Why can’t I comment on Instagram?
You’ve had your Instagram comments blocked!
IG continues to battle spammers, and innocent users are caught in the aftermath.
Duplicate comments, and comments with multiple users tagged, are likely to be blocked by Instagram.
But, there are lots of possible reasons your comments are not showing!
Read on to discover them all.
Why Is My Comment Not Showing on Instagram?
If you’re not able to add a comment, first try updating your app to the latest version.
If your Instagram app is up to date, you may be getting an error for another reason. Here are some possibilities:
- There’s an Instagram glitch. Try a hard close and restart your app.
- You’re on Airplane Mode or have no internet connection.
- The post has had commenting turned off, or limited to selected people.
- Instagram is down (it’s rare, but you can check here).
- You are over-engaging (likes, comments, follows, unfollows).
- You included more than 5 @ mentions in a single comment.
- You included more than 30 #hashtags on a single post.
- You posted multiple, duplicate comments (including emoji).
- You have a brand-new account and are trying to comment on numerous big accounts.
- You’ve included banned words or phrases.
- That account has blocked you, or a word you used, from comments on their posts.
The first 4, of course, have nothing to do with a block. They just require you to determine which is the cause, and take steps to fix the situation as soon as you can.
Or wait it out!
Reasons 5 – 11 are a bit trickier. Learn more about each below.
Also find tips on how long your block will last, and how to get unblocked faster!
How Often Can I “Like” and Comment on Instagram?
Instagram puts daily Engagement Activity Limits on your account. This is to safeguard against spammers using unethical growth tactics.
There’s not a specific limit for every account. You’ll have a lower limit if your account is newer.
In fact, for a brand-new account, I suggest limiting your activity severely until you complete your Instagram profile with a bio, add a profile picture, and share a few posts.
A typical Instagram user is allowed 60 activities per hour – that includes commenting, liking, following, or unfollowing someone on the app.
If you’re only commenting, you’ll be allowed 60 comments per hour or 180 to 200 comments per day.
The daily limit, however, increases with the age of your Instagram account. More established accounts can post up to 400 or 500 comments a day – significantly more than a new account.
Tips to avoid being restricted from commenting on Instagram:
- Gradually increase your number of daily comments.
- Avoid posting the same comment multiple times (including emoji) .
- Don’t over-engage (likes, follows, unfollows, comments).
- Don’t tag (@mention) more than 5 accounts in a comment.
- Don’t try to use more than 30 hashtags in one post.
Exceed these limits, and you’re put in “Time Out.” For a period of time, you won’t be able to do any of these activities.
TBH, I see similar on every social platform. Consistency is key!
Maybe you’re excited and you want to jump in enthusiastically. Take it easy. Slow and steady wins the race.
Before taking your social media break, you could try:
- Logging out and back in on your Instagram app.
- Posting your comment from a different device.
- Waiting for an hour or so before trying to comment again.
Why Can’t I Post the Same Instagram Comment Again?
Spammers (and some marketers) use automated “bot” commenting to draw attention to their accounts. It’s annoying to put up with as the Instagram audience grows, becoming a more attractive target.
Instagram is hoping to stop bot commenting by blocking comments that duplicate what you just posted.
Friends and I have noticed this on our personal accounts when we write “Congrats!” or similar to more than one person. Totally innocent, but IG only sees it as a duplicate comment – and blocks it.
If you’re marketing on Instagram, please don’t use bot commenting. Even if your comments are varied or spaced out enough to not get blocked – auto commenting is just flat-out annoying.
If you’re trying to make a number of quick comments, add a few relevant emoticons. IGers actually like those 🙂
But don’t repeat one comment in its entirety! Change up the emojis.
Consider including the person’s real name in the comment, too. Not only does this add a personal touch, it will help Instagram see it as a genuine, un-automated, comment.
Instagram Comments Blocked for Tagging Users [@mentions]
The current limit, according to Instagram, is 5 @mentions per comment.
If you tagged no more than 5, and your comment was still blocked, read on for more ideas.
In the past, I’ve had comments blocked when I’ve tried to thank a few users who have congratulated me on being featured by a “hub” account (see sample comment). This is disconcerting, as Instagram tells you your comment may be “abusive.” Certainly that would be the furthest thing from my mind!
After having that happen 3 times, I gave up tagging anyone who was not following my account. Now I’m tentatively tagging non-followers if they’ve tagged me first. This seems to be acceptable – for now.
Again, this blocking is due to those abusive spammers who tag numerous users in comments – usually on a post to “get free followers.” Ugh!
I have to admit, since this crackdown, those obnoxious spammers have declined greatly. Small price to pay, I suppose – as long as we nice folks don’t get confused with spammers, and possibly have our accounts closed!
I suggest you err on the side of caution. If I get another comment blocked due to tagging others, I’ll return to only tagging my followers.
If that doesn’t work, I’ll have to stop thanking people for congratulating me on hub accounts. It’s not worth risking a banned account.
Updated: Instagram has eased up on me for tagging multiple users in a comment thread. I’ve tried it a few times and didn’t get blocked. I was replying to people who had already commented in the thread, as in the image above right.
IG Comments Blocked on Accounts with Over 50K Followers
I hear this often. Several ‘grammers have found this post and left comments begging me to resolve this. Here’s my answer.
Starting a new account and quickly posting on huge and/or celebrity accounts is not typical behavior – except for spammers!
The only solution for this one? Don’t do it.
Be cautious of posting on accounts with huge followings immediately after opening an account.
Which Words Are Banned in Instagram Comments?
