Instagram Suspension Appeal

An Instagram suspension appeal is a formal request that an Instagram account owner submits to the platform, requesting that the suspension of their account be reviewed and reversed. This is an action most commonly taken by e-commerce sellers operating business accounts on Instagram, as a suspension will prevent them from managing their digital storefront, posting content, or interacting with potential customers.

Why might a seller appeal an Instagram suspension?

To ensure the authenticity and integrity of its platform, Instagram may suspend an account for a variety of different reasons, so a seller will typically have their account suspended if they are perceived to have violated terms of use or community guidelines in some way. However, the account holder may appeal if they feel that the suspension is unjustified or that their case warrants further review. The following are common scenarios where a seller might submit such an appeal.

• Intellectual property disputes: A seller can have their account suspended if Instagram suspects trademark or copyright violations, perhaps due to claims of unauthorized use of logos, brand names, or content. The account holder will need to provide proof of ownership to have their account reinstated.
• Incorrect claims of policy violations: Instagram can suspend accounts flagged for behavior that violates its policies, including spamming, uploading prohibited content, or engaging in deceptive practices. On occasion, Instagram’s automated moderation systems may erroneously flag genuine accounts, leading to wrongful suspensions which must then be appealed by the account holder.
• Compromised accounts: In some instances, a business account may fall victim to unauthorized access by a third party, leading to activities that warrant a suspension. In these cases, the account holder may appeal the suspension on the grounds that they were not responsible for these activities. Such an appeal will require the account to be secured and the holder to provide documentation proving their legitimacy.
• Unlawful suspension: There may be rare cases where an account holder feels that Instagram’s suspension of their account is unlawful in some way, contradicting user protection laws or policies by neglecting to prove sufficient grounds or provide adequate warning. In these instances, the account holder may appeal the decision by challenging its legality.

What does Instagram’s appeal process involve?

In the event that an account is suspended, the account holder will receive an email from Instagram notifying them of the suspension and explaining the reason for it. This email will also include instructions for following the platform’s appeals procedure, which can be completed through the website or app. This will require the account holder to fill out an appeal form and explain when the suspension warrants reversal, providing any information that may be pertinent to their case. The holder must then wait for a response and decision from Instagram. The timeframe for this can vary depending on the complexity of the case and how Instagram elects to prioritize those needing manual review.