Full List of Banned Hashtags on Instagram 2024 [Updated]

Posted a killer pic on Instagram and got zero likes?

Yeah, it sucks.

But here’s the kicker – it might not be you, it might be your hashtags.

Instagram’s got this sneaky thing called banned hashtags.

Use one, and boom – your post is invisible.

No likes, no comments, nada.

So, what’s the deal with these banned hashtags?

Why does Instagram hate them so much?

And how can you avoid them like the plague?

Stick around, because we’re diving deep into the world of banned hashtags on Instagram.

Trust me, your engagement rate will thank you.

Ready to uncover the secrets?

Let’s get into it!

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What Are Banned Hashtags?

Banned hashtags are those that Instagram has flagged due to their association with inappropriate content, spam, or violations of community guidelines. When a hashtag is banned, any post using it will be hidden from public view, significantly diminishing its reach and engagement. Instagram does not publish an official list of banned hashtags, which makes it imperative for users to stay informed through reliable sources.

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Why Does Instagram Ban Hashtags?

Instagram bans hashtags for several key reasons:

1. Inappropriate Content: Hashtags associated with explicit, offensive, or harmful content are often banned. This includes tags related to nudity, violence, hate speech, or other content that violates Instagram’s community standards.
2. Spam and Misuse: Hashtags that are frequently used by bots, spammers, or for deceptive practices are also banned. This includes tags that are commonly used to manipulate engagement metrics or spread misinformation.
3. Community Reports: Hashtags that receive a high volume of user reports for inappropriate or harmful content may be banned. Instagram relies on its community to help identify and report problematic hashtags.
4. Violations of Community Guidelines: Any hashtag that promotes activities or content that violates Instagram’s community guidelines can be banned. This includes promoting illegal activities, self-harm, or the sale of prohibited goods.

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How Do Banned Hashtags Affect Your Account?

Using banned hashtags can have several negative impacts on your Instagram account:

1. Reduced Visibility: Posts using banned hashtags are hidden from public view, which means they won’t appear in hashtag searches or the Explore page. This significantly reduces the reach and engagement of your posts.
2. Shadowbanning: Repeated use of banned hashtags can lead to shadowbanning, where Instagram limits the visibility of your posts without notifying you. Shadowbanned posts are not shown to non-followers, drastically reducing your potential audience.
3. Account Suspension: In severe cases, using banned hashtags can lead to account suspension. This is particularly true if the hashtags are associated with repeated violations of Instagram’s community guidelines.

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How to Identify Banned Hashtags

Identifying banned hashtags on Instagram can be a bit tricky since the platform does not provide an official list of banned hashtags. However, there are several effective methods you can use to determine if a hashtag is banned. Here’s a detailed guide to help you identify banned hashtags:

1. Manual Check

One of the simplest and most direct methods to check if a hashtag is banned is to manually search for it on Instagram. Here’s how you can do it:

• Open Instagram
• Use the search bar to look up the specific hashtag you want to check.
• Look at the results page for the hashtag. If the hashtag is banned, you will notice the following:
• Limited Posts: Only a few top posts may be visible. The recent posts section will be notably absent.
• Warning Message: Instagram often displays a message indicating that recent posts for this hashtag are hidden due to community guidelines violations. This is a clear sign that the hashtag is banned.

2. Online Tools

There are several online tools and websites designed to help users check the status of hashtags. These tools can save you time by quickly scanning Instagram’s database and providing up-to-date information on whether a hashtag is banned. Some popular tools include:

• IQHashtags
• Display Purposes

3. Community Forums and Blogs

Staying informed through community forums, blogs, and social media groups dedicated to Instagram can be incredibly helpful. These communities often share updates on banned hashtags and other important platform changes. 

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Full List of Banned Hashtags on Instagram to Avoid in 2024 [Alphabetical Order]

A

Here’s a taste of the A-list (or should we say, the A-banned list):

• #adulting
• #alone
• #always
• #armparty
• #asiangirl
• #attractive

B

Ever tried using #beautyblogger and noticed crickets? Yep, that’s because it’s on the naughty list. But guess what? #beautybloggers (plural) is totally fine. Go figure.

