As of 2024, Instagram has put restrictions on entire hashtag lists. This means that users can no longer utilize a huge number of hashtags in a single post, as they could previously.
The purpose of this update is to improve the user experience and reduce spam. By restricting the number of hashtags, Instagram hopes to keep users from becoming flooded with irrelevant information and to make the platform more fun to use.
It's worth noting that the exact amount of hashtags allowed differs, but users are generally limited to fewer than before.
Types of Banned Hashtags on Instagram in 2024
Instagram has set strong criteria to ensure a safe and enjoyable user experience. As a result, specific hashtags have been blocked or limited. Here are some common banned hashtags:
1. Offensive and Hateful Content:
- Hate speech: Any language that promotes discrimination, hatred, or violence against individuals or groups based on race, religion, ethnicity, nationality, sexual orientation, gender identity, or disability.
- Bullying and harassment: Content that targets or attacks individuals or groups.
- Threats of violence: Any language that suggests harm or violence.
2. Prohibited Activities:
- Illegal activities: Hashtags related to illegal activities, such as drug use, human trafficking, or gambling.
- Self-harm: Hashtags that promote or glorify self-harm or suicide.
- Explicit content: Hashtags are connected with inappropriate or vulgar content.
3. Copyright Infringement:
- Trademarked terms: Hashtags that violate the trademark rights of others.
- Pirated content: Hashtags related to the distribution of unauthorized or copyrighted content.
4. Misleading or Deceptive Content:
- False claims: Hashtags that promote false or misleading information.
- Spam: Hashtags used excessively or in a spammy manner.
5. Sensitive Topics:
- Violence: Hashtags related to graphic violence or disturbing content.
- Child exploitation: Hashtags associated with child exploitation or abuse.
- Natural disasters: hashtags that exploit or sensationalize natural disasters.
It's important to note that Instagram's policies can change over time, and new types of banned hashtags may be added. To avoid having your content removed or your account restricted, it's crucial to use hashtags responsibly and avoid those that violate Instagram's community guidelines.
List of banned hashtags:
- A: #abdl, #alone, #americangirl, #assworship, #addmysc, #adulting, #armparty, #asiangirl, #ass #assday
- B: #babe, #bbc, #beautyblogger, #bikinibody
- C: #curvygirls, #customers, #costumes
- D: #date, #direct, #dm
- E: #eggplant, #elevator
- G: #girlsonly, #gloves
- H: #humpday, #hustler
- I: #ice, #italiano
- K: #kansas, #kickoff
- M: #milf, #models
- N: #nasty, #nudity
- P: #petite, #pornfood
- R: #rate, #ravens
- S: #selfharm, #single, #skateboarding
- T: #tagsforlikes, #teen
- U-Z: #underage, #wtf, #youngmodel
Some hashtags may also be temporarily prohibited based on reports and ongoing reviews. If you use a banned hashtag, it may lower the visibility of your posts or possibly result in a shadowban, in which your content is made less visible without your knowledge.
To avoid these concerns, check Instagram for restricted hashtags on a frequent basis. If you see a "posts hidden" notification or much fewer posts than expected, the account has most likely been banned. Using niche-specific or custom hashtags can also help you maintain reach and avoid restrictions.
The Impact of Using Banned Hashtags
If you use a banned hashtag on Instagram, your post will most likely not appear in search results for that hashtag. This means that fewer people will see your material because it won't be easily found through hashtag searches.
Additionally, utilizing banned hashtags can have a negative impact on your account. Instagram may remove your post or take disciplinary action against your account, such as restricting your ability to post or temporarily suspending it.
Avoiding banned hashtags is important for maintaining a positive Instagram reputation and ensuring that your content reaches your intended audience. If you're not sure whether a hashtag is restricted, you should avoid using it altogether.
Overcoming Instagram's Banned Hashtag Restrictions
While Instagram has implemented restrictions on complete hashtag lists, there are still effective ways to utilize hashtags to increase your post's visibility. Here are some strategies:
1. Quality Over Quantity:
- Focus on relevant hashtags: Use hashtags that accurately describe your content.
- Limit the number: While Instagram doesn't have a strict limit, using too many hashtags can be spammy. Aim for 3-5 relevant ones.
2. Niche Down:
- Target specific audiences: Use hashtags that cater to a smaller, more specific niche. This can help you reach a more engaged audience.
- Discover relevant hashtags: Explore popular accounts in your niche to find relevant hashtags.
3. Hashtag Research Tools:
- Use online tools: Platforms like Hashtagify, All Hashtag, and RiteTag can help you find popular and relevant hashtags.
4. Engage with Other Users:
- Interact with posts: Like, comment, and share posts using relevant hashtags. This can help increase your visibility and engagement.
- Follow relevant accounts: Following accounts that use the hashtags you're interested in can help you discover new ones.
5. Experiment and Analyze:
- Track performance: Use Instagram's analytics to track the performance of your posts with different hashtags.
- Adjust your strategy: Based on your analytics, adjust your hashtag strategy to optimize your reach.
6. Consider Stories and Reels:
- Utilize hashtags in Stories and Reels: These formats allow for a more flexible use of hashtags, potentially bypassing some restrictions.
By following these strategies, you can effectively overcome Instagram's banned hashtag restrictions and continue to use hashtags to increase your post's visibility and reach your target audience.
Conclusion:
Instagram's decision to ban entire hashtag lists in 2024 was a huge step toward improving user experience and eliminating spam. While this restriction limits the number of hashtags allowed in a single post, hashtags can still be utilized effectively to boost visibility and reach your target audience.
To overcome these restrictions, prioritize quality over quantity, use relevant and niche hashtags, use hashtag research tools, interact with other users, and experiment with various tactics. By following these rules, you may improve your hashtag strategy and expand your Instagram presence.
Ainosof Technology is a leading digital marketing agency that looks after all SMO operations, such as social media content, creative production, hashtags, and publishing, and evaluates the online presence against it. We can discover blacklisted hashtags in real time and offer alternatives, ensuring that your posts remain accessible and safe. This organized strategy helps you maintain and even increase your Instagram engagement. So contact us today to make your Instagram profile better.
