How many reports are needed to delete a Instagram account?

Deleting an Instagram account is not as straightforward as simply hitting a “delete” button. Instagram has implemented a process that requires multiple user reports before an account will be considered for removal. This helps prevent accounts from being deleted unfairly or by mistake. So how many reports does it actually take to get an Instagram account deleted?

Why Does Instagram Require Multiple Reports?

Instagram requires multiple users to report an account before it will take action for a few key reasons:

  • To prevent false or unfair reports – One person reporting an account does not necessarily mean the account violated policies. Requiring multiple reports helps confirm there is a real issue.
  • To prioritize more serious violations – Accounts receiving many reports are more likely to have significant policy breaches versus a single report which may be a misunderstanding.
  • To moderate content efficiently – Reviewing all the context around one-off reports takes more time versus accounts with multiple flags by many users indicating a clear violation.

So asking for multiple reports allows Instagram to effectively identify and action accounts that need removal, while not over-penalizing accounts that may have been reported unfairly or in error.

How Many Reports To Delete An Account?

So then just how many reports are needed? Unfortunately Instagram does not provide an exact number of reports required before an account will be deleted. This is likely to prevent users from trying to organize mass reporting attacks on accounts they simply do not like.

However, based on Instagram’s policies and actions taken on accounts that have been deleted, we can estimate some general report thresholds:

  • 5+ reports – Accounts reaching this level will trigger an initial review by Instagram. If found violating policies, the account may be disabled temporarily or have some capabilities blocked. Further violations can lead to permanent deletion.
  • 10+ reports – At this level, if Instagram finds policy breaches, the account will likely be suspended for a period of time, such as 30 days. Repeated suspensions can precipitate permanent removal.
  • 20+ reports – For accounts with this many reports, Instagram will conduct detailed investigations and is highly likely to permanently disable the account if any policy violations have occurred.
  • 50+ reports – Any account generating this many user reports will almost certainly be deleted by Instagram, regardless of context. The threshold signals the account poses enough concern that removal is warranted.

So while exact numbers are not disclosed, the pattern is that the more reports against an account, the more likely Instagram will take harsher action in disabling or deleting the account. Moderation steps tend to escalate as reports increase.

What Types Of Policy Violations Commonly Lead To Deleted Accounts?

In addition to the volume of reports, Instagram also considers the context and nature of policy violations when deciding on disabling or removing accounts. So what types of violations are most likely to prompt account deletion?

  • Inappropriate content – Accounts posting pornographic, excessively violent, hateful, or other inappropriate content prohibited by Instagram frequently get deleted once reported.
  • Impersonation – Pretending to be another person or brand is grounds for account deletion, as impersonation breaches trust in the community.
  • Harassment – Accounts used to systematically bully, threaten, or harass other users often get removed after being reported.
  • Spam – Accounts aimed at bombarding other users with unsolicited promotions and links frequently get deleted for spam, especially repeat violations.

While any policy breach can lead to removal if violations are repeated or extreme, the above categories tend to have the lowest thresholds for deletion since they undermine Instagram’s community guidelines so directly.

What Happens When An Account Gets Deleted?

Once Instagram disables an account, either temporarily or permanently, there are a few immediate effects:

  • The account holder will not be able to access or post to the account
  • The account profile, photos, videos, and posts will no longer be visible to other users
  • The account will not show up in searches on Instagram
  • Any linked Facebook account will also be disabled if the accounts were linked

If an account was temporarily suspended, the holder can still appeal the decision through Instagram’s forms and may be able to eventually regain access. But for accounts permanently deleted, the effects are irreversible.

Can A Deleted Account Be Reinstated?

If an Instagram account is permanently disabled, the decision generally cannot be reversed. However, in some cases reinstatement may be possible if:

  • The account was deleted by mistake and the holder contacts Instagram right away
  • A celebrity or public figure’s account was deactivated inadvertently
  • Instagram finds the removal was an error on further review

But outside of exceptional cases like these, once enough violations lead to an account being disabled, reinstatement is extremely unlikely. Creating a new account is the only option going forward.

How To Appeal An Account Deletion

If an Instagram account has been temporarily suspended, the holder can file an appeal to potentially have the account restored. Here are the steps to appeal a disabled account:

  1. Fill out the Instagram account appeal form and explain why you believe the account was wrongly suspended.
  2. Provide any evidence or context that can show the error in disabling your account.
  3. Wait for Instagram’s review of your appeal, which typically takes 24-48 hours.
  4. If your appeal is accepted, your account access will be restored and the disable reversed.
  5. If your appeal is rejected, the account will likely remain disabled permanently.

Appealing soon after an account deletion gives the highest chance of success compared to waiting longer periods before appealing. However, if the account did actively violate policies, the appeal is not likely to lead to restoration.

Steps To Help Avoid Instagram Account Deletion

The easiest way to avoid having your Instagram account deleted is to ensure you do not violate any of their policies in the first place. Here are some best practices to help preserve your account:

  • Carefully review Instagram’s Community Guidelines and Terms of Use and avoid violating any of the rules.
  • Do not post any pornography, violence, hate speech, harassment, or inappropriate content.
  • Make sure not to send spam through DMs or comments to other users.
  • Do not buy or sell Instagram accounts or follow/unfollow other users in hopes of gaining followers.
  • Report any fake or imposter accounts impersonating your identity.
  • Consider setting your account to private to limit potential policy violations.

Staying within Instagram’s guidelines, creating original content, and building genuine engagement with other accounts will help you sustain an active and growing Instagram presence.

Key Takeaways

  • Instagram requires multiple user reports before considering deleting an account, to prevent unfair removals.
  • While exact thresholds are unknown, around 5+ reports can prompt initial review and over 20+ reports make account deletion highly likely if violations are found.
  • Harassment, spamming, inappropriate content are key violations that can quickly lead to account removal if reported.
  • Once an account is deleted, the decision is essentially permanent in all but exceptional mistake cases.
  • Avoiding policy violations through original, high-quality content is the best way to maintain account security.

Conclusion

Having an Instagram account deleted can be a huge setback, both personally and professionally if you rely on it for promotion. Understanding how Instagram’s moderation system works can help you avoid the critical thresholds that trigger disabling and removal. The key is maintaining your account in good standing by sticking to community guidelines and building engagement organically rather than through manipulative tactics. With some prudence and care, you can spare your Instagram presence from being erased.

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