by Google
The Terms and Conditions of Instagram are constantly evolving and updating. If you create content on this platform, you need to make sure that your posts are not only engaging, but also in accordance with the platform's rules. You've probably already heard that it's prohibited to share collections or organize competitions. In this article, we'll go over the key areas you should pay attention to in order to avoid penalization or blocking your account.
Is it prohibited to use the phrases "buy" or "click to find out more"?
Using so-called Call to action phrases is not prohibited if it is advertising content. According to the current Instagram Terms of Service, influencers who promote a product must adhere to the following principles:
Transparency - if it is a collaboration, the content must be clearly marked as an advertisement. Phrases such as “buy” can be used if they are clearly marked as part of the advertisement.
No Misleading - the content must not be misleading or contain false information about the promoted product.
Compliance with Laws - influencers must also comply with local advertising and consumer protection laws. For example, if they are from the EU, they must comply with EU rules.
Warning! Using such phrases on a large scale or in a way that could be considered spam or manipulation of Instagram's algorithms is prohibited. This includes tactics that encourage users to click in bulk without any real purpose or value.
Keywords in comments and automated messages
The Instagram Terms of Service prohibit the use of automated methods that disrupt the normal operation of the service, including automated keyword-based messaging.
Section 4.2 How You May Not Use Instagram states that you may not attempt to create accounts or access or collect information through unauthorized means - this includes creating accounts, accessing information, and collecting information in an automated manner without our express permission, regardless of whether such automated access or collection is done with a logged-in Instagram account.
What are the exceptions? Using approved solutions, such as official Instagram partners or applications allowed under the Meta Platform Terms of Use. However, these solutions must comply with all Instagram rules and communicate transparently with users.
How to properly organize a contest?
You can organize contests, BUT there are a few rules. Based on the Instagram Terms of Use and its Community Standards, you cannot organize a contest with only conditions like “like”, “save”, “comment”, “share to friends” or “follow”. If the contest terms do not comply with Instagram's rules, this may lead to account suspension.
Why? Instagram prohibits any activity that artificially increases interactions or manipulates algorithms, such as forced likes or comments. Therefore, organizing a competition that requires the mass completion of such tasks to win can be considered spam or abuse of the platform.
How to organize a competition? Interactions should be voluntary. You can encourage users to participate, such as liking or commenting, but do not create a condition that would force them to do so. Provide clear and transparent terms and conditions for participating in the competition. Instagram also requires that you state that Instagram is not part of or responsible for the competition.
However, if the contest meets all of Instagram's requirements and is organized transparently, the risk of being blocked is minimal.
No more charity fundraisers?
According to the updated Instagram Terms of Use, it is possible to donate money or organize charity fundraisers on Instagram, as long as these activities are conducted in accordance with the platform's rules and local laws. What conditions must be met?
Instagram allows donations and organizing fundraisers through official features, such as "Donate" buttons or collections through Meta Fundraising Tools. Each fundraiser should contain transparent information, such as the purpose, who is organizing the fundraiser, who the money will go to, and the end date of the fundraiser. Communicate how much has been raised and how the money will be used, and use trusted payment methods. Ideally, you’ll also post proof of how the funds were used. But be sure to check local laws and state that Instagram is not responsible for the fundraiser.
Example: “Help us support [fundraiser name or purpose]! All money raised will go to [purpose]. The fundraiser runs until [date]. All payments are processed through [platform]. This fundraiser is not affiliated with Instagram.” 
If you're wondering if you can share a screenshot, then yes, sharing a screenshot of a fundraiser on Instagram is allowed, as long as you follow a few guidelines and rules to avoid potential problems.
When might a screenshot be a problem? If you share a screenshot of a fundraiser that is fraudulent, you may be violating Instagram's policies on manipulation and misinformation, if the screenshot contains other people's personal information without their consent, and if you share the screenshot repeatedly or use it to massively incite users to take action.
Are you at risk of being blocked for recycling content?
Repeating, reposting or recycling content on Instagram is not prohibited as long as it is shared legally and in accordance with its Terms of Use. When can Instagram block you?
Copyright infringement - if you share content that is not yours without the permission of the copyright holder.
Spam or inauthentic behavior - automated or massive reposting of the same content can be considered spam. Recycled content with the aim of manipulating the algorithm can also be penalized.
Content that violates the rules - if you repeatedly share content that violates the Community Standards, e.g. bbsah containing violence, hate, etc.
What can you do? Share content with the author's permission, repost your own content, or repost content legally with proper attribution.
Is beauty content considered dangerous?
No, content related to beauty, beauty, cosmetics, or health is not automatically considered dangerous content on Instagram. However, such posts may be flagged, restricted, or removed if they violate specific Instagram policies or are associated with potentially harmful practices.
When might content be considered dangerous or inappropriate?
Posts promoting unverified, unscientific, or potentially harmful health claims, such as weight loss products with false claims, detox teas with misleading effects, or health misinformation. Content promoting unprofessional aesthetic procedures, treatments or products that may cause physical harm, content that promotes unhealthy patterns of behavior (e.g. extreme weight loss, self-harm, eating disorders), and beauty or health-related content that promotes scams, misleads, or contains spam messages may be considered policy violations.
Statement of personal experience
Advertising claims about cosmetics They don't always need to include warnings about personal experience or risk, but in some cases, they are necessary. If you make claims based on personal results, be sure to warn that results may vary. Products that may cause side effects (e.g., irritation) should clearly state: "Use at your own risk." If you're promoting invasive or health products, it's essential to back them up with scientific evidence. Failure to follow these guidelines can lead to complaints, removal of your ad by Instagram, or even legal consequences.
Instagram remains a strong platform for influencers and content creators, but as its user base grows and legislative changes occur, its policies are tightening. To avoid being penalized or having your account banned, it's essential to follow updates to terms of use, label advertising content transparently, respect copyright, and be careful when organizing contests or sharing collections. Transparency, compliance, and a responsible approach are key to long-term success on Instagram.
