear back within a reasonable timeframe, resubmit your appeal or contact Instagram support through this form.

4. Rebuild Your Activity Gradually

• Once restored, avoid excessive activity immediately.
• Use tools like Postly to schedule and manage consistent, compliant content.

Common Questions About Instagram Restrictions

1. How Long Does an Instagram Restriction Last?

• Temporary restrictions can last from a few hours to several days, depending on the severity of the violation.
• Permanent bans require appeals to reverse.

2. Can a Business Account Be Restored After a Ban?

• Yes, business accounts can be restored if you can prove the ban was a mistake or if the violation was minor.

3. How Can Postly Help Prevent Restrictions?

• Postly ensures compliance by using the official Meta API for Instagram.
• Its scheduling and bulk upload tools allow businesses to manage accounts without triggering spam filters.

References

1. Instagram Community Guidelines
2. Meta Business Help Center
3. How to Appeal a Disabled Instagram Account

Conclusion

Instagram account restrictions and bans can be disruptive, but they are often preventable. By following Instagram’s guidelines, using approved tools like Postly, and maintaining consistent, high-quality content, you can reduce the risk of restrictions and ensure a seamless experience. If issues arise, knowing how to appeal and restore your account ensures you can get back to engaging with your audience quickly.

Take proactive steps to protect your account, and let Postly streamline your Instagram content management for maximum compliance and efficiency.