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

An app isn't just for big brands: Building loyalty through mobile

For a long time, the idea of creating a mobile application (app) was seen as something exclusively for large companies with hefty budgets. However, consumer behavior has changed - and with it, so have the opportunities for small and medium-sized businesses. Today, any business with a customer base and strategic vision can (and should) consider investing in a mobile app. Why do apps increase loyalty? Having an app is like having a direct communication channel in your customer's pocket. More than presence, it creates proximity. And proximity, in marketing, translates into loyalty. Some of the main reasons why an app builds loyalty: Quick and easy access: with just one touch, customers have access to your business - without even needing to search on Google or open social networks. Personalized notifications: you can send promotions, updates or news in real time, with a high read rate. Integrated loyalty programs: points, rewards and exclusive offers make the relationship stronger. Superior user experience: well-designed apps offer fast and functional navigation. Success stories (without being big brands) Hairdressers, clinics and training studios use apps for scheduling appointments, reminders and client management. Restaurants and cafés offer menus, reservations and deliveries via the app, with loyalty features. Small stores create personalized experiences with recommendations based on purchase history. In other words, the technology is accessible and the advantages are real. But does every company need an app? Not always. The most important thing is to understand whether the application facilitates the relationship with the customer. If so, then it's worth the investment. It's also essential that the app is well developed and integrates strategically with the brand's other digital channels. Ready to take the next step in building loyalty? At Webhouse, we create customized mobile applications designed to bring brands closer to their customers and turn presence into loyalty. Talk to us and find out how your company can be closer - and in the pocket - of your customers.  

Why doesn't your website appear on Google?

Having a website is an essential step for any business that wants to make its presence felt online. However, many entrepreneurs feel frustrated when they realize that, even with a seemingly well-built website, visitors simply... don't arrive. The truth is that having a website isn't enough - people need to find it. And for that, there's a keyword: SEO. What is SEO and why is it so important? SEO (Search Engine Optimization) is a set of strategies to improve the positioning of a website in search engines such as Google. When someone searches for a service or product that your business offers, your website should ideally appear in the first few results. If this doesn't happen, your brand will go unnoticed - even if you have a good website. Good SEO isn't magic - it's technique, consistency and strategy. The main causes of an “invisible” website on Google If your website doesn't appear in search results, some of the causes could be: A lack of relevant keywords: the content of the website needs to be aligned with the terms that potential customers search for. Lack of optimized content: it's not enough to have a presentation page. You need to offer useful, up-to-date and well-structured content. Technical problems with the website: slowness, navigation errors, inaccessible links and lack of compatibility with mobile devices all affect positioning. No backlinks: in other words, other trusted websites pointing to yours. Website not indexed: sometimes the website doesn't even appear on Google because it isn't properly configured to be indexed. Simple strategies to make the website more visible Creating strategic content: blogs, service pages and FAQs focused on customer obstacles. Optimizing titles, descriptions and URLs: small changes can generate big results. Local SEO: include location in content and in the Google Business Profile. Frequent updates: show Google that the website is active and evolving. Metrics analysis: identify what's working (and what's not) to make informed decisions. At Webhouse, we help companies optimize their websites so that they are no longer just pretty - but can also be found. Talk to us and find out how you can stand out in the search engines.

The end of influencers? TikTok launches a new AI feature

For years, digital influencers have dominated social media marketing. Brands have invested millions to get their products into the hands (and feeds) of people with huge audiences. But a new update to TikTok may be changing that paradigm: with the introduction of the Symphony AI, a new form of content creation is emerging - and the role of the influencer as we know it may be about to change. What is Symphony and how does it work? Presented as part of TikTok's generative AI expansion strategy, Symphony is a creation tool that allows advertising videos to be generated in an automated way - with script, voice, image and even AI-generated digital “personas”. In other words, a brand can now create a complete advertisement without resorting to a human creator. Symphony is accompanied by other solutions such as Symphony Digital Avatars, where personalized avatars (based on real people or created from scratch) can be used to present a product. In addition, there's Symphony AI Dubbing, which translates and dubs content into other languages, breaking down language barriers on a global scale. The impact for influencers (and brands) The big question is: are influencers becoming obsolete? The answer is: not completely, but the model is evolving. Automation vs. authenticity: although AI is efficient at producing content quickly and at scale, human authenticity is still an asset. Followers continue to value real experiences and genuine opinions. Micro and nano-influencers gain more strength: in a scenario where AI takes over large volumes, creators with specific niches and deeper connections with the audience become even more relevant. The role of the influencer is changing: rather than showing products, the new influencer will be a content curator, a guide who helps filter out the excess of automated information. And now, where are the strategies heading? This news should be interpreted as a warning to brands that still rely exclusively on big influencers or don't diversify their communication channels. Digital presence needs to be built with strategy, purpose and versatility. Having access to AI tools does not mean abandoning the human component. On the contrary: integrating AI-generated content with authentic human experiences can be the difference between more effective campaigns. Are you ready for the new era of digital marketing? The future of social media marketing will be hybrid: between humans and machines, between data and emotion. At Webhouse, we help companies understand and apply the best strategies for each scenario, integrating innovation with authenticity. Talk to us and take your digital presence to the next level.    

