MENU
PT | EN | BR

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 produ

22 November, 2024 Webhouse.pt Webhouse.pt Webhouse.pt

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! 

The internet develops and renews itself in micro seconds, making today's truth, information out of date in minutes, hours or days. All information in this article is valid and current on the date of publication.

Recent Articles

The importance of digital security on Safer Internet Day

The Internet is a powerful tool that has transformed the way we live, work and connect with the world. However, with so many opportunities also come challenges, especially when it comes to digital security. On Safer Internet Day, celebrated every February, it is essential to reflect on how we can make the online environment safer for everyone. From cyber attacks to digital fraud, the dangers are real, but they can be minimized with simple and effective practices. In this article, we share valuable tips to help individuals and companies protect themselves in the digital world. 1. Creating secure passwords: the first line of defense Passwords are one of the most common ways of protecting information online, but they are often overlooked. To ensure greater security: Use unique passwords for each account. Avoid predictable information such as birth dates or first names. Go for long sentences and mix letters, numbers and special characters. Activate two-factor authentication whenever possible. Tools such as password managers can be an excellent solution for storing credentials securely. 2. Beware of phishing attacks: don't fall into digital traps Phishing attacks are one of the most common methods used by hackers to steal information. They usually come in the form of fraudulent emails or messages posing as legitimate companies. To avoid becoming a victim: Don't click on suspicious links without first confirming the authenticity of the sender. Be wary of messages asking for sensitive information, such as bank details. Always check the sender's email address and avoid downloading unknown attachments. 3. Protection on social networks: share with awareness Social networks are part of our daily lives, but sharing too much information can bring risks. Here are some tips to protect yourself: Review your privacy settings regularly and limit who can see your posts. Avoid disclosing personal data such as your address, phone number or financial details. Be wary of friend requests from unknown profiles. Companies should pay particular attention to the security of corporate profiles to avoid possible fraud or hacker attacks. 4. Software updates: the key to avoiding vulnerabilities Many cyber attacks exploit flaws in outdated systems. To keep your devices safe: Regularly update your operating system, applications and security programs. Install a reliable antivirus and keep it active. Avoid downloading applications from unofficial sources. 5. Educating children and young people: teaching good practices from an early age New generations are growing up with access to the Internet, but they are not always aware of the dangers. It is essential that parents and educators promote digital literacy by teaching: The importance of not sharing personal information with strangers. How to identify inappropriate content and who to ask for help. The need to respect others and avoid cyberbullying. Creating a safe digital environment starts with education and raising awareness of the challenges of the online world. Protect yourself and strengthen your digital presence Internet safety is everyone's responsibility, every day. Small changes in online habits can make a big difference in making the digital experience safer. If you have a business, protecting your online presence should be a priority. At Webhouse, we help companies build safe and effective digital strategies, from social media management to the development of secure websites. Get in touch with us and find out how we can take your business's digital marketing to the next level!       

Take Your Brand to the Next Level Online

At Webhouse, we turn ideas into real results, with simple and effective solutions for companies that want to grow and strengthen their online presence.  Discover digital marketing packages tailored to your business, starting at just €250/month. Talk to us now and explore our options, without obligation.  Get started now! Everything Your Brand Needs to Stand Out on the Web Are you looking for more visibility, customers or sales? We have customized solutions to achieve your goals: Social Media Management - Creating creative content that engages and wins over your audience. SEO and Website Optimization - Position your website at the top of search engines. E-mail and SMS Marketing - Connect directly with your customers in an effective way. Graphic Design and Visual Identity - Professional logos and materials that reflect your brand. Ad Campaigns (Google and Meta Ads) - Reach new customers with targeted ads and guaranteed results. We adapt each package to the needs of your business.  Contact us now! Why choose Webhouse? Choosing Webhouse means having a strategic partner, focused on boosting the growth of your business, with customized solutions and tangible results. Our differential: Specialized team - We've already helped hundreds of companies grow online. Simplified Process - Less bureaucracy, more results. Flexibility - Contracts from 6 months, with debit payments  Visible Results - Campaigns focused on what matters - the success of your brand. Invest in your digital future today. Packages from €250/month. Transform your online presence now! Are you ready to start? The best time to invest in your brand is now!  Contact us and find out how we can transform your online presence. Don't waste time - your brand's success is just a click away! Get started now!

Creator communities: is your company ready for this trend?

