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What To Do If Your Instagram Ad Was Rejected

Andres Morales Zuleta
Last Updated October 31, 2023

If you've recently had your Instagram ad rejected, don't panic. It can be frustrating to see your carefully crafted ad being denied, but there are steps you can take to address the issue and get your ad approved. We will walk you through the process of understanding Instagram's ad policies, reviewing the rejection notice, making necessary changes to your ad, resubmitting it for review, and preventing future ad rejections.

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Instagram's Ad Policies

One of the first things you should do when your Instagram ad is rejected is to familiarize yourself with Instagram's ad policies. These policies outline what types of content are allowed and what is prohibited. By understanding these guidelines, you can avoid making the same mistake in the future.

Instagram's ad policies are designed to maintain a safe and positive environment for users. They aim to prevent the promotion of harmful or inappropriate content that could potentially offend or violate the rights of others. These policies undergo regular updates to adapt to the evolving landscape of social media and ensure that advertisers adhere to the highest standards.

When creating an ad on Instagram, it's crucial to consider the platform's guidelines regarding various aspects of content, including but not limited to nudity, hate speech, and violence. By adhering to these guidelines, you can help create a respectful and effective advertising for all users.

Common Reasons for Instagram Ad Rejection

There are several common reasons why Instagram may reject an ad. One reason could be that the ad violates Instagram's community guidelines, which include rules about nudity, hate speech, and violence. Instagram has a zero-tolerance policy for such content, as it strives to create a safe and welcoming space for its diverse user base.

Another common reason for ad rejection is that the ad doesn't comply with Instagram's policies on sensitive content. Instagram aims to protect its users from potentially offensive or distressing material. Therefore, ads that contain explicit or graphic content, even if it is relevant to a product or service, may be rejected to ensure the comfort and well-being of the platform's users.

Understanding these common issues can help you identify the problem with your ad. By analyzing your content against Instagram's ad policies and community guidelines, you can make necessary adjustments to ensure compliance and increase the chances of your ad being approved.

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Instagram's Community Guidelines and Ad Policies

Instagram's community guidelines outline the rules and regulations that users must follow when using the platform. These guidelines apply not only to organic posts but also to ads. They cover a wide range of topics, including authenticity, safety, and respect.

Authenticity is a key aspect of Instagram's community guidelines. The platform encourages users to share genuine and original content that reflects their true selves. This principle extends to ads as well, as Instagram aims to maintain a transparent and trustworthy advertising environment.

Safety is another crucial element emphasized in Instagram's community guidelines. The platform strives to protect its users from harassment, bullying, and other forms of harmful behavior. Consequently, ads that promote violence, discrimination, or any form of hate speech are strictly prohibited.

Respect for others is a fundamental principle that Instagram upholds. The community guidelines emphasize the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. This includes refraining from posting content that may be offensive or disrespectful towards individuals or groups based on factors such as race, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

Familiarizing yourself with these guidelines can help you ensure that your ads are compliant and avoid rejection in the future. By aligning your content with Instagram's community guidelines and ad policies, you contribute to a positive and inclusive advertising ecosystem on the platform.

Steps to Take After Your Instagram Ad is Rejected

Once your Instagram ad has been rejected, it's important to take the appropriate steps to address the issue. Here are the key steps you should follow:

Reviewing the Rejection Notice

When Instagram rejects your ad, they will provide you with a rejection notice. This notice will outline the specific reason for the rejection, giving you valuable insights into what went wrong. Take the time to carefully review this notice and understand the issue.

The rejection notice may include details about the policy or guideline that your ad violated. It could be related to the content, formatting, or any other specific requirements set by Instagram. Understanding the exact reason for the rejection will help you in taking the necessary corrective actions.

Additionally, the rejection notice might provide you with examples or suggestions on how to fix the issue. This can be helpful in guiding you towards making the right changes to your ad.