Instagram doesn’t provide a list of banned words. If they did, it would have to be constantly updated.
So, just be on your best behavior and try not to offend.
Don’t curse. Be kind.
Instagram says:
We want to foster a positive, diverse community. We remove content that contains credible threats or hate speech, content that targets private individuals to degrade or shame them, personal information meant to blackmail or harass someone, and repeated unwanted messages. We do generally allow stronger conversation around people who are featured in the news or have a large public audience due to their profession or chosen activities.
It’s never OK to encourage violence or attack anyone based on their race, ethnicity, national origin, sex, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, religious affiliation, disabilities, or diseases. When hate speech is being shared to challenge it or to raise awareness, we may allow it. In those instances, we ask that you express your intent clearly.
Serious threats of harm to public and personal safety aren’t allowed. This includes specific threats of physical harm as well as threats of theft, vandalism, and other financial harm. We carefully review reports of threats and consider many things when determining whether a threat is credible. source
In addition, each account can set their own list of banned words… read on.
How Can I Block Comments on My Instagram Account?
As you probably know, you can post a photo or video with commenting disabled.
Did you know you can also block comments that contain specific words, phrases, numbers or emoji that you’d like to avoid?
Yes! Instagram has enabled Comment Controls, and these could be the reason your comment won’t post.
If your account is public, you’ll see a new way to choose who can comment on your posts — from everyone to just groups of people, like people you follow or your followers.
Also, whether your account is public or private, you’ll be able to block other accounts from commenting on your posts.
If you have the offensive comment filter turned on, you can also turn on a keyword filter to hide comments that contain specific words, phrases, numbers or emoji.
- Go to your profile and tap the three lines at top right.
- Tap Settings.
- Tap Privacy and Security.
- Tap Comment Controls.
- Make sure that Hide Offensive Comments is turned on.
- Tap next to Manual Filter to turn it on.
Enter specific words, phrases, numbers or emoji in the text box to filter out comments.
Keep in mind that default and custom keyword filtering aren’t currently available in all languages:
- Default Keywords: The default list of keywords is only available in certain languages.
- Custom Keywords: Currently, custom keyword filtering doesn’t support languages without spaces (ex: Chinese, Japanese, Thai).
When you turn on comment filtering, it’s applied to both new and existing comments on your posts. When you turn off comment filtering, filtered comments on your posts will be restored. source
And of course, any account can block you, delete your comment, or even report you.
Instagram says:
You may find content you don’t like, but doesn’t violate the Community Guidelines. If that happens, you can unfollow or block the person who posted it. If there’s something you don’t like in a comment on one of your posts, you can delete that comment.
Be wise: only post #KindComments.
How Long Am I Blocked from Commenting on Instagram?
A typical block will last 24–48 hours.
If it’s your first offense, your block may be as short as 2 hours. Proceed cautiously! Be sure to review the daily and hourly limits above.
If you’re a repeat offender, and if you’re been reported by other IGers, your block could last as long as a week or even a month.
If you’ve been blocked from commenting by the account owner, please respect that. Don’t even try to comment or message that account.
How to Get UNblocked on Instagram
So you’re blocked, you’re not sure how long it will last, and you’re in the throes of Instagram withdrawals.
There may be some things you can do to get the block lifted faster.
According to Guiding Tech, if Instagram has blocked you, it could be that Instagram has blocked your IP address and not your account.
The first solution that you should try is to switch to mobile data instead of using your WiFi.
Or switch your IP address!
I haven’t tried this, but just read about it from someone who said they do this on a monthly basis. I don’t know all the ramifications changing this setting might have, so beware. Since you’re resetting, you will have to re-enter passwords.
The simple solution if you are on iPhone. Go to your settings -> General -> Reset -> Reset Network Settings. This will give you new IP address.
If you’re still blocked, I strongly recommend you put the phone down and stay off Instagram for at least 24 hours.
And absolutely, stop using any automated tools that are not approved Instagram marketing partners.
It’s also recommended to link your other social media accounts inside your Instagram settings.
Basically, anything that makes your account look like it’s run by a real person!
You can also report your issue to Instagram from the Settings within the app.
On iPhone:
- From your Settings, tap Help.
- Tap Report a Problem.
- Tap Something Isn’t Working.
- State your case!
My guess is you’ll be unblocked before they read your problem report!
Here are more tips to unblock your IG account from a reader comment. Not sure if you have to do ALL these things, but essentially, you want to make your profile look genuine.
- Add / change a profile picture and description.
- Delete your link if it might be suspect (affiliate links, typos, possibly shortened links).
- Use Instagram normally. Do NOT use automation!
- Comment very little, if at all.
Another reader, QQ says:
I had the same problem. I could only post 3 comments every 24 hours. If I posted more than 3 comments I’d get banned for 24 hours from commenting (could still like pictures, follow people – just couldn’t comment.)
I did the following things:
– Change my profile (just write something new in your profile; maybe don’t leave any links until you’re unbanned from commenting too).
– Set a profile picture.
– Log in and out of your Instagram account.
– Go on your computer and log into Instagram. Like some pictures and try commenting at least once.
– On your phone, use Instagram normally: just browse, look at pictures, search hashtags, like some pictures, (show that you’re not a bot).
– Set a gender: male or female.
– Don’t comment for a few days or a week, but do all the above.
– Post two pictures (6 hours apart) every day.
I got unbanned in 4 days doing all this. I can comment all the time now, like pictures, follow etc. Good luck!!
Thank you QQ for sharing!
IG Comment Block Takeaways and To-Dos
I know it’s frustrating. As in all things, patience is a virtue here.
