Instagram Spam Bots: How to Handle an Account Under Attack
I manage a travel advisor account that has consistently seen great engagement and organic growth thanks to high-quality content and strategic influencer partnerships. Everything was running smoothly until one day, the account magically gained 230 followers, and our posts started getting thousands of likes from accounts that weren't even following us. Bots much?
If you’re facing a similar situation, don’t worry—you’re not alone. Bot attacks can be frustrating and disruptive, but with the right approach, you can take back control of your Instagram account.
Here’s how to deal with bots and safeguard your online presence:
1. Identify the Bot Attack
The first step in tackling a bot attack is recognizing the warning signs:
Sudden Spike in Followers or Likes: If you notice an unexpected increase in followers or likes that doesn’t align with your usual engagement patterns, bots might be involved.
Spammy Comments: Bots often leave irrelevant, generic, or repetitive comments on your posts.
Unusual Account Activity: Bot accounts usually have no profile pictures, posts, or followers.
2. Set Your Account to Private Temporarily
Switching your account to private can help stop the influx of bots. This temporary measure gives you control over who can follow or interact with your content while you assess the situation.
3. Clean Up Your Followers
Remove Suspicious Accounts: Manually go through your followers and remove accounts that look fake or spammy. Look for accounts with no profile picture, little to no posts, and a high following-to-follower ratio.
Block and Report Bots: Use Instagram’s “Block” and “Report” features to deal with bots effectively. This action not only removes them from your followers but also alerts Instagram to potential issues.
4. Use Instagram’s Tools and Filters
Comment Filters: Enable Instagram’s comment filtering options to automatically hide comments containing specific keywords or phrases often used by bots.
Restrict Accounts: The "Restrict" feature can limit interactions from suspected bot accounts without blocking them outright.
5. Leverage Third-Party Tools
Several tools and apps can help you manage your followers and clean up your account:
Cleaner for Instagram: This app allows you to mass block or remove fake followers.
SpamGuard: Offers insights and tools to detect and remove bot followers.
6. Enhance Security Measures
Change Your Password: Regularly update your password to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Adding an extra layer of security can protect your account from potential threats.
Monitor Account Activity: Keep an eye on login activity to ensure there are no unauthorized logins.
7. Stay Informed and Adaptable
Follow Instagram Updates: Keep up-to-date with Instagram's latest features and security measures to better protect your account.
Adjust Privacy Settings: Regularly review and adjust your privacy settings to ensure your account is secure.
Dealing with bots can be frustrating, but by taking these proactive steps, you can regain control of your Instagram account and maintain its integrity. Remember, regular maintenance and vigilance are key to keeping your account safe from unwanted bot activity. Protecting your brand’s image online ensures that your authentic voice remains heard above the noise of automation.
Are you currently losing a battle against Instagram bots? We’re here to help. Email us and we’ll handle the bots for you.
