Can’t post on Instagram?
Instagram is currently one of the most popular visual social media platforms, with its main feature being its 60-second long videos, followed by the ability to live stream and send private messages.
When I first started using Instagram, I was hooked. It was so much fun and I was able to share my everyday life with literally so many people!
Of course, there were times when I couldn’t post on Instagram, and I became equally frustrated.
So I had to figure out why!
Read on for all the reasons you can’t post on Instagram, and how to overcome them in a snap.
Why Can’t I Post On Instagram?
Here are some of the most common reasons why you can’t post photos or videos on Instagram.
1 | Not Following Community Guidelines
The first thing you’ll want to check is if your post is going against community guidelines. You may think that’s not the case, that your content is pretty safe and respectful – but I suggest you check these rules out just in case.
Here are some of Instagram’s guidelines:
- Share only photos or videos that you’ve been given full permission to share, or those that you’ve taken yourself
- Post pictures that are appropriate for groups of people from different backgrounds and beliefs
- Nudity or half-naked images of minors (even those shared with the best of intentions) are disallowed
- Be respectful in your comments – refrain from making hate comments, provocative comments, degradatory comments, and the like.
2 | Poor Internet Connection
The Instagram app, like any other mobile app, requires a fast Internet connection for the best user experience. If you are in an area with a poor network connection, you may start seeing your home feed fail to load and your typed comments not going through.
If your posts are really important and need to go out in time (say for your upcoming event), you’ll need cellular data that you can fall back on. That way you’ll be able to get your next Instagram story or post out timely without the hassle of trying to troubleshoot errors and freaking out!
How do you turn your cellular data use on?
On an Android phone:
- Go to Settings >> Connections >> Data Usage >> Toggle the Mobile Data button on.
- iPhone users: Go to Settings >> Mobile Data >> Toggle the Mobile Data button on.
If you’re worried about using too much data and incurring high charges, you can choose to turn the data saver option off from within the app itself.
How to do this within Instagram data settings:
- Go to your Instagram app
- Click on your Instagram profile at the bottom left corner
- Click on the hamburger icon on the top right corner of your screen
- Go to Settings
- Go to Account
- Go to Mobile Data Use
- Turn the Data Saver option off.
You’ll be able to do this on the web version of Instagram with your desktop as well.
Tip: Check to make sure that the airplane mode on your device has not been accidentally toggled on!
3 | Outdated Version of Instagram
If your Instagram feed is showing up wonky or you think you’re missing several features that other people seem to be using, this may be a sign that your Instagram account has not been updated for some time.
If you’re using an Android device, you’ll need to hop into the Google Play Store, search for Instagram, and hit the update button on your mobile device.
If you’re using an iPhone, you’ll need to head over to iPhone’s app store (or Apple Store) for the update.
In some cases, updates are rolled out in certain countries first. Therefore, if updating the app isn’t working for you, ask around to find out if a certain new update is available where you are – maybe it hasn’t reached your country yet.
4 | Account Banned or Blocked
When your account is blocked, you’ll be restricted from all activities on the app for 24 to 48 hours.
You’ll get a notification when you try to log in, informing you that your account has been blocked. If you’re currently logged in, you’ll see an error message pop up when you try making Instagram stories or creating an Instagram post.
If you’re still unsure, simply go check out your direct messages folder. If your messages have disappeared from the folder, it means your account has been blocked. To know more about why you’ve been blocked, go through Instagram policies in detail or write in or request further clarification from the Instagram Help Center.
There’s more help below, but you may want to pin this to Pinterest now so you have it handy if problems arise later!
Why Can’t I Post Any Stories on Instagram?
Short-form videos are, without a doubt, the main feature of Instagram. They help you to reach potential audiences from all over the world. Not being able to post your story and getting an error message in return can be super frustrating.
Here are a few things you can do:
5 | Share Original Content
The first step is to check if the content you’re trying to upload is really your own. Yep. A lot of people do not realize this, but if you found a random video clip elsewhere, downloaded or screenshotted it, and are planning to re-upload it onto your own Instagram story, chances are you may not be able to – unless Instagram is sure that you have permission to do so.
A way to get around this will be to give credit to the original account. Be aware, though, that crediting doesn’t relieve you of copyright infringement, should the content owner decide to pursue it.
6 | Free Up Your Android Or iPhone Storage Space
If your phone is running low on storage space, Instagram may have a problem trying to save the uploaded video into your device’s video files or local memory.