I don’t know how long your block will last. Just be sure you’re not making duplicate comments or multiple tags, which would likely make it worse.
Be sure you have the latest version of Instagram and your mobile OS. Old versions may prevent your comments from posting.
Never tag more than 5 users in one comment.
Try Instagram on your browser. At least one user has reported this resolved his issue.
If your app has frozen, you can try a hard shutdown of your device. This worked on my iPhone. I have no experience with Android or Windows devices, so do your due diligence before trying anything.
If you still can’t open Instagram, you can try deleting the app and reinstalling. Again, check this out first before trying. I’m not qualified to provide tech advice!
Read the comments to see if other readers have left advice you can follow.
Leave advice if you have any. If you ask a question, be aware that I have no further advice beyond what I’ve provided in this article. Maybe another reader can help.
Be real, be authentic, be you – and be careful not to get your Instagram comments blocked!
All info checked and verified for 2025 in late December 2024. Let me know if things change and I’ll update.
This post on blocked Instagram comments was originally published in April 2015 and has been updated 8 times.
Ejay says
Hey Louise. Please i need help. My instagram account tells me that my account contains a link that is not allowed. They show me the link, but i have no link in my bio. I cant like, comment, or follow anyone.. Please Louise I really need your help ?
Louise Myers says
Hi Ejay,
I’m sorry that I have no way to help you! If you’re able, you might try editing your profile to see if that does anything.
N says
Hi, I have had my instagram account for a week and i still cant tag anybody in photos. The tags either disappear right away or stay and when i leave my profile and come back and click on my pic again, the tags are gone. I click on my pic and the tags don’t pop up. It’s really annoying. I’ve updated the app, uninstalled and install, restarted my phone, changed my email address, changed my profile description and nothing has worked. Is it because nobody has followed me?
Louise Myers says
It’s possible that Instagram is trying to quash spammers by preventing new accounts from tagging. I haven’t heard this, but it may be an algorithm thing.
nikhil says
Hi,
I am unable to like, comment, follow someone and getting this error “your profile contains a link(1.38.4.9.0) that is not allowed” but i cant find it on my bio.
Please tell me what to do.
Thanks
Louise Myers says
You don’t have a link on your profile? If you do, delete it.
Patrick Brookings says
Hi! Thought to see if anyone here can offer some insight in what is going on.
For about a month now, I have been unable to post, like, follow or comment on Instagram.
I received no reasons as to why this suddenly happened.
I post (or rather, I used to post) a few times a week, just normal daily life stuff, I rarely comment, and I certainly do not go liking hundreds of posts either.
In my bio I do have a link to my personal blog, which again contains nothing which would cause me getting blocked.
If for some off reason they block me because of the link, then why provide the means to add a website at all?
There is also no way to contact them, apart from via the reporting bugs option.
I have done this multiple times, but have never received a reply.
I have tried all kinds of things already, and keep reporting the ‘bug’ every time I get this popup (saying that this action has been blocked), which is about once a day.
Not quite sure what to do, but it’s absolutely ridiculous if you ask me…
Louise Myers says
I agree, Patrick, lots of unpleasant things going on with Instagram lately.
If you try removing your link, let me know if things change.
Patrick Brookings says
Well, I did not remove the website link, and out of the blue everything is suddenly working again. No notification from Instagram whatsoever though. I had to keep trying every day, and today it’s apparently all working again.
For how long, goodness knows…
Louise Myers says
Hoping it stays fixed!
Patrick Brookings says
Well, I spoke too soon. I can comment, like and post, but they will not let me follow anyone.
Unbelievable, I feel like a criminal or something, geez!
Fran says
Also, is it possible to blog without instagram and use another website instead? Like eyeem? I feel like with the new algorithms, its almost impossible to grow a big account on instagram anymore. You meet so many restrictions.. We need a new app!
Fran says
Dear Louise, Im not sure if my comments make it to you.. But what would you recommend to do after getting blocked for liking twice? First time I actually liked too much, second time I liked only 4 pictures. I don’t dare to touch the App anymore, am scared they will disable my account…. Please help 🙁 Should I stop all action for a week?
Louise Myers says
Hi Fran, I think that might be a good move for now. 4 pictures is hardly anything! That’s really sad.
Then start up again REALLY slowly! I’d love to hear how it goes.
Franziska says
Dear Louise,
thank you for your help, it eased me a lot 🙂 A week has passed and I have made my experience with it. I actually wrote a blogpost about it, how to behave after a temporary block and what worked for me:
http://anoukhandthesea.com/2016/09/29/behave-instagram-temporarily-blocked-liking/
What do you think?
Thanks so much for your interest !!
Fran xx
Louise Myers says
I’m so glad it’s worked out! Thanks for sharing your experience and tips.
One thing I didn’t quite understand – could you explain what you mean by, Stop liking when the heart pops back to “normal”? Does that mean you try to like a post but it doesn’t stay liked?
Fran says
And could you suggest anything to get me of their watch? Also how do I behave after the block? I just got blocked again for liking 3 photos 🙁 We need to make a petition for instagram to stop these updates.
Fran says
Hey! Help 🙁 I need my instagram for my blog, but after liking to quickly I got blocked from liking. Today, I got blocked again just for liking a few pictures. Do you think they will leave me alone if I don’t do anything in a week or so? I worked so much on this account, I just cannot have it disabled. But I feel like they have me on the watch now and its almost likely to happen. What do you suggest to do? Thank you for your help !
julie gardner says
I appreciate the info. I have been blocked by instagram from my pics going on the public gallery even when I am not set to private. A quick message pops up that I was going too fast. At first my pics weren’t showing up in the hashtags and that lasted 3 weeks. Now they are but Im still blocked from public and its been 4 weeks. Should I give up and start over? My followers and likes have greatly declined. Thanks
Louise Myers says
Hi Julie,
Not sure that starting over will help. New accounts seem to be having problems too. If you have any idea what caused the blocks, stop doing it. Maybe even take a break from posting for a few days or a week.
