Instagram has become one of the most popular social media sites with millions of users around the world. With so many people using Instagram, it can be very frustrating if your account becomes blocked, disabled, or deleted. This article will explain what you can do if you find yourself in this situation and provide tips on how to protect your account from becoming blocked, disabled, or deleted.
I. Understanding Instagram Blocking, Disabling, and Deleting
Understanding Instagram Blocking, Disabling, and Deleting
Instagram is one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, used daily by millions of users. To ensure a safe and secure user experience, Instagram allows users to block or disable accounts, or delete posts and comments. It is important to understand the differences between these terms.
Blocking on Instagram
The block feature on Instagram is used to limit another user’s access to one’s profile. It prevents the blocked user from viewing photos shared on one’s feed, from finding the profile in searches, or viewing the profile at all. Blocking also keeps the blocked user from viewing stories, messaging, or tagging the user. Blocked users are not made aware that their access has been restricted.
Disabling Accounts on Instagram
Instagram also allows users to disable their own accounts. When an account is disabled, all content on it is hidden. Disabled accounts are not removed, and can easily be reactivated at any time by logging in. Unlike deleted accounts, content is not lost and can be retrieved upon reactivated.
Deleting Posts and Comments on Instagram
Instagram users also have the option of deleting specific posts or comments. Deleting a post does not remove it completely from Instagram, but rather removes it from the public view. In fact, the post may still remain visible to the user that posted it, as well as the user’s followers.
To delete a post, the user can view the image and click the three dots located in the top right corner of the post. The same is true for comments; the comment can be removed by clicking on the ellipsis icon by its side.
II. Reasons for Instagram Blocking, Disabling, and Deleting
If any user posts content that belongs to another person without their permission or claims it’s their own work, Instagram can delete it. This applies to images, videos, audio, text, and other materials. Similarly, using band logos, film company logos, or other copyrighted images without the copyright owner’s permission can lead to accounts being blocked or disabled.
Instagram has strict terms of service and user guidelines which must be adhered to. If a user violates these, Instagram may disable or block their account. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Posting offensive, pornographic, or hateful content
- Harassing other users
- Impersonating someone else
- Using multiple accounts for the same purpose
- Soliciting or advertising products
Instagram will disable or block accounts or posts which are being used to send spam. This includes posting unsolicited links or messages, and using automated tools to post the same message repeatedly. It is also possible to be blocked or disabled if a user comments too often.
III. The Process and Consequences of Instagram Blocking, Disabling, and Deleting
When Instagram users breach its Community Guidelines, the platform may act. Blocking, disabling, and deleting users or user content is a way Instagram is able to maintain a safe community for everyone. Instagram has a 3 strikes process that results in a user’s account being disabled:
- Strike one: Warning.
- Strike two: Temporary disabling for a limited amount of time.
- Strike three: Permanent disabling.
Users may be blocked from certain activities and services, such as commenting, liking, and accessing their account pages. They may also be prevented from adding new content to their account. This process is typically reversible, however if content is involved in questionable activity, that content may be permanently removed. In some cases, users may have their account disabled and their access to Instagram permanently blocked.
When a user’s account is disabled, Instagram will generally notify the user with an explanation as to why, and options on how to restore the account. If the user does not follow the provided instructions after a set amount of time, the account will be permanently removed. If a user is ultimately restricted from accessing the platform in any way, this is referred to as a ban.
IV. Recovering Blocked, Disabled, or Deleted Instagram Accounts
If the account you are trying to access has been blocked, disabled, or deleted, there are various steps to recover it. Unfortunately, it is not possible to reactivate an account that has been permanently deleted.
For a disabled account, you can often restore access by logging in to your account. To do this, you will need to verify your identity by following the on-screen instructions. After that, you should be able to log back in and access your account.
If the account still cannot be accessed, it may have been:
- Deactivated by the user
- Blocked by Instagram
- Reported to Instagram and removed due to a Terms of Use violation
If there has been a violation of Terms of Use, Instagram provides an appeals process to dispute the removal decision. However, please be aware that appeals may not be successful.
V. Strategies for Avoiding Instagram Blocking, Disabling, and Deleting
When using Instagram, it’s important to be aware of strategies that can help you avoid your account being blocked, disabled, or deleted by the platform. Here are a few tips to help you stay in compliance with Instagram’s Community Guidelines and prevent these issues from happening.
First, it’s important to keep your account private. This is especially critical if you post content that falls outside Instagram’s guidelines, such as images or videos of nudity, violence, or illegal activities, or posts that promote or incite hatred and violence. Keeping your posts private will ensure they are only seen by people with permission to view your content.
Second, don’t post any content that violates Instagram’s Community Guidelines. Examples of such content include:
- Hate speech and activities
- Promotion of self-harm or suicide
- Harassment, bullying, or threats
- Spam and scam activity
- Partisan political content
Finally, be mindful of your activities on other platforms. If you’re engaging in activities or behavior on other social media sites that violate the rules of those platforms, it could reflect poorly on your behavior and standing on Instagram. In this case, it might be wise to either stop the activity in question or stay off Instagram altogether.
This article discussed all of the potential situations that could happen when dealing with an Instagrammer’s direct messages – from having the DM blocked, disabled, or even deleted altogether. While it can be difficult to come to terms with these occurrences, it’s important to remember that having a social media presence can always come with its own risks. Nevertheless, having a deeper understanding of the varying reactions from Instagram can help to best equip yourself for all eventualities and continue to enjoy your time with the app.
