Instagram has become an integral part of our daily lives, offering a platform to connect, share, and express ourselves. As you scroll through your feed and interact with others, it's crucial to understand the rules that govern this social network. While you may not have given much thought to Instagram's terms and conditions, they play a vital role in maintaining a safe and enjoyable environment for all users.
Familiarizing yourself with Instagram's guidelines is essential to avoid potential account suspensions or restrictions. These rules cover various aspects of your online behavior, content sharing, and interactions with other users. By understanding and adhering to these guidelines, you can ensure a positive experience on the platform while protecting your account from potential issues.
2. Stick to Approved Instagram Tools
Using the right tools for managing your Instagram account is crucial. Only opt for applications that are officially recognized as Instagram partners. These approved tools allow you to schedule posts, manage your business profile, and publish content directly.
Avoid Apps Promising Quick Followers
Be wary of services claiming to boost your follower count or likes rapidly. These unauthorized apps can jeopardize your account's standing. Instagram does not endorse or affiliate with such services. Using them may result in:
- Removal of artificially generated engagement
- Account suspension or permanent ban
- Damage to your brand's reputation
Stick to certified Instagram partners to keep your profile safe and compliant.
Steer Clear of Shadow Restrictions
To maintain visibility on Instagram, be mindful of your posting habits. Certain actions can lead to shadow restrictions, where your content becomes invisible to non-followers without your knowledge.
Tips to avoid shadow restrictions:
- Research hashtags carefully
- Use relevant tags for your audience
- Avoid overused or potentially banned hashtags
- Vary your hashtag sets between posts
- Don't use the same group of tags repeatedly
Instagram doesn't publish an official list of banned hashtags, and it changes frequently. Regularly review your hashtag bank to ensure you're not using any restricted tags.
Common reasons for shadow restrictions:
- Using too many hashtags
- Posting identical content repeatedly
- Engaging in spammy behavior
- Violating community guidelines
To check if a hashtag is safe to use, search for it on Instagram. If it doesn't appear in the results, it may be restricted.
Remember, even seemingly innocent hashtags like #besties or #petite can be on the banned list. Always double-check before using unfamiliar tags.
By following these guidelines and using approved tools, you'll protect your account and ensure your content reaches its intended audience. Stay informed about Instagram's policies to maintain a thriving presence on the platform.
2. Act Like a Real User
Instagram's algorithm is smart. It can spot artificial behavior quickly. To stay in good standing, you need to act like a genuine user.
Avoid rapid-fire actions. Don't follow or unfollow more than 60 accounts per hour. Keep your likes under 300 per hour. Limit comments to fewer than 60 hourly. These high-speed activities look suspicious.
Be thoughtful with your interactions. Posting identical comments across multiple posts raises red flags. So does tagging people unnecessarily in your content. Resist the urge to send unsolicited sales messages to strangers.
Quality matters too. Upload clear, high-resolution images and videos. Steer clear of copyrighted material you don't have permission to use.
If you're new to Instagram, remember your daily limit: 500 total actions. This covers likes, comments, follows, and unfollows. You can also send 20-50 direct messages per day.
By following these guidelines, you'll appear as a genuine, engaged user. This helps you stay on Instagram's good side and avoid potential account issues.
4. Guard Against Spreading False Information
Instagram takes a firm stance on the dissemination of inaccurate content. Be cautious about what you share, as the platform employs measures to curb the spread of misleading information.
If you're flagged for sharing unverified claims, your account may face restrictions. Other users might be unable to tag or mention you in their posts. Instagram may also display warnings to those attempting to follow your account, alerting them to your history of sharing questionable content.
Posts from accounts repeatedly flagged for false information can become harder to discover on the platform. In extreme cases, Instagram may disable accounts that consistently violate their guidelines.
To avoid these consequences:
- Verify information before sharing
- Use reputable sources
- Be wary of sensational headlines
- Think critically about content you encounter
Remember, Instagram isn't ideal for controversial debates, especially on brand pages. If you're seeking less restricted discussions, consider alternative platforms. However, maintaining accuracy and integrity in your posts is crucial regardless of the platform you use.
Stay informed about Instagram's evolving policies to ensure your content aligns with their standards. By prioritizing factual information, you can maintain a positive presence and engage effectively with your audience on the platform.
5. Adhering to Instagram's Content Guidelines
Key Rules and Tips for Instagram Contests
Instagram contests can boost follower engagement and brand visibility. Follow these guidelines to ensure your promotions comply with platform rules:
- Tag responsibly: Don't encourage inaccurate tagging in photos.
- Optimize for mobile: Create a mobile-friendly landing page that matches your contest ad.
- Disclose details:
- List all brands involved in hosting
- State that Instagram is not affiliated
- Specify prize information and any restrictions
- Include start and end dates
- Explain winner selection process and prize distribution timeline
- Respect privacy: Get permission before announcing winners publicly.
