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How to get unblocked from following on Instagram 2018? It’s a question many Instagram users have faced. Back in 2018, Instagram’s blocking mechanisms weren’t as transparent as they are today, leaving users frustrated and unsure how to regain their following privileges. This guide explores the various reasons behind these blocks, the types of blocks encountered, and most importantly, the steps you could take to resolve the issue and prevent future occurrences.

We’ll cover everything from identifying the cause of your block to appealing to Instagram support and exploring alternative ways to engage with your favorite accounts.

Understanding Instagram’s policies and best practices is crucial for a smooth user experience. We’ll delve into the specifics of temporary and permanent blocks, helping you determine the severity of your situation and the appropriate course of action. Whether you were blocked for suspicious activity or for reasons you’re unsure of, this guide offers practical solutions and advice to help you navigate this common Instagram challenge.

Instagram’s Blocking Mechanisms in 2018

In 2018, Instagram employed several mechanisms to prevent users from following too many accounts too quickly, aiming to curb automated accounts and spam. These mechanisms ranged from temporary restrictions to more permanent blocks, depending on the severity and nature of the violation. Understanding these mechanisms is key to troubleshooting follow-related issues.Instagram’s blocking mechanisms were primarily designed to maintain a healthy and authentic user experience.

The platform actively worked to identify and address suspicious activity, including bot accounts and users engaging in aggressive follow/unfollow tactics. These tactics, often used to artificially inflate follower counts or gain quick visibility, violated Instagram’s terms of service and triggered various blocking measures.

Types of Instagram Follow Blocks in 2018

Instagram implemented different levels of restrictions on following accounts in 2018. These ranged from temporary limitations on the number of accounts a user could follow within a specific timeframe to complete blocks preventing any further follows. The type of block imposed depended on the perceived severity of the infraction.

Reasons for Instagram Follow Blocks

Several actions could trigger Instagram’s follow-blocking mechanisms. These included rapidly following a large number of accounts in a short period, engaging in mass following/unfollowing cycles (often referred to as “follow-for-follow” or “unfollow-for-follow” tactics), using third-party apps that automated these actions, and exhibiting other suspicious behaviors indicative of bot activity or spam. The platform’s algorithms analyzed user behavior to identify patterns that suggested violations of its terms of service.

Duration and Resolution of Follow Blocks

The duration of a follow block varied significantly, depending on the perceived severity of the violation and the user’s history. Some blocks were temporary, lasting a few hours or days, while others were more permanent, resulting in limitations on following activity for an extended period. Resolving these blocks often involved waiting out the temporary restriction or appealing the permanent block, demonstrating a commitment to adhering to Instagram’s community guidelines.

Comparison of Temporary and Permanent Follow Blocks

Identifying the Reason for Being Blocked

Understanding why Instagram blocked your ability to follow other accounts is crucial to resolving the issue. Instagram’s algorithms are designed to prevent spam and abusive behavior, so a block often indicates your account has triggered their automated safety measures. Let’s explore the potential reasons behind this restriction.Instagram’s systems analyze various aspects of account activity to identify potential violations.

A sudden surge in follows, unusual posting patterns, or interactions with accounts flagged for suspicious behavior can all contribute to a temporary or permanent block. Knowing what actions might trigger a block is the first step towards regaining your following privileges.

Possible Scenarios Leading to a Follow Block

Several scenarios can lead to Instagram restricting your ability to follow accounts. These range from seemingly innocuous actions performed too frequently to more blatant attempts to circumvent Instagram’s rules. Understanding these scenarios is key to preventing future blocks. For instance, rapidly following hundreds of accounts in a short period might be interpreted as bot-like behavior. Similarly, consistently following and unfollowing accounts can also raise red flags.

Examples of Suspicious Activities

Suspicious activities that might trigger a block include rapidly following and unfollowing a large number of accounts within a short timeframe. Another example is following accounts that are known for suspicious activity, such as those frequently involved in spam or bot networks. Using third-party apps that automate following or unfollowing can also lead to a block. Furthermore, engaging in excessive liking or commenting on posts in a short period can also be seen as suspicious behavior.