Identifying the Issue with Your Ad

After reviewing the rejection notice, you need to identify the issue with your ad. It could be a violation of a specific policy or a mistake in the content or formatting. By pinpointing the issue, you can take the necessary steps to rectify it.

Take a closer look at your ad and compare it against the guidelines provided by Instagram. Pay attention to the specific requirements and restrictions mentioned in the guidelines. This will help you identify any potential areas where your ad may have deviated from the rules.

It's important to note that sometimes the issue may not be immediately apparent. In such cases, you may need to seek additional guidance from Instagram's support team or consult with an expert who has experience in dealing with ad rejections.

Making Necessary Changes to Your Ad

With a clear understanding of the issue, it's time to make the necessary changes to your ad. This might involve editing the content, removing sensitive materials, or adjusting the formatting. Pay close attention to the guidelines and policies to ensure that your ad complies with the rules.

When making changes to your ad, it's important to strike a balance between addressing the issue and maintaining the effectiveness of your message. Consider alternative approaches or creative solutions that can help you meet the guidelines without compromising the impact of your ad.

Once you have made the necessary changes, review your ad again to ensure that all the required modifications have been implemented. It's a good practice to seek feedback from others, such as colleagues or friends, to get a fresh perspective on the updated ad.

Remember, the goal is to create an ad that not only complies with Instagram's policies but also resonates with your target audience.

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Resubmitting Your Instagram Ad

To resubmit your ad, go to the ad manager dashboard on Instagram and find the rejected ad. It's important to carefully analyze the reasons for rejection and make the necessary changes accordingly. Take your time to ensure that your ad complies with the platform's policies and guidelines. Once you are confident that you have rectified the issues, you can proceed to resubmit your ad.

Instagram has designed a user-friendly interface that makes the resubmission process seamless. Simply follow the prompts provided on the ad manager dashboard to submit your ad for review again. It's crucial to double-check all the changes you have made before hitting that resubmit button. This will help ensure that your ad has the best chance of being approved this time around.

What to Expect After Resubmission

After resubmitting your ad, you'll need to wait for Instagram to review it again. The review process typically takes a few days, so it's important to be patient during this time. While waiting, it's advisable to refrain from making any further changes to your ad. Making additional modifications might confuse the reviewing team and could potentially lead to more delays in the approval process.

During the review period, Instagram's team will carefully assess your ad to ensure that it complies with their policies and guidelines. They will evaluate various aspects, such as the ad's content, targeting, and overall user experience. This thorough examination ensures that all ads on Instagram meet the platform's standards and provide a positive experience for users.

Once the review process is complete, Instagram will notify you of their decision via email. This email will inform you whether your ad has been approved or if further changes are required. If your ad gets approved, congratulations! You can now start running your ad and reaching your target audience. However, if further changes are needed, make sure to carefully review the feedback provided by Instagram and make the necessary adjustments before resubmitting again.

Remember, the resubmission process is an opportunity for you to refine your ad and ensure that it aligns with Instagram's policies. By following the guidelines and taking the time to make the necessary changes, you increase your chances of getting your ad approved and reaching your desired audience effectively.

Prevent Future Ad Rejections

To prevent future ad rejections on Instagram, it's important to follow best practices and understand Instagram's algorithm. Here's what you can do:

Follow Best Practices for Instagram Ads

This includes using high-quality images, compelling captions, and engaging call-to-actions. By creating ads that provide value to your audience and align with Instagram's guidelines, you can increase the chances of approval.

Understand Instagram's Algorithm

Instagram uses factors such as engagement, relevance, and timeliness to determine which ads to show to users. By understanding how the algorithm works, you can create ads that are more likely to be seen by your target audience.

There You Go


We know that having your Instagram ad rejected can be tedious, but it's not the end of the world. By understanding Instagram's ad policies, taking the necessary steps to address the issue, and learning from others' experiences, you can improve your chances of getting your ads approved in the future. Remember to follow best practices, make the necessary changes, and stay persistent. Good luck!

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