Instagram Banned Hashtags 2025 – Full Updated List
Staying ahead of Instagram’s ever-changing algorithm is vital for businesses, influencers, and content creators. Hashtags play a key role in expanding reach, but using the wrong ones can backfire. Instagram bans certain hashtags every year to maintain platform safety and quality. Using these banned hashtags can reduce your visibility, cause shadowbanning, or even lead to account suspension.
In this article, we provide the latest Instagram Banned Hashtags List for 2025, explain the reasons behind hashtag bans, and share best practices to safeguard your account’s reach.
What Are Banned Hashtags on Instagram?
Banned hashtags are those that Instagram restricts from appearing in search results and Explore pages. These hashtags are usually flagged due to being associated with spam, inappropriate content, or violating Instagram’s community guidelines.
Why Does Instagram Ban Hashtags?
Instagram bans hashtags to:
- Combat spam and fake engagement
- Prevent the spread of explicit, violent, or harmful content
- Maintain a positive and safe user experience
- Stop the spread of misinformation
Updated List of Instagram Banned Hashtags 2025
While Instagram does not officially publish a list, here are some commonly reported banned hashtags in 2025:
General Banned Hashtags:
- #adulting
- #alone
- #beautyblogger
- #besties
- #boho
Popular Banned Hashtags:
- #adulting
- #beautyblogger
- #boho
- #besties
- #brain
Inappropriate Content or Spam-Related Hashtags:
- #nasty
- #pornfood
- #snapchat
- #date
- #alone
Sensitive or Mental Health-Related Hashtags:
- #selfharm
- #suicide
- #depression
- #thinspiration
- #anorexia
Restricted Lifestyle or Suggestive Hashtags:
- #twerk
- #models
- #underwear
- #lingerie
- #curvy
Risks of Using Banned Hashtags
1. Reduced Visibility:
Posts containing banned hashtags are hidden from public search and hashtag feeds. This drastically limits your content’s reach.
2. Shadowban:
Repeated use of banned hashtags can lead to a shadowban, which restricts your content from appearing in non-followers’ feeds without notification.
3. Account Suspension:
Severe violations involving inappropriate hashtags can result in warnings or, in rare cases, account suspension.
How to Identify Banned Hashtags
To avoid using banned hashtags, consider the following steps:
- Search the Hashtag: Before using a hashtag, search for it on Instagram. If recent posts are hidden or a warning message appears, it’s likely banned.
- Use Hashtag Checker Tools: Utilize online tools that provide updated lists of banned hashtags. For example, MetaHashtags offers a daily updated list.
- Stay Informed: Regularly review Instagram’s community guidelines and updates to remain aware of any changes to banned hashtags.
How Banned Hashtags Affect Business Accounts
Business accounts on Instagram rely heavily on hashtags to increase brand visibility and drive sales. Using banned hashtags can harm your brand reputation and reduce potential customer engagement. Regularly auditing your hashtag strategy can prevent any negative impact on your social media marketing efforts.
Steps to Recover From a Shadowban Due to Banned Hashtags
- Identify the Problem: Check your recent posts for any banned hashtags and remove them.
- Stop Posting for a Few Days: Take a break from posting for at least 48-72 hours to reset your account.
- Engage Organically: Interact with your followers through comments, likes, and direct messages to show genuine activity.
- Avoid Third-Party Apps: Disconnect any unauthorized apps that may violate Instagram’s policies.
- Review Your Hashtag Strategy: Research and curate a new set of safe, niche-specific hashtags.
- Report to Instagram: If you believe your account is shadowbanned unfairly, report the issue via the Instagram Help Center.
- Post High-Quality Content: Focus on creating authentic, engaging content to regain your reach gradually.
Best Practices to Avoid Banned Hashtags
- Always research hashtags before using them
- Regularly review Instagram updates and community guidelines
- Avoid copying hashtags from others blindly
- Focus on niche and industry-specific hashtags
- Experiment with branded hashtags to create a unique community
- Monitor hashtag performance to identify any sudden drops in reach
