Capturing that magic moment on social media is like trying to catch lightning in a bottle. Add cannabis into the mix, and the task seems downright impossible. Just when you think you’ve nailed the perfect post, your engagement suddenly plummets, and your content vanishes from hashtag searches and the explore page. Your carefully crafted captions and stunning visuals can feel like they’re lost in the void.
You might be caught in the web of a shadowban.
A shadowban is quite frustrating and can be downright frightening with all that time and effort lost at the mercy of an algorithm you can’t control. But we’re here to reassure you: don’t let the shadowban monster scare you away from using social media. Understanding how shadowbans happen — and adapting your strategy to avoid them as best you can — can help you reclaim your visibility and keep that lightning dancing in your bottle.
What is a shadowban?
What is a shadowban?Think of a shadowban as a sneaky invisibility cloak for your content. When it happens, your posts might only be seen by your current followers, making it tricky for new eyes to discover your creations. This can lead to fewer likes, fewer comments, and a serious slowdown in your online growth.
Here’s where it gets fishy: while many users swear they’ve been shadowbanned, Instagram has never entirely confirmed it exists. However, they did release a statement on their Instagram for Business Facebook page in February 2017 that alluded to the problem some users experienced with their content not showing up for specific hashtags.
While Instagram does not directly confirm the practice of shadowbanning, countless creators have shared tales of diminished visibility affecting their business. It’s a classic case of he-said-she-said, and many speculate that the statement released all the way back in 2017 is Instagram’s way of admitting to shadowbanning without actually admitting it.
The duration of this invisibility cloak can be a total mystery, too. Some folks may feel its effects for a few days, while others might be trapped for weeks or months. So, if you’re experiencing this phenomenon, don’t panic! Understanding what’s going on is the first step to reclaiming your visibility.
Why does Instagram shadowban?
Community guidelines violation
Instagram has a strict set of community guidelines, especially regarding content related to drugs and alcohol. If your posts hint at trading or promoting non-medical drugs, or if you admit to personal consumption, you might find yourself facing the dreaded shadowban.
Instagram’s guidelines focus primarily on promoting safe and responsible conversation around substances, and generally, discussions framed within recovery – like personal journeys, support for sobriety, and harm reduction – are more acceptable. However, specifics can get tricky. For instance, while talking about treatment like ketamine therapy for mental health might be permitted, it’s essential to approach these topics carefully. Framing the conversation around medical treatment and education, rather than glamorization or endorsement, is crucial. And notably, there hasn’t always been a difference between medical cannabis and adult-use cannabis discussions when it comes to shadowbanning.
Ultimately, it’s always best to err on the side of caution when discussing anything related to cannabis. Violating community guidelines related to drugs and alcohol is a sure way to end up on the platform’s radar and potentially even be shadowbanned. Always remember: playing by the rules is critical.
Inorganic interactions
Instagram is about organic engagement, or real people liking, commenting, and sharing your posts. According to its Terms of Use, “You can’t attempt to create accounts or access or collect information in unauthorized ways. This includes creating accounts or collecting information in an automated way without our express permission.”
If you’re caught up in spamming or trying to game the system – buying bots or forming “engagement pods” with other creators to inflate your numbers artificially, to name two examples – you might find yourself in the shadowban zone. The platform wants to foster genuine interactions, so avoid repetitive comments, fake reviews, or tactics that seem more like trickery than authentic engagement. Focus on building real connections to avoid falling into the trap.
Unauthorized third-party apps
Shady apps that promise to boost your followers or likes can also land you in hot water. These unauthorized tools violate Instagram’s terms of use. If you think you’ve fallen into this trap, head to your profile settings, find “your app and media,” and remove any suspicious applications.
Banned hashtags
It’s easy to use a banned hashtag accidentally, but this mistake can have serious consequences. Even a single banned hashtag in your caption, comment, story, or reel could restrict your entire account. While there isn’t an official single comprehensive list of banned hashtags, you can research common offenders and stay updated on changes to ensure your content remains visible. Always double-check hashtags before using them to keep your engagement healthy and your account in good standing.
Copyright infringement
Posting content that infringes on someone else’s rights can also lead to a shadowban. Staying within Instagram’s guidelines and focusing on authentic engagement is the best way to keep your content visible and your account thriving.
How to know if you’ve been shadowbanned
To get a clearer picture of your account status, check within the Instagram app:
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- Go to the menu: Tap the three horizontal lines in the top right corner.
- Select settings: Scroll down to find the settings option.
- Navigate to account: Click on “account,” then “account status” to see the content Instagram removed, what features you’re currently banned from using, or if you’re at risk of having your account deleted.
You won’t get an official notification from Instagram to let you know you’ve been shadowbanned. However, there are several signs to look out for that may indicate your account is affected:
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- Decreased engagement: Check your analytics for any sudden drop in likes, comments, and shares. It could be a red flag if your engagement rates have taken a nosedive.
- Hidden posts: If your followers report that they can’t see your posts, that’s another sign. Shadowbanning often means your content is less visible to those who already follow you.
- Account not appearing in search recommendations: If people can’t find your account when searching for it or your posts aren’t showing up in hashtag searches, you may be dealing with a shadowban.
