Hashtags, when used correctly, can expand your reach on Instagram. But it’s important to avoid using any hashtags that have been flagged (i.e. banned) by Instagram!
We advise our clients to take caution when it comes to using hashtags, in terms of how they are using them, how many they are using, and especially which hashtags they are using. Remember it’s important not to get hashtag happy!
Things are constantly changing with social media platforms and their algorithms, and many people don’t know about Instagram banned hashtags. If you’re a business an Instagram, you’ll want to avoid violating the platform’s Community Guidelines and so banned hashtags is something you’ll want to be mindful of.
Let’s take a look at what you need to know about banned Instagram hashtags in 2021…
WHY does Instagram ban hashtags?
- Certain hashtags are commonly used with automation software (aka bots) which goes against Instagram’s terms and conditions.
- Some hashtags are protected and others don’t have the right to use them.
- There are sets of hashtags which are commonly used when posting offensive content.
- Some hashtags suggest hate, bullying or threats.
- Some hashtags are used when posting newsworthy events without any caption to explain the purpose of the post.
- There are certain hashtags commonly used when posting about and glorifying self harm.
HOW to check for banned hashtags:
It might take a little longer to put your hashtags together, but as tedious as it might be, it is worth checking whether a hashtag is banned before you use it.
Here’s how to check:
- Go to your explorer page.
- Search for the hashtag you want to use or check.
- If the below message is displayed, that particular hashtag might be banned, and related posts may not be displayed.
Updated List of Banned Instagram Hashtags
You might have been warned about banned hashtags before, but the list is always changing! Let’s take a look at just some of the many examples of banned hashtags (correct at the time of publishing)…
A
- #abdl
- #addmysc
- #adulting
- #alone
- #always
- #armparty
- #asiangirl
- #ass
- #assday
- #assworship
B
- #beautyblogger
- #besties
- #bikinibody
- #boho
- #brain
C
- #costumes
- #curvygirls
D
- #date
- #dating
- #desk
- #direct
- #dm
E
- #edm
- #eggplant
- #elevator
G
- #girlsonly
- #gloves
H
- #hardworkpaysoff
- #hawks
- #hotweather
- #humpday
- #hustler
I
- #ice
- #instasport
- #iphonegraphy
- #italiano
K
- #kansas
- #kickoff
- #killingit
- #kissing
L
- #loseweight
- #lulu
M
- #master
- #mileycyrus
- #milf
- #mirrorphoto
- #models
- #mustfollow
N
- #nasty
- #newyearsday
- #nudity
O
- #overnight
P
- #parties
- #petite
- #pornfood
- #prettygirl
- #pushups
R
- #rate
- #ravens
S
- #saltwater
- #samelove
- #selfharm
- #single
- #singlelife
- #skateboarding
- #skype
- #snap
- #snapchat
- #snowstorm
- #sopretty
- #stranger
- #streetphoto
- #sunbathing
- #swole
- #shower
- #shit
T
- #tag4like
- #tagsforlikes
- #tanlines
- #todayimwearing
- #teens
- #teen
- #thought
U
- #undies
V
- #valentinesday
W
- #workflow
Y
- #youngmodel
WHAT you can do to prevent your account being frowned upon by Instagram:
Instagram gives us an incredible platform to use, for FREE. It’s only fair that we comply with their guidelines.
This is by no means an exhaustive list, but here are a few things you can avoid to keep your account in check…
- Have a hashtag clear out. Start by going through your posts and removing any hashtags that are now banned. As tedious as it might be, it’s worth doing!
- Avoid using too many hashtags. 30 is Instagram’s limit per post, but it generally recommended to use below this rather than maxing out the available number of hashtags.
- Avoid using bots, i.e. unapproved automation software.
- Be wary of engagement groups. In case you hadn’t realised, the people at Instagram are smart! They are totally aware of this type of activity goes on.
- Get creative with your hashtags. If you really want to use a banned hashtag, check the plural versions, or with an emoji at the end (without spaces).
DISCLAIMER: Of course, things can always change, so be sure to do your own due dilligence when checking hashtags.
Found some banned hashtags that aren’t mentioned here? Let us know in the comments and we’ll update the list!