In recent years, communities of content creators have emerged as a powerful force in the digital universe. These creators, who were once seen only as “influencers” or isolated content producers, now play a central role in how brands connect with their audiences. By 2025, companies will have to align their strategies with creators who have already mastered the language and communication style of the communities they want to reach. Knowing how to collaborate with these professionals is not just an opportunity - it's a necessity in order to achieve real engagement and translate this impact into business. In this article, we'll explore how creator communities are shaping the future of marketing and why your company can't afford to ignore this trend. Who are content creators and why are they so relevant? Content creators are not just “digital influencers”. They are experts at communicating authentically and creatively within their communities, building trust and creating a genuine connection with their audience. Emotional connection: content creators are able to communicate in a resonant and emotional way with their followers. This connection is deeper than any traditional advertisement can achieve. Authority in the community: within their areas of expertise, these creators are seen as references, making them ideal channels for conveying important brand messages. Creativity and innovation: their unique language and visual style allow them to create authentic content that stands out in a market saturated with information. Why are creator communities an essential trend? The growth of creator communities is not a passing phenomenon. On the contrary, it reflects a structural change in consumer behavior. Here are the reasons why your company should pay attention:       Authenticity that generates trust: Consumers value brands that can communicate genuinely. By collaborating with creators, companies have access to a communication channel that is already trusted by the public. Deeper involvement: Interactions in creator communities are much more meaningful and genuine than simple 'likes' and views in generic campaigns. This involvement generates a stronger connection with the brand and increases the likelihood of acquiring new customers. The right language for the right audience: Each community has its own language and communication style. Content creators know these differences and can create messages that really identify with their audience. The new word-of-mouth: Recommendations made by creators are seen by consumers as authentic and genuine, much more effective than traditional advertising. How can your company align itself with content creators? Collaborating with content creators is not just a matter of hiring them to promote products. You need to create strategic partnerships that benefit both parties. Here are some tips for doing this effectively: Identify creators who are relevant to your brand Look for creators who share similar values to your company and who have an audience aligned with your target market. Establish authentic relationships Instead of treating creators as simple marketing channels, build relationships based on collaboration and mutual respect. Allow room for creativity Allow creators to maintain their style and authenticity when working with your brand. Audiences value content that is genuine, not just ads in disguise. Measure results intelligently Don't just focus on traditional metrics like reach or views. Evaluate the real impact in terms of engagement, conversions and even qualitative 'feedback' from the community. Marketing is constantly evolving, and creator communities are the next big change that promises to transform how brands connect with consumers. Ignoring this trend means missing out on valuable opportunities for authentic engagement and business growth. Aligning with creators isn't just a matter of strategy - it's a necessity for companies that want to remain relevant and competitive in an increasingly digital and consumer-centric market. At Webhouse, we believe in the power of communities and the transformative impact of collaborations with content creators. If you want to take your brand to the next level and build genuine connections with your audience, we're here to help. Talk to us and find out how we can create an innovative and impactful marketing strategy for your business!

Sustainability: a must for your company, so how do you implement it correctly?

Sustainability is no longer just a trend or a differentiator; it has become an imperative in the business world. The Kantar BrandZ Global report revealed that marketing related to sustainability generated more than 150 billion euros for the value of the 100 largest global brands. This is a wake-up call for companies that have yet to incorporate this theme into their strategies: sustainability can't just be a talking point, it needs to be a practice. Consumers are increasingly attentive and demand consistency between what brands say and what they do. Incorporating sustainability in a genuine way is essential to creating a strong connection with the public and generating a positive impact on the market and the planet. In this article, we'll explore why your company should act now and how to implement sustainable practices effectively. What makes sustainability essential for business success? Sustainability is a concept that goes beyond just “looking after the environment”. It's about creating long-term value for customers, employees, communities and the planet as a whole. But why is this important for your company? More conscious consumers: studies show that 80% of consumers prefer brands that show concern for environmental and social issues. In other words, sustainability is not only an ethical value, but also a competitive factor. Brand enhancement: companies that adopt sustainable practices have greater recognition in the market and create a positive image. This differential can increase the value perceived by customers and even attract new investors. Regulation and market pressures: with increasingly stringent environmental regulations, acting sustainably is no longer optional. In addition, global supply chains are demanding partners who follow responsible practices. It's not just words: the importance of concrete actions One of the biggest mistakes companies make when addressing sustainability is to restrict themselves to empty talk - so-called “greenwashing”. This type of approach not only damages the company's reputation, but also alienates consumers who are wary of inconsistencies. To avoid this mistake, sustainable actions need to be visible and have a real impact. Here are some ways to implement genuine sustainable practices: Analyze the entire value chain: from suppliers to the final product, make sure that each stage of the process respects environmental and social principles. Reduce waste: invest in processes that minimize the use of natural resources, reduce waste and promote recycling. Adopt renewable energy: switching to renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power is an important step towards reducing your company's carbon footprint. Ethical working practices: ensuring fair and inclusive working conditions is just as important as taking care of the environment. Sustainability in communication: how to talk to the public As well as implementing real actions, it is crucial to communicate your company's sustainability practices effectively. However, this communication must be done with transparency and authenticity. Use real data: share metrics and concrete results of your sustainable initiatives. This demonstrates responsibility and seriousness. Tell stories: show practical, tangible examples of how your company is making a difference. Videos and testimonials can be powerful tools for engaging your audience. Promote education: explain to your audience how your sustainability efforts benefit them and contribute to a better future. Integrating sustainability into your company's strategies is not just an ethical issue, but a necessity in order to keep up with market and consumer demands. Companies that commit to concrete actions and communicate transparently have a long-term competitive advantage. By acting now, your company can not only strengthen its brand, but also contribute to a more sustainable future for everyone. Don't wait for a “better tomorrow” - build it today with your decisions. At Webhouse, we believe that sustainability is one of the pillars of efficient and impactful marketing. If you want to elevate your brand's communication with strategies that promote authentic values, talk to us. We're ready to help your company grow in a responsible and innovative way. 

