Action blocked on Instagram: why it happens and how to avoid it

Are you trying to interact with your audience on Instagram, but you get the message “action blocked”? This is a frustrating and common situation for many users, especially business accounts that rely on the platform to promote their products or services. But why does Instagram block certain actions and how can you prevent this from happening? In this article, we'll explore what a blocked action means on Instagram, the reasons behind this blocking, the different types of blocking and how to prevent your account from being penalized.

What is a “blocked action” on Instagram?

Instagram defines a “blocked action” as a temporary restriction that prevents the user from performing certain actions, such as commenting, following, liking posts or even sending messages. This measure was implemented by the platform as part of its efforts to maintain a safe and authentic environment, avoiding the use of bots, spam and suspicious behavior.

Blocked actions usually occur when Instagram detects behavior that it considers unnatural or potentially harmful to the community. In the case of business accounts, these restrictions can significantly affect reach and engagement with followers, directly impacting brand visibility and growth.

Types of blocked action messages

When an action is blocked on Instagram, the platform can display different messages depending on the severity and reason for the block. There are three main types of block:

• Temporary block with expiration date

This type of block indicates that the user will be able to perform the action again after a certain period, which is usually specified in the message. For example, you might receive a message saying “Action blocked until October 22”. This temporary block usually occurs when Instagram detects excessive activity, such as following and unfollowing multiple accounts in a short space of time. It's a warning for the user to reduce the intensity of their actions.

• Temporary block with no expiration date

This block is similar to the previous one, but does not specify an expiry date. When this happens, the user must wait a few hours or days before attempting the action again. This type of block can be more unpredictable, and the waiting time varies depending on the situation. In these cases, Instagram continues to monitor user behavior and may lift the restriction automatically after a period of inactivity.

• Prolonged or permanent blocking

This is the most serious type of block, usually applied to accounts that repeatedly violate Instagram's guidelines or use prohibited practices, such as inappropriate content, hate speech, or the use of automation tools to gain followers or increase engagement. In this case, the block can last weeks, months or even result in the account being closed. Companies that rely on Instagram for marketing should be especially careful to avoid this type of blocking, as it can cause lasting damage to the brand's digital presence.

• Reasons for blocking actions on Instagram

There are several reasons why Instagram might block your actions. Below, we detail the most common reasons:

• Excessive activity or suspicious behavior

Instagram values natural interactions. Excessive actions, such as following or unfollowing too many accounts quickly, giving too many “likes” in a short space of time, or repeatedly commenting on the same sentence, are signs of unnatural behavior. These types of activity cause the platform to suspect the use of bots, leading to blocking.

• Using automation tools

Many companies use automation tools to increase the number of followers or audience participation, but this practice goes against Instagram's guidelines. The platform is strict about detecting this type of activity and blocks accounts that use automation to gain an artificial advantage. Tools that automate “likes”, “follows” and automatic messages are priority targets for Instagram's algorithm.

• Publishing inappropriate content

Any content that violates Instagram's policies - including nudity, violence, hate speech or offensive content - can lead to a block. The platform has strict rules about the type of content it allows, and failure to comply with these guidelines can lead to the account being permanently blocked.

• Use of banned hashtags

Although it seems harmless, the use of hashtags banned by Instagram can lead to a temporary block. Some hashtags are flagged by the platform for being associated with spam or inappropriate content, and their use can be seen as a violation of community rules.

• Creating a new account or without two-factor authentication

Newly created accounts or accounts that don't have two-factor authentication enabled can be seen as risky accounts. When these accounts start interacting intensively, Instagram may temporarily block them to verify that they are legitimate.

How to avoid share blocking on Instagram

Now that you know the main reasons why shares are blocked on Instagram, here are some tips to avoid this situation and protect your account:

• Moderate your activities: avoid making too many interactions in a short period of time. Natural and moderate actions are welcomed by the platform.
• Don't use bots or automation tools: focus on an organic growth strategy and avoid using tools that promote automation.
• Respect community guidelines: make sure your content complies with Instagram's policies.
• Avoid flagged hashtags: do some research before using hashtags to make sure they are not on the list of banned hashtags.
• Activate two-factor authentication: this increases account security and helps avoid suspicions of fraudulent behavior.

Blocked actions on Instagram are an important security measure to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the platform. For businesses, it is essential to follow the social network's guidelines and avoid behavior that could result in a block. Remember that a healthy Instagram presence requires an organic growth strategy that respects the platform's limits and prioritizes authentic interactions.

If you want to build a solid and effective digital presence, Webhouse is here to help! With our digital marketing solutions, we create customized strategies for each business, ensuring that your company reaches the right audience, without the risk of being blocked. Talk to us and transform your digital marketing!