Glossary / Instagram

Internet speak

Shadowban

"Shadowban" is the popular name for content quietly being shown to fewer people; Instagram doesn't use the word, but it does limit recommendations for some content.

Also called: shadow ban, shadowbanned

By Aulto · Last reviewed

Is shadowbanning real?

Instagram doesn't call it that, but content that breaks its recommendation guidelines can be left out of places like Explore and Reels for non-followers, while still visible to followers.

How can you check?

Look at Account Status in your Instagram settings. It shows whether your account or content is currently ineligible to be recommended, and why.

What usually causes it?

Content against Instagram's guidelines, reused content you didn't make, or behaviour like spammy hashtags and buying engagement. Often, though, a drop in reach is just a post that didn't land.

Example

A creator's reach falls; Account Status shows one reposted clip was marked as unoriginal, and recommendations return after it's removed.

  • Instagram algorithm

    The Instagram algorithm is the set of ranking systems that decide which posts, reels and stories each person sees, and in what order.

  • Reach

    Reach is the number of different accounts that saw your content at least once.

  • Algo

    "Algo" is short for algorithm, the ranking system that decides what a social app shows people, as in "the algo pushed my reel".

  • Auto-reply

    An auto-reply is a message sent automatically in response to a DM, comment or keyword, so people get an answer without waiting for someone to type it.

  • Carousel post

    A carousel post is an Instagram post with several photos or videos that people swipe through, up to 20 in one post.

  • Close Friends

    Close Friends is an Instagram list of people you choose; content shared to it is seen only by them and marked with a green badge.

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