Instagram has become a go-to channel for us to discover new brands, products, and services. That’s why it’s crucial for businesses to not just consistently promote themselves on the platform, but also encourage engagement.

 

But manually having to tackle conversations is not possible. That’s where Instagram automation tools come in – but not without restrictions!

 

This post shares how you can use Instagram automation tools without bans.

Does Instagram Ban Automation

Yes, Instagram does ban automation if the workflows set up violate the terms of service. 

Meta wants to focus on user experience and is continually improving its detection systems to identify and penalize accounts using bots or unauthorized tools for activities like mass-liking, commenting, or following/ unfollowing.

 

While the platform doesn’t prohibit automation itself, spammy or inauthentic engagement through tools can lead to even account bans.

Why Instagram Bans Automation Misuse

Instagram is focused on building an authentic community on the platform. That’s why it thrives on genuine interaction and discourages spammy activities. Here are some key reasons why Instagram bans automation misuse:

 

1. Protecting user data – Unauthorized tools require account access. This puts the user’s privacy and security at risk.

2. Preventing spam – Mass liking, commenting, following, or unfollowing through bots results in spam that disrupts the user experience.

3. Encouraging authentic engagement – Instagram aims to foster meaningful interaction between its users. Automated engagement takes away from human connections.

4. Maintaining advertising standards – Automated likes or follows can create an uneven playing field for content creators, influencers, and advertisers. This also severely impacts organic growth and genuine connections on the platform.

Best Practices for Safe Instagram Automation

If you intend to use automation to engage with your audience proactively, here are some best practices to follow:

 

1. Choose authorized automation tools – Avoid tools that offer mass likes, follows, or comments. Look for solutions like Interakt that comply with Instagram API’s guidelines when responding to direct messages, comments under posts, and mentions in Stories.

2. Understand engagement limits – Instagram has set daily limits for actions like liking, following, and commenting. When using automation, ensure you’re staying within those defined limits.

3. Use targeted automation – Opt for Instagram automation tools that enable targeted and relevant actions. This could include engaging with DMs, comments, and Stories but in a contextual manner instead of mass promotions.

4. Authenticate through Instagram API – Choose tools like Interakt that authenticate directly via Instagram’s API. This ensures that the platform recognizes any activity enabled by the tool as legitimate.

5. Scale automation gradually – Don’t automate aggressive actions immediately. Start by automating small actions like responding to direct messages, and gradually increase activity to avoid getting flagged.

6. Monitor account activity – Regularly check your Instagram business account’s activity to ensure you’re not getting flagged for suspicious actions.

7. Leverage AI – Don’t automate mundane responses. Use AI to handle customer interactions with more personalization from start to finish.

8. Omnichannel engagement – Don’t treat Instagram engagement in siloes. Use it in a complementing manner with channels like WhatsApp, SMS, email, and other customer touchpoints to establish relevant connections.

9. Collaborate – Create a unified inbox to manage all conversations when using an Instagram automation tool like Interakt. This helps manage, collaborate, and derive actionable insights from all types of engagement.

Tools That Offer Safe Instagram Automation

There are several Instagram automation tools available today. But here are some that we recommend using:

1. Interakt

Interakt helps automate Instagram engagement. This includes responding to customer inquiries in DM around the clock, turning post comments into potential leads, and engaging with Stories proactively. Some of its features include automating responses to FAQs and creating custom chatbot workflows to assist shoppers make informed purchases. The tool’s seamless integration with CMS and commerce platforms and CRMs helps businesses gather complete context on their customers, and manage orders from the engagement too.

2. Later

Another popular Instagram automation tool is Later. It helps businesses schedule posts, Reels, and Stories. It features a drag-and-drop calendar, and hashtag suggestions to help improve the reach of content organically.

3. Sprout Social

If you’re consistently posting on social media and engaging with your audience, it’s important to monitor its impact. Sprout Social offers social listening and analytics that let you monitor the sentiment your engagement strategies are resulting in to create a brand perception.

4. Planoly

Another Instagram automation tool we like is Planoly. It is a user-friendly tool for planning and scheduling content on the platform, approved by Instagram’s API.

5. Hootsuite

Another comprehensive social media platform that offers Instagram automation is Hootsuite. The tool allows you to schedule posts, monitor mentions, and engage with followers directly.

Conclusion

Engaging with your audience on Instagram is important. So automation is an absolute must!

But as you set up automations, remember to use authorized solutions only and create a strategy that is focused on offering value to your audience.

Want to know more about how you can avoid automation bans on Instagram?

Choose Best Instagram Automation Tool