by Google
There has been a lot of talk lately about so-called shadowbans on social networks like Instagram and TikTok. You may have noticed that your posts are not getting as many views and interactions as you would expect, and a ban could be behind it. But what exactly is a shadowban, how do you find out if you have one, and how to fix it?
What is a Shadowban and does it even exist?
Shadowban is a term that is often mentioned in the context of social networks, but its existence is often debatable. Essentially, your posts are "hidden" from the wider audience, meaning your followers and other users don't see them in their feeds, although they are still available on your profile.
Instagram and TikTok officially deny the existence of shadowbans, but many users have noticed a rapid decrease in reach and interactions for no apparent reason. If you feel like your traffic and engagement have dropped dramatically, a shadowban could be to blame. Fortunately, there are tools and techniques to find out if you really have one and what to do about it.
How do you know if you've been shadowbanned?
On Instagram, you can use a tool that will allow you to verify if you've been banned. The procedure is simple:
- Open the Instagram app.
- Click on the three lines in the upper right corner and select "Settings".
- Select "Account" and then "Account Status".
- See recommendations for your content. If you see a warning that your content is not recommended, it may mean that you have been shadowbanned.
You can track how your content is performing on TikTok. If your videos suddenly get much lower views than usual (e.g. from 10k views to 500), this could also be a sign of a shadowban.
Why is a shadowban created?
There are several reasons why social networks may reduce the reach of your posts:
- Copyright infringement: If you repost content that does not belong to you without permission, it can lead to a decrease in the visibility of your posts.
- Post removal: If your post has been flagged as inappropriate and has been removed, it can This can negatively affect the reach of your future posts.
- Controversial Topics: Social networks don't like content that touches on sensitive or controversial topics, such as politics or violence.
- Hashtag Abuse: Using popular hashtags that are unrelated to your content can also lead to a shadowban.
- Excessive Activity: If you change followers quickly and frequently, or constantly like and comment, you may be considered a bot, which will lead to a restriction your account.
- Imitation of other accounts: Trying to imitate or hack other accounts can lead to a shadowban.
TikTok prison and how to get out of it
TikTok works on a points system where you earn points based on interactions with your videos. The best thing is when someone watches the entire video or even watches it twice. That's why shorter videos are better to start with because they can earn you more points.
- Watching the entire video: 4 points
- Sharing the video: 3 points
- Commenting: 2 points
- Likes: 1 point
A common mistake is to focus on the number of likes, when what really matters is the watch time. If a follower can't stick with your video, it may mean that it's not interesting enough.
Test group: Your video is first shown to a small group of people. If this group doesn't respond well to the video, it won't go viral. That's why it's important to create content that is interesting and relevant to your target audience from the start.
Identify your target audience: Help TikTok's algorithm recognize who your video is for. Use appropriate descriptions and relevant hashtags that are related to the content of the video. This will make the algorithm's job easier and your video will reach the right people.
Avoid words like "click the link": TikTok (but also Instagram) tries to keep users on its platform as long as possible, so words that could redirect people outside the app are not welcome.
A good hook is key: Start your video in a way that immediately catches the eye. Avoid phrases like "in this video I will talk about..." and get straight to the point. Curiosity and surprise are key to retaining viewers.
A new account as a fresh start: If you haven't had success in a long time, it can be a good idea to start with a new account. Old accounts with inactive followers can be less attractive to the algorithm. A new account can bring you better views.
Consistency and quality of content: Maintain regularity in posting and focus on quality. Test different types of videos and find what works best for your audience. If you have ideas for improvement, don't be afraid to implement them and watch your results change.
How to improve visibility and avoid shadowban on Instagram
Follow the Community Guidelines: Instagram has strict community guidelines that you must follow to avoid shadowban. This means avoiding posting content that could be considered offensive, spammy, or that could infringe on copyright.
Optimize your hashtag usage: Use relevant hashtags that are related to your content. Don't use too many hashtags, it's best to use a few key hashtags that accurately describe the content of your post.
Create quality content: It's important to focus on the quality of your content. Try to create posts that are visually appealing and provide value to your audience. Quality content will attract more followers and ensure that your account is seen as relevant and valuable.
Check your posting time: If your posts aren't getting enough engagement, the problem may be with the timing of your posts. Try to post your posts at times when your followers are most active. You can use Instagram's analytics tools to help you determine the best times to post.
Stop using automated tools: Instagram strictly prohibits the use of automated tools to increase followers, likes, and comments (i.e., buying them). Using such tools can lead to a shadowban. Strive to grow your account organically and build an authentic audience.
Be consistent and interactive: Posting regularly and interacting with your followers are key to keeping your account active. Try to respond to comments and questions, like, and comment on other users' posts. This will help increase your visibility and ensure that your account remains active.
Follow trends and changes: Instagram is constantly updating its algorithms and rules. Follow trends and news to stay informed about best practices and changes that can affect the visibility of your posts. Keep your content fresh and relevant.
A shadowban can be frustrating, but it's not the end of the world. With a little effort and the right practices, you can get your account back up and running and achieve great results. Remember, the most important thing is to create quality and valuable content that is interesting and useful to your audience. If you follow the rules and focus on what your followers enjoy, your engagement will only grow. We've got your fingers crossed!