- Communication: Contact winners through private messages.
To maximize contest effectiveness:
- Engage with comments promptly
- Develop a consistent posting schedule
- Set clear key performance indicators (KPIs)
- Share winner photos (with consent) to build excitement
- Ask followers for ideas on future contests
Remember, you're responsible for adhering to local laws and regulations regarding prizes and participant eligibility. For example, if you're promoting alcoholic beverages, ensure all contestants are of legal drinking age.
When crafting your contest:
- Use relevant hashtags to increase visibility
- Create eye-catching visuals for your feed and stories
- Consider using Instagram's interactive features like polls or emoji sliders
- Encourage user-generated content to boost engagement
- Leverage Instagram Reels for dynamic contest announcements
- Use location tags to reach local audiences if applicable
By following these guidelines, you'll create a compliant and engaging Instagram contest that benefits your brand and delights your followers.
Prohibited Content on Instagram
Instagram maintains strict guidelines on content that users can share on the platform. To ensure your account remains in good standing, you need to be aware of what's forbidden.
Certain types of content are strictly prohibited:
- Firearms and alcohol sales
- Gambling promotions
- Explicit sexual material
- Hate speech or discrimination
- Tobacco products
- Illegal drugs
- Live animal sales
- Misleading financial schemes
- Threats or harassment
- Self-harm discussions
- Eating disorder promotion
- Unrealistic body portrayals
- Graphic violence
Posting such content can lead to removal of your posts or even suspension of your account. Keep in mind that Instagram's automated systems may sometimes flag innocent content by mistake. Factors like your account age, follower count, and engagement levels can influence how strictly the rules are enforced for your profile.
To avoid issues:
- Review all content carefully before posting
- Consider how images could be interpreted
- Be mindful of captions and hashtags
- Avoid borderline content that could be misunderstood
Remember, these rules apply to all content types - posts, stories, reels, and ads. Even if text is compliant, accompanying images must also meet guidelines. When in doubt, err on the side of caution to protect your account.
By following these rules, you'll create a safer environment for all users while keeping your profile active and growing on the platform.
7. Navigate Instagram's Ad Policies
Instagram's advertising landscape comes with specific rules you need to follow. Familiarize yourself with these guidelines to ensure your campaigns comply and reach your target audience effectively.
Discrimination is strictly forbidden in Instagram ads. Don't create content that excludes or targets people based on personal characteristics like race, religion, age, gender, or health conditions.
Be mindful of the information you request in ads:
- Health details (physical or mental)
- Financial data (bank accounts, credit scores)
- Criminal history
- Account numbers (loyalty programs, cable subscriptions)
These topics require special permission or are entirely off-limits.
When creating ad visuals, keep text to a minimum. Aim for less than 20% text in your images. Tools like Canva offer grid overlays to help you stay within this limit.
For election-related advertising, plan ahead. You'll need to verify your identity and obtain approval well before your campaign launch.
Instagram Checkout allows direct product sales on the platform. Take advantage of this feature, but ensure your items comply with content rules and aren't on the prohibited list.
✅ Do:
- Comment, like, and share posts within Instagram
- Tag original creators when reposting
- Obtain proper licensing for music or images
❌ Don't:
- Download and reupload others' photos as your own
- Use Google images without permission
- Claim credit for content you didn't create
- Use soundtracks without rights
Before posting, ask yourself:
- Did I create this content?
- Do I have permission to use it?
- Does my use fall under fair use exceptions?
Remember the Volvo lawsuit over an Instagram story. It highlights the importance of respecting content rights, even for "public" posts. The case involved copyright violation and misuse of a model's likeness.
To run successful campaigns while following the rules:
- Review Instagram's current ad policies regularly
- Use inclusive targeting practices
- Create original, high-quality content
- Obtain proper permissions for any third-party materials
- Clearly disclose sponsored content
- Monitor your ads' performance and adjust as needed
By adhering to these guidelines, you'll create effective Instagram ad campaigns that respect user privacy and platform rules. This approach helps build trust with your audience and keeps your account in good standing.
Free Social Media Calendar Templates for Instagram and Beyond
Boost your social media strategy with downloadable weekly calendar templates. Choose from three versatile versions to organize your content across platforms. These editable PDFs help you plan posts, track engagement, and maintain consistency. Customize each template to fit your brand's unique needs and scheduling preferences.
Key Instagram Guidelines to Remember
Instagram has rules to maintain a positive user experience. Avoid posting nudity, with some exceptions like breastfeeding photos. Don't spam or send unsolicited sales messages. Stick to high-quality images and videos. New users have a daily limit of 500 actions, including likes, comments, and follows. You can send 20-50 direct messages per day. Following these guidelines helps you build a compliant presence on the platform.