You got shadowbanned. Now what?
Don’t panic! There are steps you can take to regain your visibility and get your account back on track.
Review any restricted content
Start by checking for any posts that may violate Instagram’s guidelines. Examples of these include:
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- Drug-related content: Posts that promote or depict illegal substances — yes, including state-legal cannabis — is not OK. Content that depicts personal use is also prone to a ban. If you have any videos taking a huge bong hit, you may want to take it down.
- Nudity and sexual content: Images that are explicit or violate community standards regarding nudity can earn a shadowban.
- Hate speech or bullying: Content that targets individuals or groups based on attributes like race, gender, or sexual orientation will get you kicked off.
- Misinformation: Posts that spread false information, particularly about sensitive topics like health, are also subject to shadowbanning. Be careful about any claims you make about the effects of cannabis on social media.
Fix any violations
If you find posts that go against the community guidelines, it’s time to take action. If the image or video itself is within guidelines, check the hashtags and captions to ensure they align with Instagram’s rules. As a precaution, you may want to delete all hashtags from your recent posts until you’re sure you’re back in good standing.
Engage authentically
Shift your focus to authentic engagement. Follow and interact with meaningful accounts that you relate to or you find valuable. Building genuine connections can help restore your credibility, and therefore your visibility, on the app.
Take a break
If you’ve been overly active with likes and comments, consider taking a breather. Reducing your engagement temporarily may help “reset” your account’s standing.
Don’t switch to a business profile if it is not necessary
If it makes sense for you, it’s best to stick to a personal profile on Instagram, as business accounts often face stricter scrutiny.
Understanding platform-specific regulations
Different platforms have varying levels of strictness regarding cannabis content, and it’s crucial to be aware of these differences to protect your account. While Instagram and Facebook (both owned by Meta) allow a little bit of leeway regarding cannabis-related posts, your content must still follow the drug-related content restrictions. Examples of hashtags to avoid on Instagram include:
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- #weed
- #cannabis
- #smokingweed
TikTok, on the other hand, has a much stricter radar when it comes to cannabis-related content. The platform actively removes posts that include any phrases or terms linked to cannabis, which means that only a minimal number of cannabis-related videos make it through. You must be particularly cautious on TikTok, as even seemingly innocuous terms can trigger content moderation. Over time, users have tried to adapt their language to circumvent these restrictions, but TikTok’s algorithms are quick to catch on.
Examples of phrases to avoid include “Gardening,” “Ouid,” and “H!gh.”
Why TikTok shadowbans
Like Instagram and Facebook, TikTok’s shadowbanning is triggered by content that violates its community guidelines. The platform employs a combination of automated detection and human review, and their systems are particularly sensitive to specific keywords and phrases. This leads to the removal of content that might not even seem problematic. Some of the reasons you might get shadowbanned on TikTok include:
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- Posting restricted content
- Bullying or harassment
- Copyright infringement
- Getting caught up in the review process
5 tips for avoiding a shadowban
1. Get creative with your hashtags
Get a bit creative with your hashtags. For example, instead of using #weed, some accounts try #w33d to avoid the risk of restriction and evade detection. Often, it can be better to skip cannabis-related hashtags altogether to broaden your reach and help you connect with a wider audience while staying under the radar.
Thinking outside the box with your content is equally important. Think about ways to hop on trending topics without directly showcasing consumption. You can share lifestyle tips, DIY projects, or educational content that aligns with cannabis culture while adhering to platform guidelines. Always keep the cardinal rules of content creation and sharing in mind; be aware of what you can and cannot show to avoid any potential restrictions.
2. Collect inspo from other accounts
Look at successful accounts in the industry with a large following. See what kinds of content and hashtags they use to engage their audience. This can provide valuable insights and fresh ideas for your own posts.
3. Conduct constant account checks
Keep a pulse on your content by regularly monitoring your engagement and analytics. If you notice any sudden drops, it may be time to reassess your approach. Follow these steps to check.
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- Go to your profile
- Tap the three lines in the upper-right corner of the screen and select “insights”
- View metrics under the “overview” section or select specific content you’ve shared for a more detailed breakdown
4. Know which phrases to avoid
Specific phrases can trigger content moderation across different platforms. What worked one week may not work the next week. Keep a close eye for changes that may indicate you’re shadowbanned. The service terms are constantly being updated on these platforms, too, so it’s essential to keep an eye out for any changes regarding what’s allowed and what isn’t.
5. Monitor content carefully
AI plays a significant role in monitoring on platforms like Instagram. These algorithms are designed to recognize potential problematic content, sometimes sending posts for human review if they review further scrutiny. (This is similar to TikTok’s system.) To stay in the clear, be mindful of what you post and how it could be interpreted. You can also check Instagram’s guidelines for more specific information on using AI to monitor content.
Take out the guesswork with CannaContent
Navigating social media policies can be challenging, especially in the cannabis space. To take the guesswork out of this process, partner with an experienced agency that specializes in cannabis marketing. Instagram and other apps change their algorithm often, and professionals like ourselves at CannaContent are well-versed in what’s changing, what’s trending, and what’s on the “do not do” list. Don’t go it alone — we’ll help keep the shadowban monster at bay.