Loyal customers - The real asset of your business

In an increasingly competitive market, many companies focus their efforts on acquiring new customers, forgetting a crucial element for long-term success: customer retention. Keeping existing customers is just as, if not more, important than attracting new ones, because loyal customers not only guarantee recurring revenue, they also become brand promoters. Why is customer retention essential? Customer retention refers to a company's ability to keep its customers over time, encouraging repeat purchases and strengthening the relationship. According to Amazon Ads, an effective retention strategy promotes brand loyalty, resulting in repeat purchases and contributing to business expansion. In addition, studies show that retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than acquiring new ones. Satisfied customers tend to spend more and recommend the brand to others, expanding the company's reach organically. Benefits of customer loyalty Cost reduction: Retaining existing customers is more cost-effective than attracting new ones, thus reducing marketing and sales costs. Increased customer lifetime value (CLV): Loyal customers tend to spend more over time, increasing profitability. Word-of-mouth marketing: Satisfied customers recommend the brand to friends and family, consequently attracting new customers organically. Valuable feedback: Repeat customers provide important insights for improving products and services. Effective strategies for retaining customers Excellence in customer service: Offering quality, personalized and efficient service is fundamental to customer satisfaction. Loyalty programs: Rewarding loyal customers with discounts, exclusive offers or accumulative points encourages repeat purchases. Constant communication: Keeping customers informed about news, promotions and relevant content strengthens the relationship. Personalizing the experience: Using data to offer personalized recommendations and offers increases the relevance of the brand to the customer. Effective after-sales: Following up with the customer after the purchase, ensuring their satisfaction and resolving any problems, demonstrates commitment. Metrics for assessing customer retention Customer retention rate (CRR): Indicates the percentage of customers who remain active over a given period. Customer Lifetime Value (CLV): Estimates the net profit a customer generates during their relationship with the company. Net Promoter Score (NPS): Analyzes the likelihood of a customer recommending the brand to others. Investing in customer retention is investing in the sustainability and growth of the business. Loyal customers not only guarantee consistent revenue, they also become brand advocates, contributing to the brand's reputation and expansion. It is therefore essential for companies to develop effective strategies to maintain and strengthen relationships with their customers. At Webhouse, we understand the importance of customer loyalty for the success of your business. We offer customized digital marketing solutions that help you create lasting relationships with your customers. Contact us to find out how we can help you strengthen your customer base and boost your company's growth.

Authenticity in times of AI - How to maintain the essence of your brand

With the advance of artificial intelligence in content creation comes the challenge of maintaining authenticity and human connection in your brand's communications. It is essential to find a balance between technological efficiency and preserving brand identity. The impact of AI on content marketing AI enables the rapid production of content, but can result in generic messages that lack personality. Although it is a powerful tool, overuse can alienate audiences, who are looking for real and meaningful connections. Risks of losing authenticity Excessively automated content can disinterest audiences, who are generally attracted to brands that are close and more intimate. The lack of a human voice can make communication cold and impersonal, damaging the relationship with customers. Strategies for maintaining authenticity Use AI as an auxiliary tool, but not as a substitute: AI should support content creation, but should not completely replace human intervention. Include real stories and experiences in content: Share real cases, testimonies and experiences that reflect the reality of the brand. Maintain the brand's voice and values in all communications: Ensure that the content generated aligns with the company's identity and mission. Encourage audience interaction and feedback: Encourage customers to share their opinions and experiences, creating a genuine dialog. Authenticity remains one of the most important pillars for building lasting relationships with the public. Even with the use of AI, it is essential to preserve the essence of the brand. At Webhouse, we combine technology and creativity to create authentic content that resonates with your audience. Talk to us about developing a content strategy aligned with your brand values.
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