Instagram strives to be a safe and positive online space for connecting and sharing. However, you might encounter accounts that violate its Community Guidelines by posting offensive content, impersonating others, or engaging in spammy behavior.
In such cases, reporting the account is crucial. Here, we have a comprehensive guide on how to report an Instagram account. However, we have to say that whatever way Instagram chooses to punish the account is totally up to them.
Understanding What to Report
Before we begin, it’s vital to understand the types of content and behavior that warrant reporting on Instagram. Here are some key categories:
- Hate Speech and Bullying: Any content that promotes violence, hate speech, or targets individuals or groups based on race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or disability.
- Nudity and Sexual Content: Content depicting nudity, sexual activity, or that exploits, abuses, or endangers children.
- Spam and Fraud: Accounts promoting misleading content, impersonating businesses or individuals, or attempting to scam users.
- Copyright Infringement: Content that infringes on someone else’s intellectual property rights (e.g., using copyrighted music or images without permission).
- Self-Harm and Suicide: Content promoting or encouraging self-harm or suicidal behavior.
- Threats and Violence: Content that threatens violence or physical harm to individuals or groups.
Reporting Through the Mobile App
The Instagram mobile app is the most convenient way to report an account. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown:
- Open the Instagram App: Ensure you’re logged into your account.
- Navigate to the Offending Account: Locate the account profile you wish to report. You can find it by searching or clicking on their username if you’ve encountered their content elsewhere on the platform.
- Access the Account Options: On the account’s profile page, tap the three-dot icon in the screen’s top right corner.
- Reporting the Account: From the menu that appears, select “Report.”
- Choosing the Offending Content: Instagram will now ask if you wish to report the account or just a specific post violating community policies.
Selecting “a specific post” will bring up everything the account has posted for you to pick the offending content.
- Choosing the Reporting Reason: Instagram will list reasons for reporting the account. Choose the option that best describes the violation you’re reporting. Try to be as specific as possible to help Instagram understand the nature of the issue. Here are some options you might see on the list:
- Hate speech or symbols
- Nudity or sexual activity
- Bullying or harassment
- They are pretending to be someone else
- They may be under the age of 13.
- Providing Additional Details: If your reason isn’t on the list, Instagram offers a text box where you can provide additional details about the reported content.
Tap on “Something Else,” and you’ll be led to the text box to type in your grievances. Use this opportunity to explain the specific violation properly.
- Confirming the Report: After selecting the appropriate reason and providing additional details, tap the “Submit Report” button to send your issues in.
While getting the offending account deleted isn’t guaranteed, reporting content and accounts that violate Instagram’s guidelines is a commendable step in maintaining a safe and positive online space. Now, you know how to do your part in making Instagram a better place.
