Instagram is a platform we all know and love, but there are a few things that we forget about that could get our accounts in some trouble. We list below a few of the ways that your account could be reported or shadow-banned.
Hate Speech, Bullying and Abuse
Instagram has zero-tolerance for any post related to threats of violence, hate speech, racial slurs, and the targeting of private individuals. Instagram does not allow offensive or abuse based on race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, disease, disability, or religion.
Spam
Bombarding individuals with comments, likes, messages, emails, mass following, etc. (creating or submitting unwanted communication) is considered a form of harassment and is not allowed on Instagram.
Graphic Violence
Graphic violence is not allowed. Instagram removes anything that is not supporting awareness or education on a specific matter or is a newsworthy event. Images or videos that are of intense graphic nature or violence will be removed from Instagram.
Intellectual Property
Making sure you have the right to post the content you share.
Appropriate Imagery
They do not allow nudity on Instagram, with some grey areas. Exceptions include (but are not limited to): photos of post-mastectomy scarring, women actively breastfeeding, nudity in paintings and sculptures. If you have to post a risky photo, they ask you to blur out inappropriate portions to make it a safe viewing environment for all ages.
Self Injury
Instagram does not allow glorification or encouragement of self-injury, including eating disorders, self-harm, etc. However, promoting references to create awareness or support is permitted.
Illegal Content
Instagram does not support the praise of terrorism, organized crime, or hate groups. This includes the selling of sexual services or firearms. It goes without saying but, drugs are strictly prohibited.
If used appropriately, Instagram can be such a great asset and powerful tool to take your business or company to the next level. At Brand Iron we utilize Instagram for our clients and have seen a boost in organic traffic and brand recognition. According to some statistics, 81% of people use Instagram to help research products and services. 58% of people say they have become more interested in a brand or product after seeing it in Stories. And, 50% of people have visited a website to make a purchase after seeing a product or service in Stories. Given these stats it’s critical to incorporate Instagram in your go-to-market strategy. If you need advice or help with social media paid or organic strategies please reach out to our team of experts at the link, here.
CEO | Brand Champion
Michael Doyle has been changing the face of Brand Marketing for over two decades. He built a tech-based advertising agency, DNA Advertising, into a multi-million dollar company. Michael sold the company as part of a national IPO in 2000. Michael founded Brand Iron in 2002 and has since lent his expertise to hundreds of other businesses in dozens of industries around the world.
