Instagram is shadowbanning LGBTQ+ accounts

• Is Instagram blocking LGBTQ+ accounts?
• Some are blaming the shadowbanning on AI.
• LGBTQ and sex-ed content is being targeted.

Instagram is shadowbanning LGBTQ+ accounts. What’s happening on the social network? This incident has millions of users deeply concerned.

The Advocate reported that Instagram is blocking LGBTQ+ accounts and accounts with sexual education information.

The shadowbanning appears to be higher for LGBTQ+ accounts on Instagram compared to those posting similar types of heterosexual content.

Shadowbanning means content is not being recommended on feeds and may be blocked in searches, according to Mashable.

Who — or what — is to blame for Instagram blocking LGBTQ content?

Advocate suggests that the shadowbanning on Instagram could be related to Artificial Intelligence (AI).

However, when looking at the statistics, LGBTQ+ accounts seem to being blocked at higher rates than others.

Heterosexual user profiles, which often share similar content, do not usually experience the same issue.

This continues to raise concerns, especially among visual artists who frequently share their work on Instagram.

Instagram is blocking LGBTQ+ accounts

According to Mashable, shadowbanning is referred to as «non-recommendable» posts by Meta.

Some queer artists have told Mashable that they have fallen victim to Instagram’s block.

Michael Kerschner (@queeringbeauty on Instagram) stated that he received an alert about the block on his account.

The warning said that people who do not follow him could not view his account.

Restrictions on Instagram

Accounts that are blocked, or shadowbanned, on Instagram will face significant obstacles.

As a result of the block, accounts will not appear as recommendations on Instagram’s «Explore» tab.

Content creators will also not be featured in recommendations on the home page or the reels tab.

Mashable reported that these accounts also might not appear in search results.

Instagram notifies accounts that are blocked

Advocate revealed that Instagram now notifies users who are being shadowbanned.

Topher Taylor, an adult content creator, told Mashable that Instagram had censored his account.

Taylor stated that he was blocked for several years for sharing educational information about sex and adult toys.

Topher appealed Instagram’s decision and won, which resulted in his profile being unblocked and he began gaining more followers and views.

Users can appeal Instagram blocking LGBTQ+ accounts

Currently, Instagram notifies content creators when their accounts are being blocked.

Upon being notified by the social network, users can appeal the decision for a thorough review.

Instagram’s team reviews the appeal and provides a final response on whether they will lift the block.

Once an account is no longer shadowbanned, they will enjoy greater visibility for attracting new followers and interactions.

How does Instagram work?

Instagram is one of the most popular social networks of the moment, with a significant user base in the US and Latin America.

On this popular platform, users can upload real-time photos and videos to share with their followers, whether they have public or private profiles.

Another attraction of Instagram currently is the ability for users to share voice notes with their friends.

Furthermore, users can livestream, and people can send gifts that are redeemable for money.