Being blocked on Instagram can be a bit of a shock. Maybe you’ve experienced a breakup, and now you can’t see your ex’s posts, or perhaps you’ve discovered you can’t access a favorite account anymore. Why would a stranger block me on Instagram? The answer can be complex, but generally, it could be because you’re tagging them in unrelated posts or leaving inappropriate comments. Sometimes it’s just your posts that make them uncomfortable.
Instagram doesn’t notify you when you’re blocked, so you might be left wondering what happened. This article will delve into possible reasons a stranger might block you and how you can find out if you’ve been blocked.
Figuring Out if You’ve Been Blocked
Method #1: Searching for Your Username
A quick way to see if someone has blocked you is to search for their username. If their account doesn’t show up, it’s a good indication you’ve been blocked.
Remember: Users can change their Instagram usernames, so it’s possible that they’ve simply updated theirs.
Method #2: Using Instagram’s Web Version
Looking for someone’s profile using Instagram’s web version is another way to confirm if you’ve been blocked. Each Instagram account has a unique web link containing the username.
Simply log out of Instagram or open an incognito browser tab, replace your username with theirs in the URL, and see if their profile shows up. If their profile appears on the web but not in your Instagram app, you’ve been blocked.
Method #3: Checking with a Friend’s Account
Ask a friend to look up the person’s account on their own Instagram. If your friend can see the profile but you can’t, then you’ve been blocked.
Method #4: Creating a Burner Account
To avoid potential embarrassment or awkward explanations, you might choose to create a separate Instagram account and look up the person’s username. If their account appears on your new profile, you can conclude you’ve been blocked on your main account.
Why Did a Stranger Block You on Instagram?
Reason #1: They’re Uncomfortable with Your Posts
This might be tough to hear, but the posts you share on Instagram could be the reason someone decided to block you. Instagram recommends posts to users based on their activity, and if someone finds your content uncomfortable or triggering, they might choose to block you.
Keep in mind: Many people turn to social media as a form of escape. If your posts remind them of their real-life problems, they may choose to block you.
Reason #2: Your Comments on Their Posts Are Irrelevant
Maybe you love someone’s content and frequently leave comments to show your appreciation. However, if your comments are seen as irrelevant or inappropriate, they could be the reason for a block.
Reason #3: You Tag Them Too Often
Tagging someone in other users’ posts that you think they might like can sometimes backfire. What you perceive as sharing something they might enjoy, they may view as an invasion of their privacy.
A Final Word on Instagram Blocks
If you discover that you’ve been blocked on Instagram, it can be hard to take. However, the best course of action is to let it go. There’s not much you can do once you’re blocked, and it’s likely you’re better off without seeing their posts. After all, if they felt the need to block you, it’s clear they don’t want you to see their content. Acceptance and moving on are key to maintaining a positive Instagram experience.