There are so many strange things going on with IG, lately, I can’t keep up.
Best of luck.
lazycraft says
Hi Louise,
I was wondering if you ever found out anything about instagram not letting posts show up on the public gallery? I think instagram have been doing it to be for a week or so. My likes went down dramatically and I found out by checking on my other (personal) account. I didn’t receive any warning or error notification. My posts don’t show up on hashtags they are only visible to followers. This is my business account and I’m running a giveaway at the moment but no one new can see it. I’ve tried reporting the problem. Did you ever hear anything about how long this lasted with the previous person who complained of this happening?
Louise Myers says
Hi,
I didn’t hear back. This is something I might check into on my own account as my likes have been down too.
BTW would really appreciate you using a real first name instead of your biz name for future comments. It’s part of my comment policy.
lazycraft says
The same thing is happening to me. How long did this last with you?
Stella says
Hi, I just opened up a page for celebrities but I can’t tag them in the photos..I mean tag not with @ and name, the other that shows you who is in the picture. I had the same problem and from my own account, I tagged them and then in their profile nothing. Only this time I write the name I press the ✔ button and it shows like normal but then it just disappears. And when I go to the pics others has tagged the celebs in their profile, I can see posts like 3 minutes ago etc from others but not mine.
Louise Myers says
New accounts seem to be restricted from normal activities at the beginning, like tagging and hashtagging. It seems IG is trying really hard to avoid spam accounts, and going a little overboard.
Would love to hear how long it takes for you to be able to do this.
Gonzalo says
Is it possible to tag my girlfriend again on a picture of us after she got mad, blocked me and deleted her tag on my picture?? Now we are following each other again but when i try to tag her and press done she doesnt end up tagged
Louise Myers says
Sounds like once a tag has been deleted, it can’t be re-added.
Nadz says
I had been commenting at this 1 celebrity account but my comment can only be seen by me and my follower in the comment section. Why does this happen? If i was blocked i suppose i cannot like or even view the post. I didnt even receive any warning about comment being blocked or whatsoever.
Louise Myers says
Not sure about this. I suppose celebrities get special treatment! Are you sure no one else can see it?
Nadz says
Yes i am very sure about it because i tried on several account. I once asked my follower to unfollow me and when check at the comment section my comment dissapear but when my friend follow my acc back my comment appear. Been facing this problem even before instagram introduce blocked comment
Louise Myers says
Perhaps this is a feature celebrities can request, or IG has in place, to reduce comment spam. Sorry, I don’t know much about celebrity accounts.
chy8 says
me too.. i got same problem with you, I hope someone in here forum can help us to know it.
Wanda Maria says
Instagram has been really frustrating for me for the past several months. I cannot comment on anyone’s posts or follow anyone because of an “inappropriate link” on my profile. The link is not appropriate, it is a link to my Etsy shop, Wanda Maria Designs. I am not allowed to delete the link from my profile or edit it in any way. I get an error message saying this is due to an automated spam block.
As of this past week, any captions I add to my recent photos are gone. So – you will see a picture on my page, but no caption. Example is here: https://www.instagram.com/p/BI0JJq5Alq-/?taken-by=wandamariadesigns
There is no longer any mechanism for reporting issues to Instagram. They have ALL been removed, even from the link you have posted above in your text.
Leave it to Facebook (who now owns Instagram) to mess up a good thing. I never had these issues until Facebook got involved. It figures.
Louise Myers says
So sorry to hear this. I’m learning this is an ongoing issue with links to etsy.com/shop/name. But you can’t remove the link? That’s pretty dumb.
Louise Myers says
Wanda,
Could you check my advice in this post and let me know if it works?
Sara says
I have a message saying “Link not allowed” it looks like your profile is linked to 1.128.97.36 that is not allowed. We restrict certain content and actions to protect our community . Tell us if you think we made a mistake.” I am so confused what have I done, i can’t like, or comment to even make changes to my profile i am not impressed by IG, i was starting to finally get it but now I’m not sure. Can any one help with this problem before i uninstall it off my phone? thanks Sara 🙁
Louise Myers says
Instagram doesn’t like the link in your bio. They’re really cracking down on those “buy IG likes/followers” accounts. You may not be one, but perhaps your link shares their server.
As soon as you can get back into your profile, delete your link.
Elize says
I can’t tag anyone in my picture I put on Instagraam. I seems to work fine at first, but when the picture is placed on the timeline and I push on it the tag icon disappears. Could this be the same as described here above with comments? Anything else seem to function normally.
Will they always have a 3 comment per 24 hours penalty or does that go away in time you act like ‘a normal human’ on Instagram? And how does it work when you use two accounts on one ip address?
Louise Myers says
Hi Elize,
I haven’t heard of this tagging issue before, but it’s most likely related.
I would guess that the limit is lifted when your activity seems more “normal” to Instagram. And I have 5 accounts on my phone with no issues. The issues I described in this article were actually when I had only one!
Good luck.
Jen says
We just got blocked after Instagram sent me a pop up directing me to change my password due to suspicious activity. After doing so, I’m now blocked from commenting or captioning my photos for a week! If they suspect my account is hacked and blocked me for that reason, why on earth would they continue to block me after I reset my password?
