If Instagram removed your content and you think that's a mistake, you can usually request a review from the violation notice, from Account Status or from your Support Inbox. Instagram says a reply can take up to 90 days and that some requests may be closed before they're reviewed. If Instagram has reviewed a decision twice and you still disagree, you may be able to appeal to the Oversight Board, but only within 15 days, and the Board chooses which appeals it takes.
What "Request a review" is
Instagram removes posts, comments and stories that it finds go against its Community Guidelines. It acknowledges that it doesn't always get this right, so in most cases you can ask it to look at a decision again. For some types of content a review isn't available, though Instagram says it is adding more options.
Reviews are done by a mix of technology and people. Instagram says certain appeals may be prioritised for human review, which limits how many requests it can look at.
Three places to request a review
- From the notification about the violation: open it and tap Ask for a review at the bottom.
- From Account Status: go to your profile, open the menu, tap Help, then Account Status › Removed content. Tap the removed item, then Request a review, choose your reason and submit.
- From your Support Inbox: Help › Support Requests › Violations. Open Instagram's update about the decision, tap See options, then Request review.
Account Status is also where you can see which features you currently can't use and whether removed content could put the account itself at risk. Instagram notes that if you repeatedly post content that's removed, you may lose access to your account, and that in most cases you'll get a warning first.
How long it can take
Instagram says it may take up to 90 days to hear back about its decision, and that a request may be closed before it can be reviewed. You can check the status at any time in Account Status or by tapping the violation in your Support Inbox. When a decision is made you'll get a push notification; if Instagram finds it made a mistake, your content is put back.
How to make the request count
- Take a screenshot of the notice first, including the date and the reason given.
- Choose the reason that honestly matches your case when Instagram asks why you want another review.
- Submit one request and keep a note of when you sent it. Instagram doesn't say that repeated requests speed anything up.
- Don't repost the same content while the review is open.
When the Oversight Board is an option
The Oversight Board is an independent body that reviews some of Meta's content decisions. According to Instagram, you can take two kinds of decision to it: a decision about your own content, or a decision not to remove content you reported.
- Review first. You must first use Instagram's request-a-review process. If Instagram has reviewed the content twice and you still disagree, you may be eligible to appeal to the Board.
- Not every decision qualifies. Instagram says not all content and decisions are eligible.
- 15 days. You have 15 days from when the decision was made to appeal. After that the window closes.
- The Board chooses. It only selects a certain number of eligible appeals, so it may not take yours. You can follow the status on the Board's website with your reference number.
This route is about content decisions. If your whole account has been suspended, start with the appeal in the suspension notice: see what to do when your account is suspended.
If you live in the EU
Users in the EU have additional, legally guaranteed options under the Digital Services Act, including certified out-of-court dispute settlement bodies. They work alongside Instagram's own review: see how to challenge an Instagram decision under the DSA.
Frequently asked questions
Where do I request a review of a removed Instagram post?
From the violation notification (Ask for a review), from Account Status under Removed content, or from your Support Inbox under Violations.
How long does an Instagram review take?
Instagram says it may take up to 90 days to hear back, and that a request may be closed before it can be reviewed. You can check the status in Account Status or your Support Inbox.
Can I appeal an Instagram decision to the Oversight Board?
Sometimes. You must first request a review; if Instagram has reviewed the decision twice and you still disagree, you may be eligible. Not all decisions qualify, and the Board picks only some eligible appeals.
How long do I have to appeal to the Oversight Board?
According to Instagram, you have 15 days from when the decision was made. After that, the appeal window has expired.
Not sure which route your case needs?
Send us the notice and a few lines about what happened. We'll tell you for free whether a review, an appeal or another route fits. We never ask for your password.