Automation tools like ManyChat are powerful for growing your Instagram presence, but as with any tool, they need to be used carefully to avoid restrictions or penalties. Recently, I went viral on Instagram, but my account was restricted due to my use of automation. Even though ManyChat is an approved tool, Instagram’s algorithms can still flag certain activities if they seem suspicious. Here’s what happened and how you can avoid a similar issue.
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The Problem: Instagram Restrictions After Going Viral
After a successful post that went viral, my account was hit with a restriction. Despite ManyChat being a legitimate and approved automation tool, Instagram flagged my account. Why? Because of the sheer volume of automated comments that were being posted in a short amount of time.
According to Instagram’s community guidelines, actions that mimic bot-like behavior can trigger automatic restrictions, even if you’re using approved third-party tools like ManyChat. In this case, the issue arose from posting too many automated responses in a short period.
Why Did This Happen?
When your account goes viral, it naturally attracts a high volume of interactions, such as comments, likes, and shares. If you’re using ManyChat to automate responses to comments (e.g., offering a free guide when someone comments a specific word), this can quickly lead to a large number of automated comments being posted in response.
Instagram’s algorithms are designed to protect the platform from bots and spam. If your account posts over 750 automated comments within an hour, it may be flagged as spam, leading to temporary restrictions on your account.
How to Avoid Being Restricted
- Monitor Your Activity: Keep an eye on the volume of automated actions your account is performing, especially after a post goes viral. If you’re seeing a large spike in comments, consider temporarily pausing your automation.
- Limit the Number of Automated Responses: To avoid hitting Instagram’s thresholds, try to limit the number of automated comments your account posts within a short period. You can do this by setting a cap on the number of responses per hour in your ManyChat settings.
- Disable Automation Temporarily: If your account starts attracting a lot of attention, it might be wise to disable automated comments for 24 hours. This can help prevent Instagram from flagging your account and applying restrictions.
- Gradual Rollout: Instead of triggering automated responses for every comment, consider setting your automation to respond to every third or fourth comment. This slows down the volume of automated comments and reduces the risk of being flagged.
- Vary Your Responses: Avoid using the same response repeatedly. A variety of responses can help make your automation appear more natural and less bot-like.
What to Do If You Get Restricted
If your account does get restricted, don’t panic. Here’s how you can fix it:
- Disable Automated Comments: Turn off all automated responses for at least 24 hours. This will help reset your account and clear any flags.
- Wait It Out: Restrictions are usually temporary. After disabling automation, wait 24-48 hours, and the restriction should be lifted.
- Contact Support: If the restriction persists, reach out to Instagram support for further assistance. Provide details of your automation setup to help clarify the situation.
Conclusion
Automation is a powerful tool for managing your Instagram account, but it needs to be used wisely. By monitoring your activity, limiting automated responses, and taking precautionary measures during high-traffic periods, you can avoid the risk of account restrictions. If you do find yourself restricted, a quick response and a short break from automation should resolve the issue.
Remember, the key to successful automation is balance. Make sure you’re providing value and engaging with your audience, without overloading Instagram’s systems.