Louise Myers says
This is puzzling. Certainly they wouldn’t put a popup in the app to change your password if they thought it’d been hacked. Maybe they just meant suspicious activity in general, and you had an easy password that could be hacked?
Sorry on the block. That doesn’t make sense either!
Shannon says
I’m only blocked from commenting on 1 page…But everything else I can comment on. My block expires in 23 hours..ish..
Louise Myers says
How strange! Might that account have reported you? Or is it the only large account you’ve tried to comment on…
Nadine says
New account and i cant tag anyone in my photos !!
Louise Myers says
They’re getting pretty tough 🙁
Son says
This might be a bit off topic, but lately I’m not able to update/edit my Instagram caption. Is this familiar to anyone? It’s so annoying 🙁 I can’t find anything or anyone on the internet with the same problem or a solution .
Louise Myers says
Sorry, I haven’t heard of this one. Anyone else?
Paperplane says
I have the same problem with you. It has been five days, I cant write or edit caption on my instagram. I have sent report everyday to instagram since the first day the problem appeared. But no respond, dont know why I cant edit/write caption, i didnt do anything wrong. Does anyone here have solution to overcone this?
Beth B. says
I tried to comment two days ago on a picture of a new type of yarn by saying “I want it aaaall, haha!” And it gave me that warning that says “We restrict certain content to protect the community,” etc. I tried rephrasing, thinking maybe it didn’t like how I misspelled “all” and this time I said “I want it in every color, LOL!” Then it gave me a message that said I had been banned from commenting for 24 hours for trying to do the same thing twice.
The ban is over now and I’m able to comment again, but I’m wondering what part of my comment(s) did it have a problem with? Was it the “LOL/haha” or what??? I guess I’m just wondering so I can try to avoid getting banned again, because it is super annoying.
So you know, I just signed up for Instagram this past weekend, and I’ve made sure to fill out all the profile information, and I’ve been taking my time with posting, liking, following, and commenting, so I don’t think it had to do with going to fast. (That was only my second or third comment of the day as I recall). My IG profile is “eruvandicrafts” by the way.
Louise Myers says
Oh my goodness. That’s just ridiculous, Beth! I honestly have no idea what you could have said that offended IG or anyone.
Perhaps we need to avoid misspelling words? Maybe that means something in another language? Sheesh, I don’t know anymore. But one person did have their account frozen because they misspelled “instagram” in their link.
javid says
Hi I’m blocking solution to block the exit of Darien please ???? Please help me thank you
I direct this message praises Please help me:
This message contains content that has been blocked by our security systems, we restrict certain content and actions to protect our community. tell us if you think we made a mistake tnx
Louise Myers says
I believe the only solution is to wait it out.
Lizzy says
I have been temporarily blocked for unfollowing ppl twice this wk…I thought it was for 24 hrs but it was for 48 but when the 48 hr was up I was able to unfollow 1 person then got temporarily blocked again I have changed my password done everything I can think of to fix this problem…I even googled and read that it might last from 1 hr 24 48 to a wk to maybe 4wks is this true??
Louise Myers says
That I don’t know, Lizzy, but it would be helpful to others if you report back how it goes for you. Best of luck!
Sonia says
Hi Louise, in relation to my last reply on here I am curious to know –
Can I finally add a caption to my last photo, it would have about 5 tags, it explains my Pilates exercise;
I got Blocked for about 5 days as I was trying to include that caption with my pic, it’s a really great content with lots of value to those who like to exercise correctly.
Any thoughts?
My IG profile is my name 🙂
Thanks in advance
Louise Myers says
Well this is a puzzle – you were blocked for adding a caption? No idea why that would cause a block. I guess if it were me I’d be scared to try it again!
Sonia says
OMG – this is the most awesome HELPful blog I have come across re SM!
I have followed QQ’s post to the LETTER re my IG Ban – and it worked!!!
Thank you so much!
I have invested so much time to write quality material for my IG mini-blogs, and realising there’s noone to call on email to even enquire what the heck went wrong was somewhat of a downer….
I am grateful to have found you!
Subscribing to all you have to say and publish Louise (and passing the good word of course:)) xxx
Louise Myers says
Sonia,
I’m so happy to hear it worked for you! And I appreciate your support.
Noemie says
Hi Louise,
I have got a temporary block on IG comments since Friday morning saying it will expire in 23 hours . 23 hours have passed still having the same block message with 8 hours more. I don’t know what’s wrong. I have reported 3 times. Now its saying 6 hours for block to expire. Do you have any advice? Thanks in advance
Louise Myers says
Hi Noemie,
I don’t know anything more. I have been hearing about these “xx hours” until an unblock, and people who have waited it out have gotten unblocked. I know it’s frustrating, but I don’t know what else you can do.
Best of luck!
Nathania says
Why I can’t tag people on my instagram pictures ? How to solve that problem? Hope you reply this ASAP , thank you very much
Louise Myers says
I’m sorry, Nathania, I don’t know. Possibly you’ve tagged too often or too many, and someone may have reported your tagging.
Bibe says
I think if you comment a lot with in the termed time period, you are about to get suspended for a time being. I just got my account suspended for 24 hours. Actually, i wasn’t spamming at all. I was just tagging my friends in lot of clothing post. Anyways, thanks for the content. Learned a lot.
P.S: nice reading, Louise
Louise Myers says
I agree, a lot of commenting seems to trip some algorithm!