What you can do:
- Reduce file size by trimming the video
- Clear old pictures and files from your phone
- Turn the option to save uploaded videos into your phone off
7 | Clear Your Instagram Cache
Instagram’s cache helps you to use less data when surfing the app by retaining the memory of links you’ve visited so you can retrieve them faster. However, a full cache does slow down your app considerably.
As such, when your stories are not uploading properly or taking forever to do so, a popular way to resolve this posting issue will be to clear the cache.
How do you go about clearing your cache files? Use the following steps:
On both Android and iOS devices:
- Close the app first (Exit the app by pressing the home button and going back to your home screen).
- For Androids, press the triple line to the left of your home button to show all active apps, and swipe up to close the Instagram app. For iPhones, press your home button twice in quick succession to open up all active apps, and swipe up to close the Instagram app.
- Go to your device’s main Settings button (not Instagram’s).
- Go to apps >> Look for Instagram >> Click on Storage >> Click on Cache >> Click Clear Cache.
Why Can’t I Post Pictures from My Camera Roll on Instagram?
Having difficulty posting new photos onto the app? Check out different reasons why this may be happening:
8 | You Need to Grant Access So Instagram Can Access Your Camera Roll
Unless you’re using the Instagram app’s camera to take pictures directly before posting, you’ll need to grant access to Instagram to be able to upload pictures from your device to the app. A notification will pop up asking you for permission. Remember to click allow.
9 | You Posted Too Many Times Within a Short Period of Time
Instagram is always on the lookout for bots and spammers.
If you post many times throughout the day, the algorithm will perform an action block on you. You will not be able to post in the next 24 to 48 hours.
The best way around this is to post between 1 to 3 times daily.
In short, the less you act like a spammer, the less likely you’ll be restricted from posting.
10 | You’ve Got a Software Issue or Instagram Bug
This is a more common issue than we think.
For users who prefer to just scroll and enjoy their Instagram feed, software issues with the app may go undetected. However active users who post and comment regularly will come across the Instagram bug more often.
In such cases, it’s best you exit the app and let it rest for a bit before going in again. If it happens regularly, however, you can choose to either:
- Perform an update, or
- Offload app: Uninstall and reinstall the app on your phone.
More Problems with Posting to Instagram
Why Can’t I Post on Instagram from my Computer?
Once upon a time, Instagram wanted all activities and functions to be performed via their app. You could view activities, comment, or engage with posts seen on a computer browser, but not create posts there.
Resolved! Now you can post images and video for the feed right on Instagram.com. Note that you still can’t share Instagram stories, Instagram ads, IGTV posts, or Reels from a computer. You also can’t start a Live video from a PC or Mac.
But many of these can be prepared and scheduled using a third-party application, also known as a scheduling app.
Learn everything about how to post to Instagram from your computer.
Why Can’t I Post Any Comments on Instagram?
The main reason for a comment block is too much activity.
Instagram users are allowed 60 activities per hour – that includes commenting, liking, following, or unfollowing someone on the app. The daily limit, however, increases with the age of your Instagram account.
Here are more reasons, and all the help you need with fixing problems posting comments on Instagram.
Why Can’t I Post a Link on Instagram?
You already know that Instagram is very stingy with the ability to share links. But perhaps now you’ve found that even your bio link is blocked!
This problem is rampant, but you can resolve this one too. Just read how to fix your bio link block.
When All Else Fails, Restart Your Device
So you’ve checked everything. Your wi-fi connection is great and you’ve tried all of the above methods.
Your best option now will be to hit that power button on your phone and give it a quick restart. Personally, I’d recommend turning it off completely, waiting a few minutes, and then turning it back on. This gives all apps inside a complete reboot and gets them to function normally again.
Remember, if it’s a software issue or if your account has been blocked, do reach out to Instagram’s support team. You’ll need their help to be able to post again.
Posting on Instagram Again
This article was researched and compiled by Kristy Ting and edited by Louise Myers.
I hope it’s been helpful in getting your posting issues resolved! It’s time to get that next video, story, or photo up for your followers to enjoy.
Next, learn 11 ways to grow your Instagram account.
Lisa Sicard says
Thank you, Louise, great tips! I have issues with internet service and I found that restarting my phone – like a computer oftentimes helps. I like the idea to clear the cache as well. Something I do on the phone often. However, if you go against the “guidelines” won’t you be notified when you try to post?
Louise Myers says
Hi Lisa! That’s a great thought. I’ll have to check into that. Is this something you’re heard others have experienced?