How to Keep Instagram Free From Spam

Instagram (or IG) is our digital scrapbook, filled with snapshots of our best moments. But, just like in other social media, spammy comments, fake followers, and weird DMs can lead to annoying experiences. 

In today's online realm, it's crucial to stay wary of spam on Instagram. Let's dive into why this is so important. From keeping your info safe to enjoying a genuine online space and helping out your pals, there's a lot more to dodging spam than meets the eye.

So how to keep your instagram spam-free?

1. Decoding the Spam on Instagram

The first step in any battle? Know thy enemy!

Bots and Fake Followers

Think of bots and fake followers as the digital equivalent of zombies. They're like the walking dead of social media, mindlessly churning out comments and actions lacking the genuine human touch. These automated profiles give the appearance of engagement, but it's all smoke and mirrors. Their comments are often weirdly irrelevant or overly promotional and contribute little to real conversations. 

Direct Message Dilemmas

Have you ever received a direct message that starts praising your profile, only to take a sudden detour into sketchy territory? It's a classic case of the direct message dilemma. First, they butter you up with compliments to establish trust. Later, they hit you with an offer that seems too good to be true, or they ask for your personal info. It's a sneaky tactic that preys on your curiosity and desire for good deals. 

Phishing Comments and Posts

Phishing comments and posts are designed to reel you in with promises of amazing deals or exclusive offers. Once you're hooked, they redirect you to sketchy websites that extract your personal info, passwords, or credit card details. It's a clever game of deception, appealing to your curiosity and desire for value. 

Random Tags

Picture this: you get tagged in a photo that has absolutely nothing to do with your interests or who you are. That's random tagging, and it's spam. While tagging can be a way to share content and engage, random tagging shows a lack of consideration for others. It's often used by accounts trying to boost their visibility without caring about genuine interaction. 

2. Building a Digital Account Security

In an age of cyber threats, fortify your Instagram profile.

Private vs. Public Account: A public account means anyone on the internet can see your posts, follow you, and interact with your content. On the other hand, a private account restricts access only to those you've approved as followers. This can be particularly beneficial if you want to maintain a certain level of privacy and share your posts with a select group of friends, family, or connections. Setting your account to private reduces the risk of unwanted interactions with strangers. But this is not an option if you're using IG for business. 

Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): When you enable 2FA, logging into your account requires your password and a second piece of information, usually sent to your phone or email. This adds a significant hurdle for potential unauthorized access. Even if someone manages to guess or steal your password, they won't be able to log in without the additional authentication factor. 

Strong Password: Using easily guessable passwords like "password123" is a major security flaw. Instead, create passwords that combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters. The more complex your password is, the harder it is for attackers to crack it using automated tools. Additionally, it's important to avoid using the same password for multiple accounts. Better yet, you can use Spikerz, our security app, to prevent anyone from accessing your password.  

3. Eliminating the Fake Bot Followers

Fake followers can be likened to weeds in your Instagram garden. Let's weed them out!

• Detect and Block: Take a leisurely scroll through your followers list once in a while. Profiles with no pictures, generic posts, or nonsensical comments are usually culprits. Block them.
• External Assistance: Don't feel like doing the dirty work? Tools like Spikerz, our media security app, are like the gardener for your Instagram, helping you weed out inauthentic followers. We will discuss more about our app in the latter part of this blog. 

4. Comment Control: Keeping the Conversations Clean

Your post's comment section is where genuine interactions bloom. Don't let spam trample over them.

• Filter out the Nonsense: Set up keyword filters to keep recurring spam phrases at bay. Words like 'win,' 'free,' and 'click here' can be a good start. This can also be done easily using a spam protection tool. 
• Comment Permissions: Maybe you want to limit comments to a close-knit community or just your followers. Instagram lets you dictate that.

5. The Power of Reporting

One of the most effective tools in your anti-spam arsenal? The 'Report' button.

• How-to Guide: Encounter a shady profile/post? Tap the three dots on the top right > 'Report.' It's that simple! And every report helps Instagram refine its spam filters.

6. Tread Cautiously: Third-party Applications

That app promising 1,000 followers overnight? It's likely a spam magnet.

• Audit Regularly: Routinely review the apps that have access to your Instagram. Navigate to 'Settings' > 'Security' > 'Apps and Websites' and remove any unfamiliar or unnecessary ones.
• Research is Key: Before jumping on board with a third-party app, do your homework. User reviews, online articles, and forums can offer invaluable insights.

7. Community Power: Engaging & Educating Your Followers

Your followers are not just passive spectators; they can be active allies in your anti-spam crusade.

• Spread Awareness: Every now and then, share posts or stories highlighting common spam signs. A well-informed community is less likely to fall for spam traps.
• A United Front: Encourage your followers to report spam on your profile. Their active involvement amplifies your efforts.

8. Regular Clean-up: The Routine Check

Just like how you'd periodically clean out your wardrobe or your email inbox, your Instagram account also needs regular maintenance. Set aside a few minutes every week or month, depending on your account's activity, to:

• Review New Followers: Check out their profiles. If they look suspicious, it's   better to block them early on. It’s easy to spot fake profiles using a bots & fake followers detector tool. 
• Scan Comments: Especially on popular posts, spammers might drop links or promotional content. Delete and report!

9. Using a Social Media Security App

After reading the pointers above, it looks like keeping your social media account spam-free is a lot of work.

Well, not really. Aside from the basic security measures, all you need is a social media security app that can protect your digital footprint 24/7. 

We are happy to tell you that our app- Spikerz is a very dependable tool for keeping your social media free from spam. Its anti-phishing mechanism is like your personal watchdog against those sneaky attempts to deceive. Whenever a suspicious pattern or a sketchy link smells like spam, this feature jumps in to keep that content out of your feed and messages. 

But that's not where the magic ends. Ever been flooded by messages and wondered if it's a real person or just some automated script? That's where the bot detector shines. By identifying these automated pests, Spikerz ensures your interactions remain genuine and human. 

And then there's the cherry on top: the impersonator detector. We all know the web is full of copycats. Whether it's someone trying to be you or pretending to be your friend, Spikerz's got an eagle eye out for these pretenders. By catching them in the act, you're safeguarded from the misleading content and potential scams they might spread. 

Together, these features make Spikerz a powerhouse, ensuring your social media stays as clean and authentic as possible.

Wrapping-up

Navigating Instagram's features can be a rollercoaster, right? Between the cool pics and memories, there's that annoying spam lurking around. Thankfully, you're not on your own. 

You've got a whole guide above on dodging those digital pests. But let's face it, who's got the time to do all that heavy lifting? 

Enter Spikerz. Think of our app as your trusty Instagram buddy, always having your back against those spammy comments and sketchy DMs. It's like having a bouncer for your Instagram party. So, before you post that next killer pic or story, why not team up with Spikerz? Dive in, try it, and experience IG how it's meant to be: fun, genuine, and spam-free. 

Ready to up your IG game? Try out Spikerz today!