Jas says
Hi Louise 🙂 thanks for writing this. I joined instagram to take part in contests. As soon as i mentioned this in my bio, i was not allowed to comment. As a person looking to participate for fun and be part of a group activity, this really upset me. And as a marketer it makes instagram really unattractive to me. My clients are advised to run contests on instagram but if instagram blocks participants then it makes zero sense to do promos on IG. After messing up Facebook, Facebook is ruining Instagram. Thank God for dear Twitter, Louise!!!
Louise Myers says
Oh, that’s sad! Instagram contests are a lot of fun. Well, things on IG are changing rapidly, and not always for the better!
H2w says
Hi I hope you can help me.
I haven’t been able to add any caption on my own photos and not able to save edit either..is there any ban on having caption? My account is very normal everyday ootd account and I have never added more 5 # on the caption… The only thing I could think of is I do get a comment ban for a week the day before the caption problem started… Do you know if they are related or why I could possibly do wrong? Thanks! it will be really appreciated if you could help me out. X
Louise Myers says
Hi, yes I believe they are related. It seems IG considers captions similar to comments, as most people have said they can nether caption nor comment. I don’t believe it has anything to do with number of hashtags. I regularly post 25 – 30 on every image.
soul_biscuit says
Has this happened to anyone else? The day of the big update, I got blocked for liking too many photos. I didn’t think too much of it. 24 hours later when the block lifted, I got blocked again after liking only 50 photos. When that block lifted tonight after another 24 hours, I got blocked AGAIN after liking only FOUR photos. I’ve sent reports to IG after each block but apparently they haven’t done anything about it.
Jas says
I think that instagram needs to take a long hard look at their product. This is most definitely going to be offputting to users.
Fran says
The same happened to me too!! Im so scared they disable my account! Has anything changed for you yet?!
Ana says
Hey! I have been temporaily blocked from commenting pictures or caption my pictures for a week now. It says it would be unblocked on Saturday, well it’s Saturday to me now and I’m still blocked and I cannot comment or caption my pictures… and its so funny how i got blocked in the first place when i did nothing wrong.. Its crazy… I can like other pictures and post mine but i just cant comment and caption. I have like 14,3k followers and i post pictures daily (not too much, maybe 3 or 4 a day, Its a fan account tho)… I reported to Instagram like so many times and nothing… Its driving me insane now… please, do you have some tip or something?? Thanks!
Louise Myers says
Hi Ana, waiting seems to be the best option. It’s not Saturday at Instagram yet! 🙂
Ana says
i’m finally off 🙂 thank you for your reply 🙂
Louise Myers says
Yay! Glad to hear it 🙂
_ticilpxe_ says
For some reason out of no where it won’t let me like or comment on pictures not even my own everytime I try to like something it unlike it and says I have a link called 16.com and I have no idea what that is and it’s really making me mad
Louise Myers says
Check the link in your bio. If it’s not that, it could be that website is reporting people who are posting their images without permission. Another person had that same block.
Johannes says
Hey there,
I’m having the same issue with the link in my profile. Although the link does not refer to any content that violates IGs terms of use, spam stuff or whatever my account got blocked.
I’ve tried to contact the support countless times on different channels, but nothing has happened so far. Plus I can’t edit my profile / delete the link.
Has anybody come up with a solution so far?
Thanks a lot in advance and best from Germany
Johannes
Louise Myers says
Hey Johannes,
I’ve reached out to an IG marketing persona and she hadn’t even heard of this yet.
I’m still looking… I change my link often and have no idea what might set off IG!
I’ll let you know as soon as I have a clue. Would love to hear your updates as well.
Gracie says
My account is on automated spam block due to a typo in the link in my bio which should read “Instagram” not “Instagtam”
I am unable to update the link and correct the mistake.
I can’t interact with anyone like pictures or properly post pictures.
I have sent numerous messages on all platforms for the past 4 days and still nothing.
I dont know what else to do, it won’t even let me fix the error. Meanwhile there are people posting pornographic content all on my explore feed and they’re unbothered -_-
What do I do?!
Louise Myers says
I’m so sorry this is happening. If I can find a solution, I’ll let you know.
cinderfrost_ says
Hello, My name is Abby; @cinderfrost_ on instagram.
Yesterday, I was trying to post something with a caption, but it had come up with something saying that my comment was blocked as it was related to a link called 16.com (which is some education website i found out) and is not allowed. I was confused, as it was just a picture of a cat. It posted the picture, but not the comment. I then decided to change my bio, soon realising that i couldnt do that either, due to the same reason. Then came the fact that i noticed i couldnt comment anywhere, not even on my own account. I couldnt like any photos either? Also, nobody can tag me, and i cant add my account to any follower apps etc either. it just keeps on saying about a link. Ive reported the problem multiple times, deleted and reinstalled instagram, logged out and back in, anything i could think off; but nothing works.
Do you have any idea what is going on here?
Many thanks,
Abby x
Louise Myers says
I’m just starting to hear about problems with links. Unfortunately, I’m not an Instagram troubleshooting expert.
It doesn’t help you now, but apparently people need to be careful of the link they put in their bio. And don’t make up a link, as it could end up being somewhere IG doesn’t like.
I hope your ban gets lifted! I’d appreciate hearing any updates so I can try to help others.
Miranda says
Hello, I woke up this morning and when I tried to like a picture, it said that I couldn’t because I had a link on my profile that wasn’t allowed. I have a website, but I can’t edit my profile to delete it. This same pop up shows up when I try to comment or edit my profile, I’m stuck! Help! Please!
Louise Myers says
Sorry that this is happening. I just heard a similar story – first I’d heard of it. Can you tell me what type of link they didn’t like? Is it an affiliate link, or a suspicious website?
