What Happens When You Report Someone on Instagram

Instagram has a strict policy to eliminate harassment, violence, abuse, spam, and hate speech. Now that Instagram has millions of daily active users, it’s nearly impossible for them to filter out every content on the platform. The company relies on users to report such accounts, posts, and comments. Here’s how you can report someone on Instagram and an FAQ about the Instagram report function.

How to Report Someone on Instagram

There are three ways to report someone on Instagram. Maybe you came across a fake account, an abusive comment, or an inappropriate post; you can easily report it to Instagram to investigate the issue.

1. Report an Instagram Account

Follow the steps below to report an Instagram account.

Step 1: If you come across a fake account on Instagram, you can open the main account menu in the app.

Step 2: Once you open the account, tap on the three-dot menu at the top.

Step 3: Select Report from the bottom menu.

Step 4: Tap on the Report account and choose one of the relevant reasons for reporting an account on Instagram.

Once you report an account, it will no longer appear for you. You can tap on the view profile button and check the account content.

2. Report a Comment

If you are tired of abusive replies or spam in the comments section of your post, you can selectively report the account to Instagram. Here’s how.

Step 1: Open the comments section of the post.

Step 2: Swipe left on a comment that you want to report.

Step 3: Select the report icon and tap on Report This Comment option from the bottom menu.

Step 4: Instagram will ask for the reason for reporting the comment. Select a relevant reason and report it.

It can be anything – false information, bullying, illegal advice, hate speech, and more.

3. Report a Post on Instagram

Did you come across a post selling illegal goods, or spreading misinformation to followers? You can directly report the post.

Step 1: Tap on the three-dot menu beside an Instagram post.

Step 2: Select Report, and choose a reason for reporting it.

What Happens When You Report Someone on Instagram

Once you report a post, account, or comment on Instagram, the company will get the notification and look at your complaint. Instagram will look at your report on priority if several others also report the same. You can ask your followers report a problematic account or post.

Once Instagram validates your report, it will take appropriate measures to limit account/post reach. Instagram might ban or deactivate the reported account or post.

Can Someone Tell If You’ve Reported Them on Instagram

When you report someone on Instagram, your report and reason for doing so remain anonymous. Instagram doesn’t share such details with the reported account. They will only get the reason for blocking the account from the social network.

Will the Reported Account Get Banned

Instagram takes a strong stance on such reports. If your reason for reporting an account, post, or comment is legitimate, Instagram will take necessary action and deactivate or ban the account.

What Happens If Someone Reports You on Instagram for No Reason

If you haven’t violated any Instagram guidelines, you don’t have to worry about someone else reporting you on the social network. Instagram will look at your reported comment or post, and if the team doesn’t find anything inappropriate, you will be fine from any actions.

What If I Accidently Reported the Wrong Account on Instagram

If you have accidentally reported someone on Instagram, you don’t have to worry about Instagram banning or blocking the account. The company won’t find any issue with the reported account, post, or comment, and it won’t take any action against the account owner.

There is no way to undo the reporting on Instagram.

Instagram Restrict vs. Report: What’s the Difference

When you restrict someone on Instagram, the app blocks the person’s ability to comment on your post or check newly uploaded posts. We have a dedicated post on what happens when you restrict someone on Instagram. Do read it to clear the confusion.

Make Instagram a Better Place

While Instagram wants to attract millions of users to the platform, it also wants to remove spam and hate content. If you come across such accounts, you can report them to Instagram. Wait for the company to take the necessary steps, and meanwhile, you can ask your followers, friends, and family to report the same account.