Free Banned Hashtag Checker
Check if your hashtags are banned or restricted on Instagram, TikTok, or X. Using banned hashtags can trigger a shadowban and tank your reach.
Paste your hashtags
Database: Checks against 76 known banned and 28 restricted hashtags on Instagram. Updated for 2026.
Check your hashtags
Paste your hashtags and we'll check each one against our database of banned and restricted hashtags for your platform.
Why banned hashtags destroy your reach
When you use a banned hashtag, platforms like Instagram can suppress your entire post — not just the banned hashtag. This means your content won't appear in any hashtag feeds, the Explore page, or recommendations, even if your other hashtags are perfectly fine.
Repeated use of banned hashtags can escalate from single-post suppression to account-wide shadowbans. This is one of the most common reasons creators see sudden reach drops — they unknowingly use a hashtag that got banned after they added it to a saved template.
Always check your hashtags before posting. Use our hashtag generator to find safe, relevant hashtags for your content and schedule posts with confidence using PostEverywhere.
Banned vs restricted hashtags
Banned hashtags
Completely blocked by the platform. Posts using these hashtags won't appear in any hashtag feed. Often banned due to spam, inappropriate content, or policy violations. Using them can trigger an account-wide shadowban.
Restricted hashtags
Partially suppressed. Posts may appear in hashtag feeds sometimes but not consistently. These hashtags are flagged for review and may become fully banned. Safer to avoid them entirely.
Safe hashtags
No known restrictions. Posts will appear normally in hashtag feeds. Use a mix of high, medium, and low competition safe hashtags for the best reach. Generate them with our hashtag generator.
Hashtag bans change constantly
Platforms regularly update their banned hashtag lists without notice. A hashtag that was safe last month might be banned today. Check your hashtags before every post, especially if you use saved hashtag groups.
Use safe, optimized hashtags every time
Generate platform-specific hashtags with our hashtag generator, then check them here before posting. Schedule your content with safe hashtags using PostEverywhere and post at the best times for maximum reach.
Generate AI Content →How to Use the Banned Hashtag Checker
Select your platform
Choose Instagram, TikTok, or X (Twitter).
Paste your hashtags
Enter all your hashtags at once — separated by spaces, commas, or new lines.
Review results
See which hashtags are banned, restricted, or safe with detailed explanations for each.
Banned Hashtag Checker FAQ
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