Amanda says
I’m having the same issue on 2 accounts but I only have a link on one, it’s just a style blog. I’m so sad it’s completely shutting me down from doing anything.
Bailey says
I’m having my Instagram do the same problem ^^^ why can’t we fix it ?
cinderfrost_ says
This is happening to me too!
charmae says
This was the first website that actually addressed this issue with educated responses. This is my first and only IG account. I signed up after the MET GALA to see all the pretty photos celebs were posting, I was on IG for 2 hours, and made 2 comments before I was blocked for abusive behavior and could no longer post comments.
I can read them, and the spammers are all still there posting! WTG IG.
I got that 24 hour notice, and there’s no way to tell if its lifted only by posting, and then they hit me with more time for trying.
this IG blocker was a horrible idea, and every post I see is still full of spam. Go Figure.
Louise Myers says
I know, so sorry Charmae! I wish they’d get rid of the spammers and leave the rest of us to enjoy IG as it was intended.
Esther says
I dont understand why I have been barred for 22 hours as I was just about to say yep and the message was showing up
Louise Myers says
I know – it’s crazy and annoying 🙁
Alexis says
My issue seems to be completely different from what I have read thus far. Whenever I try to like/comment on a picture, I receive a message saying “Action Blocked- Our security systems have detected that a lot of people are posting a lot of the same content, which could mean that it’s spam. Please try a different post. We restrict certain content and actions to protect our community. Please let us know if you think we have made a mistake.”
This started occurring on April 16th, 2016 and I have sent in NUMEROUS reports to no avail. I have not exhibited any “abusive behavior”. Have you heard of anything like this? Also, is there any more direct way to contact Instagram aside from their help section? I have read multiple suggestions to back up your phone, delete the app, then reset your phone all together and re-download the app from there. Any information would help.
Louise Myers says
This isn’t dissimilar to what I experienced. Unfortunately Instagram doesn’t seem to be providing support, or listening to their users, any more.
If the tips in the article haven’t helped, I don’t know what else to suggest.
Sorry that I’m just discovering a bunch of old comments in the spam folder 🙁
bahram says
please help me
when i am installing instagram app it is show this message “i’m sorry instagram be stoped”
Louise Myers says
No idea what that means, sorry.
cinderfrost_ says
I think it means you either do not have enough internet connection for it to download, or maybe your phone doesnt have enough data. Or your phone may be in need of an update.
qq says
Please what is wrong with my account i made it a week ago. I can only post 3 comments a day if do any higher get a message saying “Action blocked” and blocked for 24 hours. 🙁 ?
Marina says
i’m going crazy trying to figure this out. I blocked someone on IG ran a phone update the same night and the next day that person was unblocked? is this common? how does that happen, it is now causing a huge issue in my relationship. i didnt even go back on my IG after I blocked this person.
help!
Louise Myers says
Could have been a glitch that the app update didn’t pick up the block. I can’t be certain.
Polo says
I keep on getting blocked for 23 hours and its been doing this for 3 days now I have the new update too . Does someone keep on reporting my account?
Louise Myers says
Not sure but I suppose it’s possible.
Kait says
I got blocked yesterday for 23 hours got down to 11 hours and then boom back up to 23 hours after I tried to say “I was hacked” to Instagram. They bumped me back out to 23 hours after I reported the hack. I’ve been on Instagram since 2011, no issues what so ever them yesterday I get hacked and I’m blocked cannot post comments or captions under my photos. It’s sooooo infuriating. Someone stole my username and was saying “get likes go to some website” and I’m being penalized. I just want my Instagram back for I post lots of family pics etc…. How do I prove its me and undo this wrongful block????? It’s making me so sick! It’s not my fault! I updated my profile pic as you said and put emojis as my bio. I’ve been “liking” photos like normal as well just can’t comment or caption my own. Please help!!!!!!!
Louise Myers says
I’m so sorry, Kait. I wish I had a way to help, but I don’t. It seems it’s all automated on IG’s end and I haven’t heard of anyone successfully getting through to them. Well, actually I have heard of huge accounts getting hacked and fixing it, but they may have paid a lawyer!
Does this other person still have access to your account?
I think I should go enable 2-factor authentication to avoid this!! Scary!
Marie says
I currently cannot comment on users with more than 50k followers, and I’ve been receiving that annoying Action Blocked pop-up. I recently set up a new IG account because I grew tired of my old one. I think it helps deleting that since it looks like IG also targets accounts with the same names. Not sure though, but it could be a reason…
Louise Myers says
Interesting suggestion! Wishing you better luck with your new account.
Claudia says
Hey!
I have one problem…. why only spammers would comment on accounts with tons of followers? For example if im new and follow my fave singer or actor they obviously has million followers and of course im gonna comment on them even those are my first days.
And after the first comment they blocked me.
Now thanks to you know I know why but I dont agree with that. If i join for my faves I wanna be able to comment on their photos.
Awesome article btw, have a nice day.
And sorry for my english im not native speaker.
Louise Myers says
No problem Claudia, of course you should be able to comment on your fave accounts regardless of their size. Unfortunately spammers target those large accounts to get the most possible people to see their comments, which promote their own account or service.
Best of luck to you!
Dixie says
I am having the same problem, I want to comment on my favorite singers pics, it let me make one post, and has blocked anymore attempts to comment on any more verified accounts with large following.
This is a stupid thing for Instagram to do, the ones who can comment on his account just post the same things over and over, same childish stuff, like I love you, heaps of smileys, marry me, stupid stuff. They don’t even respond to what he actually posts about.