Reviewing Account Activity to Identify Potential Violations

To identify potential violations, carefully review your recent Instagram activity. Check your following list for any unusual patterns, such as a sudden increase in the number of accounts you follow. Examine your interaction history, paying close attention to the number of likes, comments, and follows performed within specific timeframes. Look for any unusually high volume of actions in short bursts.

Compare your activity to your typical usage patterns to spot any significant deviations. This careful self-assessment can pinpoint the source of the problem.

Self-Diagnosis Checklist

To help determine the cause of your block, use this checklist:

• Did you follow a large number of accounts in a short period (e.g., more than 100 accounts in an hour)?
• Did you use third-party apps or bots to automate following or unfollowing?
• Did you engage in excessive liking or commenting on posts?
• Did you follow accounts known for spam or bot activity?
• Did you frequently follow and unfollow accounts?
• Have you received any warnings or notifications from Instagram regarding your activity?

By honestly answering these questions, you can identify potential issues and take steps to address them, thus increasing your chances of resolving the block. Remember that preventing future blocks involves mindful and responsible use of the platform.

Methods to Attempt Unblocking: How To Get Unblocked From Following On Instagram 2018

Getting unblocked on Instagram in 2018 wasn’t always straightforward, as Instagram’s support systems were less developed than they are today. However, several avenues existed for attempting to regain access to following users. This section Artikels those methods.

Appealing an Instagram Block

Appealing an Instagram block in 2018 primarily involved carefully reviewing your actions on the platform to identify potential violations of Instagram’s community guidelines. Since there wasn’t a formal appeal process as robust as today’s, the focus was on demonstrating a genuine misunderstanding or unintentional infraction. This usually involved thoroughly examining your account activity for any suspicious behavior, such as excessive following/unfollowing, spamming, or using inappropriate language.

If you identified a potential issue, ceasing the problematic behavior was the first step. Then, you could try contacting Instagram support (detailed below) to explain the situation and request reconsideration. Remember, sincerity and a clear explanation of your actions were key.

Contacting Instagram Support Directly

Directly contacting Instagram support in 2018 was challenging. There wasn’t a readily available help center or robust in-app support system like we see now. Your best bet was to try to find their support email address through online searches (this information was often scattered across various forums and help sites). Once you found a potential contact address, crafting a clear, concise, and respectful email was crucial.

Getting unblocked from following someone on Instagram in 2018 often involved reviewing your account activity for any violations. If you’re also facing issues with Instagram Live, understanding how to resolve that can be helpful; check out this guide on how to get unblocked from live on instagram for some useful tips. Addressing any Live stream problems might indirectly help with getting unblocked from following as well, since overall account health is key.

The email should explain the situation, provide your username, and detail why you believed the block was unwarranted. Including screenshots of any relevant interactions could also strengthen your case. Be patient, as responses could take days or even weeks, and success wasn’t guaranteed.

Troubleshooting Steps

Before contacting support, several troubleshooting steps could be attempted. These actions could resolve the issue without requiring direct intervention from Instagram.

1. Check your internet connection: A poor or unstable internet connection could sometimes interfere with Instagram’s functionality, leading to unexpected blocking issues. Ensure your connection is stable and reliable before proceeding.
2. Log out and log back in: A simple log out and log back in can often resolve minor glitches that might be causing the problem. This refreshes your session with Instagram’s servers.
3. Clear your Instagram app cache and data: Accumulated cache and data within the Instagram app can sometimes lead to unexpected behavior. Clearing this data often helps resolve issues.
4. Update the Instagram app: An outdated app might contain bugs that cause unexpected problems. Updating to the latest version ensures you have access to the most recent bug fixes and improvements.
5. Try accessing Instagram from a different device or browser: If you are using a mobile device, try accessing Instagram from a computer or vice versa. This helps isolate whether the problem is device-specific or related to the Instagram account itself.
6. Review your Instagram activity: As mentioned earlier, review your recent activity for any potential violations of Instagram’s community guidelines. Look for any suspicious activity, such as mass following/unfollowing or inappropriate comments.

Preventing Future Blocks

Avoiding being blocked from following on Instagram requires understanding the platform’s policies and using the app responsibly. Consistent adherence to Instagram’s guidelines significantly reduces the risk of account restrictions, allowing you to maintain a positive and productive experience. Following these best practices will help keep your account in good standing.Understanding Instagram’s algorithms and community guidelines is crucial. Instagram employs systems to detect suspicious activity, such as unusually high follow/unfollow rates or automated actions.

