Home / Blog / Instagram Tips / What Happens When You Report Someone on Instagram?

What Happens When You Report Someone on Instagram?

Published July 5, 2024

Reporting someone on Instagram is a way to help keep the platform safe and enjoyable for everyone. But what actually happens when you hit that report button? Let’s break it down.

The Reporting Process

When you report someone on Instagram, your report goes through several steps.

Instagram Reporting Steps

  • Select the Reason: Instagram asks you to choose a reason for your report. This could be anything from and harassment to hate speech or nudity.
  • Review by Instagram: Once submitted, your report is reviewed by Instagram’s team. They evaluate whether the reported content or account violates Instagram’s Community Guidelines.
  • Action Taken: If the content or account violates the guidelines, Instagram may take action. This could range from removing the content to disabling the account.

Immediate Effects

You might be wondering what immediate effects you’ll notice after reporting someone. Here are a few things to expect.

What Happens When You Report Someone

  • Confidentiality: Your report remains anonymous. The person you report will not know that you were the one who reported them.
  • Content Review: Instagram will review the reported content. This process might take some time, so immediate changes might not be visible.
  • Notification: If Instagram takes action on the reported content, you might receive a notification informing you of the outcome.

Types of Violations

Instagram takes different types of violations seriously. Here are some common reasons for reporting someone.

Common Reasons to Report Someone on Instagram

  • Spam: Unwanted promotional content or repetitive comments.
  • Harassment or Bullying: Targeted harassment or threatening behavior.
  • Hate Speech: Content that promotes violence or hatred against individuals or groups based on attributes like race, religion or sexual orientation.
  • Nudity and Sexual Content: Explicit content that violates Instagram’s guidelines.
  • False information: Spreading misinformation or fake news.

What Instagram Does

When Instagram determines that a violation has occurred, they have a few options.

How Instagram Handles Reported Content

  • Removing the Content: The offending post or comment is taken down.
  • Account Suspension: Temporary or permanent suspension of the offending account.
  • Warnings: Issue warnings to users about their behavior.

How to Report

The good news is that reporting someone on Instagram is pretty straightforward.

Reporting a Post

  • Tap the three dots above the post.
  • Select ‘Report.’
  • Follow the prompts to select the reason for your report.

Reporting a Comment

  • Swipe left on the comment (iOS) or tap and hold the comment (Android).
  • Tap the exclamation mark icon. 
  • Choose ‘Report This Comment’ and follow the steps.

Reporting a Profile

  • Go to the profile you want to report.
  • Click the three dots in the top right corner.
  • Select ‘Report’ and follow the instructions.

Why Reporting Matters

Reporting problematic content or behavior helps maintain a positive and safe environment on Instagram. By reporting, you contribute to the community’s well-being and help Instagram enforce its guidelines.

Key Takeaways

  • Reporting is anonymous and helps keep Instagram safe.
  • Instagram reviews reports and takes appropriate action.
  • You can report posts, comments, or entire profiles.
  • Understanding the reporting process empowers users to act against violations.

Final Thoughts

While reporting someone on Instagram might seem like a small act, it plays a crucial role in maintaining the platform’s integrity. By understanding the reporting process and knowing how to report, you can help make Instagram a better place for everyone.

Grow your Instagram
with Buzzoid

Learn more
Written By:
AUTHOR & EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Jessica is a consultant, researcher, and the editor-in-chief of the Buzzoid blog, who specializes in social media, marketing, and digital strategy. She is a graduate of Antioch College and earned her MBA at Boston College’s Carroll Graduate School of Management, specializing in STEM Management.

You may also like:

Want to grow your Instagram faster?