Using hashtags on Instagram increases engagement by at least 12.6% according to Later. However, using a banned hashtag can lead to a Shadowban, which limits the visibility of your posts. Many banned hashtags are obvious, while others (like the ones listed below) may be surprising. Before using a hashtag, check to see if the hashtag’s “recent posts” are hidden. If so, don’t use it in your posts.

banned instagram hashtags