How Not to Get Shadowbanned: Avoid These Common Pitfalls

If you've ever found yourself wondering why your content isn't getting the engagement it used to, or why you're not showing up in searches, there’s a chance you’ve been shadowbanned. Shadowbanning is a silent killer for content creators, and if you're not careful, it can seriously hurt your reach. So, how do you avoid getting shadowbanned? Let’s dive into it.

What is Shadowbanning?

Understanding the Silent Ban

Shadowbanning is when a social media platform or website limits the visibility of your content without your knowledge. The catch? Your posts still appear to you, but others can't see them, or your reach is drastically reduced. It's like you’re shouting into a void and wondering why no one is responding. I remember the first time I realized I’d been shadowbanned on Instagram – my views plummeted overnight. I couldn’t figure it out! I mean, I hadn’t posted anything controversial, so what was going on?

Shadowbanning can happen on various platforms like Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and even Reddit. While platforms rarely admit to it directly, many creators suspect that their reach has been throttled because of certain behaviors.

Why Does Shadowbanning Happen?

There are a few reasons why social platforms might shadowban someone. One common reason is that the platform’s algorithm has detected behavior that violates its community guidelines, even if unintentionally. This could include using banned hashtags, spamming, or interacting in a way that seems automated. Sometimes, it’s a simple algorithmic mistake – and sometimes, it’s because of something you did without realizing it. That's frustrating, right?

Top Ways to Avoid Getting Shadowbanned

1. Avoid Using Banned Hashtags

This is a BIG one. Hashtags are essential for discovery, but using a banned or restricted hashtag can get you flagged. Certain words or phrases are flagged by platforms, especially if they’re associated with inappropriate content.

I learned this the hard way when I used a hashtag that seemed harmless but was actually banned on Instagram (turns out, it was connected to spammy content). Suddenly, my posts weren’t appearing in any hashtag feed. It was only after digging around that I figured out why. Now, I double-check hashtag lists before posting. You can find updated lists online that highlight restricted or banned hashtags.

2. Don’t Spam or Overuse Automation

If you’re relying on bots to like, comment, or follow people automatically, you might be setting yourself up for failure. While automation tools might seem like a quick way to boost your engagement, they often lead to problems. Social media platforms can detect robotic activity, and if they suspect you're using automated systems, they might shadowban you to curb spam.

My friend Luke went all-in on using an Instagram bot to grow his page, and it worked... for a while. Then, one day, his account was shadowbanned. His engagement dropped so low that it took him weeks to regain traction. It wasn’t worth it in the end.

3. Engage with Your Audience Genuinely

This might sound basic, but engaging authentically with your followers is crucial. Platforms love organic interactions, so if your comments seem generic or if you’re just spamming likes, the algorithm might flag you. The key is to be present and engage in meaningful conversations. When I started responding to comments with personal, thoughtful replies instead of quick generic ones, my engagement skyrocketed.

I had a conversation with my colleague Rachel the other day, and she mentioned how she made sure every comment she posted was thoughtful. Even if it’s just a simple “I really like your post, the design is amazing!” – it’s more genuine than just a bunch of random emojis. She’s been shadowban-free for months now!

Common Mistakes That Lead to Shadowbanning

Overuse of the Same Content

Consistency is good, but posting the same exact content over and over can trigger algorithmic red flags. Platforms may interpret this as spammy behavior. It’s important to keep your content varied and creative, even if you’re in a niche. I used to think that reposting my best-performing posts would keep my audience engaged, but it actually made my reach dip. Once I started mixing things up—different types of content, images, and even formats—the engagement improved.

Violating Platform Guidelines (Unintentionally)

Each social media platform has its own set of rules, and if you’re not careful, you could violate them without even knowing. Posting explicit content, hate speech, or content that promotes violence or misinformation can get you shadowbanned or banned outright. But did you know that even certain types of humor or satire can cause issues? Platforms are sensitive, and sometimes content that seems harmless to you could be flagged.

For example, a friend of mine, Ben, was shadowbanned because of a joke he made that the algorithm misinterpreted as offensive. He didn’t even think twice about it. So, when you post something, double-check that it aligns with the platform’s community standards.

Not Updating Your Content or Profile Regularly

This one’s a bit sneaky. Social media platforms like fresh, engaging content. If you’re neglecting your profile, not updating your bio, or sticking to the same old posts without any variety, the algorithm might not favor you. I realized this when I started noticing a dip in my views after a period of inactivity. As soon as I refreshed my content and updated my profile, the visibility returned.

Conclusion: Stay Authentic and Follow the Rules

So, how not to get shadowbanned? The key is to play by the rules and stay authentic. Don’t overdo it with hashtags, steer clear of automation tools, and engage meaningfully with your audience. Remember to keep your content fresh and in line with the platform’s guidelines. Shadowbanning can feel like a mystery, but by understanding what triggers it, you can protect your content and keep your online presence healthy.

Trust me, once you figure out the balance, you’ll avoid shadowbans and see your content thrive. Just be yourself – and be careful with those hashtags!

Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?

The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.

Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?

How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).

How tall is a average 15 year old?

Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years

How to get taller at 18?

Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.

Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?

Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).

Can you grow between 16 and 18?

Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.

Can you grow 1 cm after 17?

Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.