After the story about my shadowban and how it happened, I'm back to talking about Instagram account issues. Yes, again.
How Positive…
One thing I try to do every time I post on Instagram is reply to all who leave comments on my photos. Even if it's just to say thanks.
Instagram is a social media, so nurturing its social component is very important to me. And I like to talk with people, hear what they say, answer their questions.
If it wasn't because I like the interaction, I would still do it because it helps with the infamous algorithm. More comments and interactions mean more engagement and, therefore, a better rank in the system.
Sometimes, a reply or a profile tickles my interest, so I also visit the person's feed and maybe leave likes and comments myself.
From there, I might start engaging in a conversation. And in a few moments, an online relationship is established.
This way, I found great photographers and a few friends. My social life and inspiration would be less rich if I had not engaged in those conversations.
… turned into a Negative
And it's when I went to comment on somebody else's photo that I ran into these new account issues. It was not a matter of a banned hashtag, just a simple comment.
I visited somebody's profile following a comment they left on my feed. I saw a few photos I particularly enjoyed and decided to like and comment.
Little did I know this basic action was against Instagram anti-spam rules! **sarcasm**
The Like went through, but when I tried to leave a comment, a popup appeared saying the action was blocked.
Of course, I immediately hit the Report A Problem button, which doesn't do much (you can't write to explain anything).
I received another popup saying the action was restricted for 24 hours. I kept “reporting a problem” repeatedly without results.
A common issue?
Doing a bit of online research, these sorts of account issues seem to be pretty common. Still looks like a problem to me.
I never engage in spammy behaviour, and I think I follow Instagram's Terms and Conditions, so I don't understand why I now regularly run into these account issues.
I suppose the previous shadowban put me on a grey list, if such a thing exists. Maybe the system now monitors my actions more closely, even if it has no reason. But I just don't get why this happens.
Something else I do, trying to make sense of this nonsense, is using Instagram on several platforms. I own two smartphones, I also use the iOS app on the iPad, and I often browse Instagram via desktop. Maybe all the devices leave their session open, so when I use another, it looks like a suspicious login. I don't know.
What I know is that while I'm writing this, I'm still restricted. I can't even use Instagram's basic features: Like and Comment.
I mean, seriously?
Update: restriction lifted.
24 hours later, Instagram removed the account issues. I am now able to operate normally again.
If you now want to visit my profile @fabienb and leave a comment, I'll reply for sure.
Until the next time the algorithm messes it up.
