We’ve all shared this experience at some point. You carefully select a photo, apply the right filter, and create a compelling message. Finally, you click “Share” with anticipation, only to find that Instagram won’t let you share. If Instagram’s servers are down, you’ll see a spike in notifications. Instead of allowing your post to go live for all your followers to enjoy, you get an error here’s why.
In this article, we will dive deep into why Instagram might give you the cold shoulder and, more importantly, what you can do about it.
Is It on Your End or Instagram’s End?
Before we get into Instagram-specific issues, let’s set some ground rules. When Instagram won’t let me post, the problem is usually with my internet connection, not Instagram itself. If your Wi-Fi or data signal is solid your post may not appear.
- Check Your Connection: Ensure you are connected to a stable network, Wi-Fi, or mobile data. If you need help, try opening other apps or web pages requiring the Internet to verify your connection is working.
- Switch Networks: If you are on Wi-Fi and it is slow, try mobile data. Vice versa, if you are on mobile data, shift to Wi-Fi.
- Router Reboot: Sometimes, a simple router restart is all it really takes to fix a bad connection. Try this if something else works better.
Instagram Server Issues: The Ghost Behind the Glitch
At times, it’s not you but Instagram’s servers. That startup faces server outages and other technical issues, such as Instagram’s sites, which prevent posting occasionally.
How to Know If It’s Instagram:
- Check Twitter: A quick search on Twitter to see if everybody is experiencing the same issues may confirm that it’s not a problem on your end.
- Find a Down Detector: Tools like Views4You’s Is Instagram Down are real-time updates on service outages. If Instagram’s servers are experiencing downtime, you will see a spike in reports.
Update Instagram
If Instagram won’t let me post because of some issues, the app has accumulated too much data over time, causing the app to perform poorly. Cache makes apps run faster, but more is needed to avoid such difficulties. And then clear the cache. For iPhone users, the only thing that can be done is to uninstall and then reinstall the app since, with iOS, there isn’t an option to clear the cache.
- Log Out and Log Back In: Sometimes, the simplest solution is to log out and log back in— this resets the app most of the time.
The Formats: Are You Posting the Right File Type
Naturally, Instagram has a handful of impositions about the format and size of the content you are uploading. If your post does not match these requirements, then your post will not pass through.
File Type and Size Needed for Uploading:
- Image format includes JPEG and PNG.
- File Format: Instagram supports your video in MP4 (MPEG/MPG) format. I recommend an online converter or video editor for any let’s video type.
- File Size: videos more significant than 100MB may not upload.
This may be why your post isn’t published – not because the submission was terrible, but because the file did not meet these standards.
Are You Shadow banned? Why You Cannot Post on Instagram and the Secret Behind It
Have you been Instagram-happy lately? Instagram thinks you are a bot – Overdoing behaviors like excessive liking, commenting, or following/unfollowing users quickly can lead Instagram to believe you’re just a bot. This can lead to a short-term restriction or something they call a “shadow ban.” Though shadow banning is a controversial term not officially recognized by Instagram; users have consistently complained about the different measures that “strict” posts due to their actions.
How You Can Tell If You Have Been Shadow Banned:
Unable to Post or Engage — If you cannot post at all or engage with the contents of others, this may be a soft ban and can last for some time while specific activities lead up to each suspension.
What to Do:
- Take it Easy: Relax for a few days. Only then do your best not to be over-engaged with content and let Instagram’s algorithm reset.
- Report a Problem: If your account has been inappropriately restricted, you can report an issue through Instagram’s help desk.
Instagram’s Guidelines: Have You Violated Them?
Instagram has strict community guidelines, and if your content violates these rules, Instagram blocks your ability to post when your content is flagged as inappropriate or offensive or when you engage in spamming behavior. To learn more about restricted behavior, please take a moment to read Instagram’s Community Standards. Make sure your content is consistent.
Warning for New Users: You’ve created a new Instagram account and are trying to post, so you may experience delays or restrictions. Instagram carefully monitors new accounts to prevent spam or abuse, so new users will not likely be temporarily banned from posting. Instagram will verify your account is valid and allow you to share more posts.
More Hashtags:
Instagram allows up to 30 hashtags per post, but if you regularly use the maximum number of hashtags or use limited hashtags, you will be temporarily blocked.
How Do We Fix This Issue?
Use fewer hashtags: Use 5-10 relevant hashtags for each. “#likeforlike” or “followforfollow” are often associated with spammy behavior and may cause Instagram to block your posts.
Don’t Miss out on Updates
If Instagram isn’t letting you post, you might be using the wrong app. Instagram regularly releases updates to fix bugs and improve performance, so running older versions can cause issues. Use the latest version of Instagram.
When All Else Fails, Contact Instagram Support
If you’ve tried everything and you still say, “Instagram won’t let me post”, it might be time to contact Instagram’s support team. While response times vary, they cannot resolve specific issues. This is especially true if you’re running a business account or want to share your memories. However, most posting issues can be fixed with a little effort and patience. If you have a stable connection, follow the instructions in the app and keep your account healthy. You’ll have a solution to keep your content without any problems!
FAQ
What if all these solutions don’t work?
You can delete your app and upload it one more time. This may help you share a post.
Does my storage space on my phone affect uploading a photo?
Yes, when your phone is full, you cannot upload a post on Instagram. Try to free up some storage space on your phone.
