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Writer's pictureDecater Collins

How To Determine Why Your Cannabis Instagram Account Has Been Shadowbanned

Updated: May 7, 2023

UPDATE (5/7/2023): Since posting this, Instagram has updated the app, so your account status is not located in the same place. To find if you're shadowbanned, follow these steps:

  1. Go to your profile

  2. Tap the three lines in the upper right corner

  3. Scroll down to More Info and Support, and tap Help

  4. Tap Account Status


Are you struggling to get engagement on your Instagram posts? Are your hashtags not showing up in search results? It could be because your account has been shadowbanned. Don't worry, Decater Collins, co-founder of The Hood Collective, has got you covered.


In our latest video, Doc demonstrates how to use the new Instagram tool for determining if your account has been shadowbanned and why it's important to avoid this restriction. Keep reading to learn more about how you can use this tool to improve your Instagram presence and reach a wider audience.


Instagram's New Account Status Feature


In recent years, social media has become an increasingly important tool for businesses to connect with their audience and promote their products. However, the algorithms used by these platforms to determine what content is seen by users can be opaque and difficult to understand. This is particularly true for businesses operating in industries that may be subject to restrictions or regulations, such as the cannabis industry.

One such issue faced by cannabis businesses is "shadow banning" on Instagram. This is when the platform does not outright ban an account, but rather does not promote its content due to it being deemed against their guidelines. In the case of cannabis, which is federally illegal in the US despite being legal in some states, Instagram has been known to shadow ban accounts related to the industry.

Until recently, there was no clear way to know if an account had been shadow banned or why. However, Instagram has now introduced a feature that allows users to see which of their posts have violated guidelines and delete them. By doing so, the account may no longer be subject to shadow banning.

This new feature has significant implications for businesses in the cannabis industry, as it allows them to better understand the line between acceptable and unacceptable content on Instagram. For example, if a business is willing to accept the risk of being shadow banned in exchange for catering to a particular audience, they may choose to post content that violates Instagram's guidelines. On the other hand, a new business with few followers may want to focus on building a following that is not subject to shadow banning before posting cannabis-related content.



To access the guidelines for whether your content will be recommended on Instagram, follow these steps:

  1. Open the Instagram app on your phone and log in to your account.

  2. Tap on the three lines icon in the top right corner of the screen.

  3. Scroll down and select "Settings" at the bottom of the menu.

  4. Choose "Account" from the list of options.

  5. Look for the "Account Status" tab and tap on it.

  6. Under "Community Guidelines", ensure that the status is showing a green dot. This indicates that you are not violating any guidelines that could get you banned from Instagram.

  7. To check the guidelines for recommended content, look for the red triangle icon with an exclamation point next to "Recommendations" under "Guidelines".

  8. Tap on the red triangle icon to view your content that may be affecting your ability to get promoted on Instagram.

  9. You can choose to edit or remove the content that is not meeting the guidelines or disagree with Instagram's decision.

Keep in mind that complying with the content guidelines for recommended content can improve your chances of getting discovered and growing your audience on Instagram.


In conclusion, while shadow banning has been a challenge for businesses in the cannabis industry, Instagram's new feature provides them with a tool to navigate the platform's guidelines more effectively. By understanding the risks and benefits of certain types of content, businesses can make informed decisions about how they want to present themselves on Instagram.


Partner With The Hood Collective


With the new Instagram tool for determining shadowbans, it's now easier than ever to identify whether your content is being unfairly suppressed on the platform. With this knowledge, you can take steps to improve your content and ensure that it's reaching its full potential audience. However, navigating the complex landscape of social media marketing can be challenging, especially for businesses in the cannabis industry.


That's where The Hood Collective comes in. Our team of experts specializes in all aspects of cannabis marketing, from social media management and graphic design to web design, branding, SEO, photo, and video. We're here to help you achieve your marketing goals and stand out in the crowded cannabis space.


So if you're ready to take your marketing to the next level, don't hesitate to reach out to The Hood Collective. We're here to partner with you and help you grow your business. Contact us today to learn more!


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