Here’s a taste of the B-list (or should we say, the B-banned list):

• #babe
•  #bbc(Now Working but use it on your own risk)
• #beautyblogger (#beautybloggers works.)
•  #beautydirectory 
• #besties 
• #bikinibody
• #books 
• #brain

C

Letter C. Not a huge list, but some surprising casualties nonetheless.

Even the seemingly innocent #curvygirls have been given the boot from Instagram’s discovery. And if you’re planning on showcasing your Halloween spirit, #costumes is also off-limits.

• #costumes 
• #cpr 
• #curvy
•  #curvygirls 
• #customers

D

If you’re using Instagram to find your soulmate, you might be out of luck.

Looks like Instagram isn’t keen on doubling as a dating app for its users. So, those hashtags you thought might help you find “the one”? Banned.

• #date
•  #dating 
• #desk 
• #direct 
• #dm 
• #dogsofinstagram

E

Ever tried to post about your #elevator adventures? No? Well, don’t bother, because Instagram’s given it the boot. We’re as confused as you are.

And here’s a real head-scratcher: #eggplant is off-limits too. Sorry, food bloggers, your roasted eggplant recipes might need a new hashtag.

(Psst… we all know why the eggplant emoji is controversial, but an actual vegetable? Come on, Insta!)

• #easter
•  #edm
•  #eggplant 
•  #elevator

F

Who knew #fishnets could be so controversial? And #followforfollow? Insta’s not playing that game anymore.

• #fishnets 
• #fitnessgirls 
• #followforfollow

G

#gloves is on the naughty list. Glove sellers, you might need to get creative with your product promotion. Maybe try #handhugs or #fingercoats? (Just kidding, please don’t.)

• #gloves 
• #goddess 

H

H-old on, is this hashtag even allowed?

• #happythanksgiving 
• #hardworkpaysoff (#hardworkpaysoff💪 is ok.) 
• #hawks
•  #hotweather
• #hustler

I

#ice? Really, Instagram? What did frozen water ever do to you? And #instamood? Isn’t that like… the whole point of Instagram?

• #ice 
• #ig
•  #ilovemyinstagram 
•  #instamood
•  #instasport 
• #iphonegraphy
•  #italiano

J

Here’s a taste of the J-list (or should we say, the J-ust-can’t-use-it list):

•  #jugs
• #justasking

K

K-an’t-touch-this list:

• #kickoff
• #killingit
• #kissing

L

Think you can inspire people with your fitness journey by using #loseweight? Think again. Instagram’s not having it. Your well-intentioned posts might just get lost in the void.

Here’s a taste of the L-list (or should we say, the L-ocked-out list):

• #lean
•  #like 
• #likeback 
• #likeforlike 
• #livinforalivin 
• #loseweight 
• #lulu

M

Sure, Miley Cyrus is a bit of a wild card, but who would’ve thought her name would end up on the banned list? And #mustfollow? Looks like Instagram’s cracking down on those spammy tactics.

Here’s a taste of the M-list:

• #master 
• #mileycyrus 
• #mirrorphoto 
• #models 
• #mustfollow

N

 No-Go Zone of Instagram’s Banned Hashtags:

• #nasty 
• #newyears
•  #newyearsday 
• #nudity

O

• #overnight

P

P-rohibited list:

• #parties 
• #prettygirl 
• #publicrelations
•  #puppydogmondays
•  #pushups

Q

• quarantinetrap

R

 R-estricted list:

• #rate
• #ravens

S

Instagram’s taking a stand against triggering content, so hashtags like #selfharm are completely hidden. It’s all about providing a safer space for users, even if it means some hashtags are s-ilenced.

• #saltwater 
• #samelove
•  #selfharm
•  #single
•  #singlelife
•  #skateboarding 
• #skype
•  #snap
•  #snapchat
•  #snowstorm 
• #sopretty 
• #stranger
•  #streetphoto 
•  #sunbathing 
•  #shower 

T

• #tag4like
•  #tagsforlikes
•  #tanlines
•  #todayimwearing
•  #teens
•  #teen 
• #tgif
•  #thought 
•  #treasurethesemoments

U

• #underage

V

• #valentinesday

W

• #woman
• #women
•  #workflow 
• #wtf

X

• #x

Y

• #Youngmodel

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