Instagram has more than one billion users globally, making it one of the most popular social media networks. Launched in 2010, it offers many exciting features like filters, and stickers and connects people through likes, comments, and direct messaging. No wonder Instagram is widely used for personal, influencer, and business marketing purposes.
Like any other service, users frequently have questions regarding account management policies, particularly about inactive accounts.
The following article will address your questions about Instagram’s policies regarding inactive accounts and whether the social media platform deletes accounts that aren’t being used, as well as what you can do to prevent account deletion.
How Does Instagram Handle Inactive Accounts?
Accounts that have been inactive for a long time may be deleted by Instagram. Although the exact duration of inactivity for an account is not made public by the company, the duration may vary depending on the account type and content. However, it has been established that prolonged inactivity can result in account deletion.
Instagram wants to maintain an engaged and active user base, so it ensures the platform is full of active users. Instagram typically gives users many notices before deleting inactive accounts, however. Instagram will notify you when your account is inactive, which is a sign that you should log in to keep it active.
Why Does Instagram Delete Inactive Accounts?
There are several reasons why Instagram might delete inactive accounts. Below are some of the major reasons.
i. Instagram’s Efficiency
Instagram deletes inactive accounts to maintain platform efficiency by creating space and sparring resources. Managing millions of active accounts requires ample storage and performance. Furthermore, deleting inactive accounts ensures Instagram remains efficient, improving the platform’s speed and reliability for users.
ii. Username Demand
Instagram deletes inactive accounts to free up usernames for new users. Popular usernames are often taken by inactive accounts, making them unavailable for active users. By deleting inactive accounts, Instagram ensures that desired usernames become available, allowing new members to take them and developing an active user base.
iii. Fake or Spam Account
Instagram deletes inactive accounts to fight fake or spam accounts, which often remain inactive after being created. These accounts can be used for malicious activities or to spread misinformation. By removing inactive and suspicious profiles, Instagram improves the platform’s security, enhancing user trust and maintaining a more genuine community.
iv. Active Community Engagement
Instagram deletes inactive accounts to maintain active community engagement by ensuring the platform remains engaged and interactive. By removing inactive users, Instagram encourages more meaningful participation, keeping its user base alive. This develops a better experience for active users and helps promote a thriving, engaged online community.
What is an Inactive Instagram Account?
Although Instagram does not specify how long an account must be inactive before being deleted, below are several indicators of inactivity.
i. Lack of Login Activity
Instagram considers an account inactive if the user hasn’t logged in for an extended period. Users who do not log in to their accounts for months or years put their accounts at risk of deletion, as Instagram prioritizes active users to improve platform efficiency and ensure an engaged community.
ii. No Posts, Stories, or Interactions
An Instagram account that doesn’t post photos, videos, or Stories, and shows no interaction through likes, comments, or other forms of engagement over an extended period like 90 days, may be considered inactive. This lack of activity indicates to Instagram that the user is not actively participating on the platform.
iii. No Profile Updates
If a user hasn’t updated his Instagram profile for an extended period—such as your bio, profile picture, or any personal details—this can become a signal of inactivity. While logging in is important, not updating your profile regularly might indicate Instagram considers your account inactive and at risk of deletion.
How to Prevent Instagram from Deleting Your Account?
To avoid getting your Instagram account deleted due to inactivity, follow these tips:
a. Log in Regularly
To prevent Instagram from deleting your account, make sure to log in regularly. Even if you don’t post often, simply login to indicate your activity. This ensures your account remains active and Instagram does not flag your account for deletion due to inactivity. Also, engage with posts or update your profile.
b. Engage with Content
Engaging with content on Instagram helps prevent your account from being deletion by Instagram due to inactivity. Like, comment, and share posts regularly, and interact with Stories. This activity signals to Instagram that your account is active and relevant, reducing the risk of being flagged for deletion.
c. Post Occasionally
You should post occasionally to keep your Instagram account active and avoid deletion, Even if you don’t want to post regularly, uploading photos, stories, or videos from time to time shows activity and signals to Instagram that your account is still active and valuable.
d. Profile Updates
Keep your profile updated on Instagram to avoid getting your account deleted. This involves updating your bio, changing your profile photo, and updating any other personal information. Regular profile updates indicate activity and engagement, which helps to keep your account active and prevent it from being deleted for lack of use.
How Long Before Instagram Deletes an Inactive Account?
The exact duration on which an inactive account will be deleted has never been announced by Instagram. Nevertheless, some users reported that accounts that haven’t been used for more than 90 days are more likely to be deleted. Depending on Instagram’s internal policies and ongoing platform updates, the actual duration may change.
How to Request Reactivation of Deleted Account?
If Instagram deleted your account due to violations of their community guidelines or inactivity, you can always request an appeal. Below are the steps that can be useful while requesting to reinstate your account.
Step 1: Open the Instagram app or website and try to log in.
Step 2: If your account is still disabled or deleted, you’ll see a message. Follow the on-screen instructions, which may include requesting a review.
Step 3: Fill out the provided form, explaining why your account should be restored. Be specific, reasoned, and polite.
Step 4: Wait for Instagram to review your case. They will notify you via email if your review request is accepted or rejected.
Final Words - Instagram Inactive Accounts
In conclusion, Instagram deletes an inactive account to make an active community, to increase the effectiveness of the platform, and to improve username availability.
Instagram hasn’t mentioned how much time inactivity results in account deletion, but you can protect your account from getting flagged by logging in time and again, posting photos and videos, interacting with content, and updating your profile.
If your account has been banned or deleted by Instagram, you can request a review of your account ban. Following the steps given in the review form might lead to the reactivation of your account.
FAQs - Instagram Inactive Accounts
An Instagram account is considered inactive if there’s no user activity, such as posts, comments, or logins, over an extended period.
Instagram hasn’t officially disclosed a specific timeframe, but accounts inactive for several months or years may be subject to deletion.
Instagram typically does not notify users before deleting inactive accounts. However, maintaining regular activity can prevent this.
Once Instagram deletes an inactive account, recovery is generally not possible. It’s important to log in periodically to keep your account active.
Instagram primarily focuses on overall activity. If you log in regularly, even without posting, your account is less likely to be deleted.
Business accounts are subject to the same inactivity rules as personal accounts. Regular activity is recommended to avoid deletion.