I make simple posts, no hashtags or nothing, nothing rude and can’t comment. It is really frustrating. It is the reason I made the account, because this singer only has an instagram account, no other social media.
There has to be something that can be done about this ridiculous rule.
Kait says
I know the answer! Do NOT keep complaining to Instagram it will block you back out each time you submit the problem for another 23 hours. Let the 23 hours expire on its own and it will and you will be able to comment and caption again! Just happened to me. Blocked for no reason but had to wait it out.
Nilah says
Thank you!!! I always keep reporting. That’s probably why! 🙂
Gavin Dwayne says
I’m blocked for using a link in my bio. I can’t like nor comment on a pic. How long will this last.
Louise Myers says
Sorry, there’s no way for me to know that.
louisa clark says
I have the same problem too and it’s been a week already. I’ve tried to report and everything but it just driving me nuts can someone help me or something
Carl says
I’m also blocked for using a link in my Bio, but I have never put a link in my bio so there is no link for me to remove. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
sarah butt says
i just recently created an account on ig. idk why but all of a sudden it blocked me for 24 hrs and its been longer and i still cant post a comment.
on my ig i didnt tell anyone my identity i said i would a t 110 followers and i think that may be the reason y. if u can plz help me get my account back i was at 50 followers
Louise Myers says
I’m really sorry, but I have no way to help. It should come back in time!
Kk says
I made a new account but when my friends try to tag me in their pictures it won’t let them.
how do u fix it?
Louise Myers says
I don’t think there’s a fix for this. It will probably pass in time as you interact in a “normal” (to IG algorithm) manner.
Daphney says
I get blocked after 3 comments
I was using someone else’s account and opened mine 1 week ago. I moved all the instagram follwers across and I get that because of all being done in one go I could have been blocked. But EVERYDAY I get blocked for commenting every day. I have had one day where I was able to post 2 comments and that was it. I got blocked. I keep filling out the little tell us if it is an error, to no avail. It is beyond frustrating. Not once was I ever blocked when I was using the other persons’ account to comment.
this is really doing my head in
Louise Myers says
Sorry. Using someone else’s account and moving followers (not even sure how you’d do that?) sound like things that would send up red flags to IG.
jxxxxx says
I’m having the same problem. It’s really frustrating.
Me says
Same problem! I have two IG accounts and I’m only experiencing problems on my new account. I can post MAYBE one or two comments a day, then I’m blocked for another 24 hours. I’m about to just say F IT.
qq says
I get the same problem. I can like and follow and post pictrues but after 3 comments get banned 24 hours. 🙁 Very frustrating.
Ardaffa says
Will it last in 24 hours or more? I have dame problem today
qq says
I had the same problem i could only post 3 comments every 24 hours if i posted more than 3 comments i’d get ban for 24 hours from commenting (Could still like pictures, follower people, just cant comment.)
I did these following things:
– Change my profile (Just write something new in your profile not the same thing maybe dont leave any links until your unbanned from commenting too)
– Set a profile picture
– Log in and out of your Instagram account.
– Go on your computer and log in Instagram and like some pictures and try commenting at least once.
– On your phone use instagram normally just browse, look at pictures, search up hashtags, like some pictures sometimes, (show sort of like your not a bot and your looking up hash tags, browsing peoples profiles idk, i think their automated systems can tell. )
– Set a gender male or female.
– Don’t comment for a few days or a week but do all the above.
– Post two pictures (6 hours apart) every day.
I got unbanned in 4 days doing all this i can comment all the time now, like pictures, follow etc. Good luck!!
Louise Myers says
Awesome, thank you for sharing!
Tricia says
Hi,
Thank you for sharing this insightful post. I have a question, hopefully you can advice… Based on qq said, to keep posting twice a day, but, what if I am only able to post the photo with NO WORDS allowed??
I received the message from Instagram few days ago that my account will be banned from commenting until next Tuesday 🙁 I did research online to see what I can do to rectify this, came across this article, and I tried to post something. I realized, that I can ONLY post the photo, but not allowed to write a single word!! So, should I just wait it out til Tuesday? Or, still post just photos… But, that’s not nice either…
Hope you can advice. Thank you Louise!
Louise Myers says
Sorry to be so late responding. I’m just discovering a bunch of old comments in the spam folder 🙁
I’ve seen others post a graphic explaining that they can’t comment. At least that explains what’s going on to your loyal followers.
Good luck!
Liyah says
How many days does it last???!
Louise Myers says
Readers have reported from 24 hours to a week, sometimes longer.
Ethan says
When I tried to tag my uncle in a photo of a cool knife saying, “cool” it said I got blocked and that I was using abusive content and it said it will last for 24 hours I don’t know why it said this I hadn’t been previously chatting for a few days before and that was just tagging a friend it a cat photo so I’m so confused
Louise Myers says
I know, it can be perplexing!
Lily says
When I try to send a comment it says comment blocked even when I send DM’s how do I stop this
Louise Myers says
Sorry Lily, I don’t know how to stop it. Sounds like IG has flagged your account and hopefully it will pass!
India says
I post nothing but inspirational a positive things…i have 2 seperate accounts that aren’t linked and both accounts are blocked. 1 went from an 11 hr to a 14 day block and I just opened 1 today and I posted I positive comment on a pic and its blocked. Yet…people are popping up in my timeline selling sex toys…really??? Instagram is a joke. SMH
Akhil says
This may help:
techcords.com/fix-instagram-link-not-allowed-error
I managed to get rid of this error by following the methods mentioned in the link above. Hope it helps.
Louise Myers says
I will clarify the post as time permits.