July 2021 List of Banned Instagram Hashtags

As a follow-up to our blog about the Instagram shadowban and banned Instagram hashtags, we’d like to provide an updated list.

The good news is that the list has been dramatically shortened. Instagram has not come out and said why, but where we had more than 50 banned hashtags on the list, we're down to only a few banned hashtags on Instagram.

Glad to have you back in the rotation, #Kansas.

• #follow

• #followforfollow

• #follow4follow

• #IG

• #ILoveMyInstagram

• #Like

• #Lean

• #LoseWeight (not banned but this brings up a “sensitive content” warning)

• #Shit

• #Thighs

• #WTF

How can you tell if a hashtag has been banned?

Go to “search” (aka, the magnifying glass icon), then hit Tags, then search for a hashtag.

• If you see the hashtag below, click on it and see what comes up. If posts come up and there’s no message at the top or pop up window, then the hashtag is good to go.

• If you see posts but a message saying “Recent posts from (#tagyoujustsearched) are hidden because the community has reported some content that may not meet Instagram’s community guidelines.” Using these hashtags will likely get you shadowbanned.

• If you search for a tag but a window pops up that says “Resources That Might Help - When it comes to sensitive topics about body image, we want to support our community. We’ve gathered some resources that may be helpful.”, Instagram has flagged that hashtag as a “sensitive” topic. Avoid using these hashtags, but if you must, -proceed with caution and keep an eye on your performance, as using them could get you shadowbanned.

• If you search for a tag but it doesn’t pop up in the list below, that hashtag is permanently banned. Do not use these hashtags.

Does Instagram publish a list of banned hashtags?

Unfortunately, the answer is no.

Best practice is to search your regularly used hashtags periodically to make sure you’re in the clear. Here at Kafen8, we update the lists regularly and give more exclusive content in our Client newsletter. Want to get on the list? Reach out to us here to become a client.