They don't interact, but they buy: who the Shy-Engage are and how they impact your business

When browsing their business's social networks, it's natural for entrepreneurs to pay attention to the visible metrics: likes, comments, shares and followers. However, there is a silent but extremely relevant audience that doesn't interact but consumes: the so-called Shy-Engage. These users don't engage directly with the content they view, but they do follow posts, analyze products and often become customers. In this article, we explain who Shy-Engage are, why they are important and how companies can capture their attention without relying exclusively on interaction metrics. Who are Shy-Engage? The term Shy-Engage refers to a type of shy social media user who, despite following content and consuming information regularly, avoids interacting directly with posts. They don't leave likes, comment or share - but they are there. This behavior can be explained by several factors: They prefer to remain anonymous, often because they have a more introverted personality; They feel insecure about expressing their opinions or preferences; They believe that interacting does not add value to themselves; They observe and prefer to make purchasing decisions silently. Therefore, although they are “invisible” in traditional metrics, Shy-Engage plays an essential role in the performance of many companies, especially those investing in their digital presence. Why shouldn't you anticipate results based solely on visible interactions? For many entrepreneurs, interaction metrics are a direct indicator of the success of their social media campaigns. But focusing only on what is visible can be a trap, especially if you ignore the behavior of the Shy-Engage.   1. Shy-Engage are potential buyers These silent users scroll through your content, look at what your brand offers and are often the first to make a purchase. They evaluate your company's value proposition without having to expose themselves, which means that the impact of your communication goes far beyond visible interactions. 2. They influence indirect purchasing decisions Many Shy-Engage share their findings with friends or family, even without doing so publicly. A recommendation in their personal circle can arise from simple eye contact with one of their publications or products.   3. Interactions don't always reflect conversions Not everyone who comments on or likes a post is genuinely interested in buying. Meanwhile, Shy-Engage may go unnoticed, but it generates tangible financial results, such as sales and loyal customers.   How to create strategies that impact Shy-Engage If Shy-Engage don't interact, how can we communicate effectively with them? The key is to create content and experiences that appeal to all types of audience - even those who don't visibly interact. 1. Create authentic and informative content Shy-Engagers are looking for clear, useful content that responds to their needs. Bet on detailed product descriptions, tutorials or publications that convey confidence in your brand. 2. Focus on the user experience Ensure that a potential customer's journey, from the first interaction (however silent) to the purchase, is fluid. This includes: An optimized and intuitive website; Simplified purchasing processes; Fast and efficient responses from your service channels. 3. Invest in targeted ads The Shy-Engage may not comment on social networks, but that doesn't mean they won't be influenced by well-targeted ads. Use audience behavior data to create personalized campaigns - that reach this group discreetly. 4. Analyze metrics beyond interactions Give priority to metrics such as reach, website traffic, click-through rate (CTR) and conversions. These metrics help you measure the real impact of your campaigns, including Shy-Engage behavior. The importance of a balanced approach Despite the fact that the Shy-Engage are a crucial part of the digital audience, this doesn't mean that visible interactions should be devalued. Both groups - the engaged and the silent - are fundamental to your brand's success. The key is to strike a balance - to create content that generates public interactions, but is also relevant enough to attract the Shy-Engage. In this way, your company can maximize reach and conversions, without relying on just one type of online behaviour. The Shy-Engage are proof that the biggest impacts often come from where we least expect them. To ignore this silent audience is to miss a golden opportunity to expand your business's reach and sales. To reach the full potential of the digital world, it is essential to understand the different types of behavior on social networks and adapt your strategies so that you communicate effectively, both with those who interact and those who just watch. At Webhouse, we help companies navigate the complex digital universe, creating customized strategies that combine innovation and understanding of audience behavior. We want to help you reach all your customers - even the silent ones. Talk to us, find out how we can take your business's marketing to the next level!

Subscribe Newsletter

By submitting this form you are giving us permission to use your personal data and to agree to our Privacy Policy.

Follow us on the Web

2025 Webhouse.pt | All Rights Reserved.
Privacy Policy | Conflict resolution | Cookies Policy
Complaint book
Created with  by Webhouse.pt
I accept
This website uses cookies to offer you a more personalized experience. While continuing navigation, you are agreeing to its use. Saiba mais
Contacto no WhatsApp
Contacto no Messenger