These systems are designed to protect users from spam and malicious accounts. By understanding how these systems work, you can better avoid triggering them.

Responsible Use of the Follow Feature

Using the follow feature responsibly involves avoiding rapid, automated following and unfollowing. Instead of trying to amass followers quickly through aggressive tactics, focus on building genuine connections with other users. Engage with their content, leave thoughtful comments, and participate in relevant conversations. This organic approach fosters a healthier Instagram presence and minimizes the risk of being flagged for suspicious activity.

Think quality over quantity when it comes to your followers. A smaller, engaged audience is far more valuable than a large, inactive one.

Risks of Third-Party Apps

Many third-party apps promise to boost your Instagram followers or automate actions like following and unfollowing. However, using these apps carries significant risks. Instagram’s terms of service often prohibit the use of third-party tools that manipulate the platform’s functionality. Using such apps can lead to your account being temporarily or permanently suspended, and in some cases, your account may be compromised.

The potential benefits rarely outweigh the risks associated with violating Instagram’s rules and compromising your account security. It’s always safer to manage your account directly through the official Instagram app.

Dos and Don’ts for Responsible Instagram Usage

It’s essential to maintain responsible Instagram usage to prevent future blocks. Here’s a list of dos and don’ts to guide your actions:

• Do: Follow accounts organically and genuinely engage with their content.
• Do: Use the official Instagram app to manage your account.
• Do: Report suspicious accounts or behavior you encounter.
• Do: Read and understand Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Service.
• Do: Maintain a balanced ratio of following and followers. Avoid drastically increasing your following count in a short period.
• Don’t: Use third-party apps to automate following or unfollowing.
• Don’t: Engage in spamming or sending unsolicited messages.
• Don’t: Use bots or automated tools to manage your account.
• Don’t: Suddenly follow or unfollow a large number of accounts in a short time.
• Don’t: Post inappropriate or offensive content.

Alternative Actions if Unblocking Fails

If you’ve exhausted all attempts to get unblocked from following someone on Instagram, don’t despair. There are still ways to engage with their content, although they might not be as direct as a follow. Remember, respecting Instagram’s community guidelines is crucial, even when faced with limitations.It’s important to understand that alternative methods have limitations. You won’t receive notifications for new posts, and interacting with their content will be less prominent.

Creating multiple accounts to circumvent a block is against Instagram’s terms of service and could lead to account suspension. Focus on legitimate engagement strategies instead.

Using Instagram’s Search and Explore Features, How to get unblocked from following on instagram 2018

Instagram’s search and explore functions are powerful tools for finding content even if you can’t follow a specific user. The search bar allows you to locate posts by s, hashtags, and usernames. The Explore page uses an algorithm to suggest content based on your past activity, providing a curated feed of relevant posts. Effective use of these features can help you find the content you’re interested in, even without a direct follow.To use the search function, navigate to the search icon (a magnifying glass) at the bottom of your Instagram app screen.

Type in the username of the account you’re interested in, or a relevant hashtag related to their content. For example, if you want to find posts about photography from a user named “@prophotographer123,” you would type either “@prophotographer123” or “#photography” into the search bar. Instagram will then display results showing posts from that user or posts using that hashtag.

You can further refine your search by using more specific s or hashtags. Imagine searching for “#landscapephotography” instead of just “#photography” for more targeted results. This visual representation shows how the process unfolds:Search Icon (Magnifying Glass) –> Type in Username (@prophotographer123) or Hashtag (#photography) –> Instagram displays results –> Refine search with more specific s (e.g., #landscapephotography).

Getting unblocked from following on Instagram in 2018, while potentially frustrating, wasn’t insurmountable. By understanding the reasons behind the block, systematically troubleshooting the issue, and learning from the experience, you can regain your ability to follow accounts and avoid future blocks. Remember, responsible Instagram usage is key to a positive experience. This guide provides the tools and knowledge you need to address this issue effectively and maintain a healthy Instagram presence.

If all else fails, remember there are alternative ways to find and engage with the content you want to see.