How to Fix the “feedback_required” Error on Instagram

If you were peacefully browsing your Instagram feed and suddenly got blocked from continuing your session with a pop-up that said “Error: feedback_required”, you’re not alone—it happens all the time, for a lot of different reasons.

This error typically occurs when Instagram flags your account for potential spam or bot-like behavior and temporarily restricts your actions on the platform. This can be incredibly frustrating, especially when you need to continue using Instagram for data collection or work purposes.

Here’s how you can prevent and fix the “feedback_required” error on Instagram.

Why You May Receive the Instagram “feedback_required” Error

The “feedback_required” error on Instagram usually occurs when Instagram has flagged your account for unusual activity and thinks you may be a bot. It’s particularly common if you employ automation or manage multiple accounts on Instagram.

Common triggers include using too many hashtags, moving too fast, making a lot of comments or posts in a short time, engaging in behavior that violates Instagram's terms of service, or using certain keywords or phrases Instagram marks as spam. Sometimes, it can even happen just because Instagram’s servers are down.

Preventing the “feedback_required” Error on Instagram

Since the “feedback_required” error may temporarily block your IP address, it’s important to prevent it to ensure you can get uninterrupted activity. Here’s how you can avoid it:

Mimic Human Behavior with Automation

If you use automation tools on Instagram for actions like liking, commenting, or following, follow these tips:

• Interaction Patterns: Optimize your automation tools to imitate an average Instagram user’s behavior. For example, a human user wouldn’t like hundreds of posts in a minute. Configure your bot to perform likes, comments, and follows intermittently with natural, human-like pauses in activity.
• Adjust Automation Volume: Limit the number of actions your bot performs. If a typical user likes 20-30 posts per day, configure your bot to take action within this range to avoid triggering Instagram’s spam filters.
• Timing: Be strategic about when your bot performs actions. Spread activities throughout the day to mimic a typical user’s patterns.

Use Selective Interaction

Selective interaction is key in Instagram automation — Teach your bot to choose content wisely and vary its actions, just like a person would:

• Content Selection: Configure your bot to engage with posts that align with your account’s interests or niche, and avoid posts with low engagement that could be perceived as spam.
• Avoid Repetition: Ensure your bot’s actions are varied. Don’t comment the same phrase on dozens of posts or limit your actions to liking. Mix up the interactions to emulate human randomness.

Employ Technical Strategies

Here are a few technical strategies that can help you avoid the “feedback_required” error. These strategies were tested by our team, and have been used to help social media managers who manage multiple accounts.

• User Agents and Devices: Use different user agents for each account. Instagram can track if multiple accounts are accessed from the same device or browser, and this can get flagged as bot activity. By switching user agents, you reduce the risk of being flagged.
• Use of Session Cookies: If you’re using automation to help manage your socials, incorporate session cookies into your bot’s operation. This makes the bot’s requests appear as though they’re coming from a legitimate session, thus reducing suspicion.
• Diverse IP Addresses: Utilizing different IP addresses for different accounts is essential. This is where residential proxies come in handy, as they provide you with numerous IPs that resemble those of everyday users, reducing the likelihood of Instagram flagging your activity.

Maintain Regular Human Supervision

Regular, manual checks of your Instagram accounts are crucial to avoiding the “feedback_required” error and maintaining good account health.

A few times a week, log in manually to browse your feed and engage with posts. You should also review your recent activity to spot any potential red flags indicating your account is being mistaken for a bot. Red flags include your comments being hidden, notifications in your account status page about your posts being limited or blocked, a drop-off in engagement, or other symptoms of being shadowbanned.

If flagged, reduce or pause automated activities and increase manual interaction to reset Instagram’s view of your account. Spend some time manually liking and commenting on posts, following new accounts, and engaging in genuine conversations.  This shift to human-led activity can help make your account look more legitimate in Instagram’s view.

Use Instagram’s API

Instagram’s API is a powerful tool for developers and marketers who want to integrate their applications with the platform. When you use Instagram’s API for automation, you’re working within a framework that’s approved by Instagram, which can reduce the risk of triggering security protocols that lead to issues like the “feedback_required” error. Here are the benefits of using Instagram’s API:

• Reduced risk of flagging: Instagram’s API is designed to facilitate safe and acceptable automation. Traffic that flows through the API is monitored and managed, meaning Instagram is more forgiving toward it than unidentified bot traffic.
• Access to official features: The API provides automated access to Instagram’s features in a way that mimics human interaction. This includes reading profiles, posting images, and even liking and commenting on posts.
• Regular updates: Instagram’s API receives updates that reflect changes in the platform’s policies and features. Keeping your automation tools aligned with the latest API version ensures continued compliance.

Keep Up with Instagram’s Changes

To maintain a good standing on Instagram and avoid penalties, it’s essential to:

• Regularly review Instagram’s policies: Instagram often updates its terms of service and community guidelines. Regularly reviewing these documents will help you understand what is acceptable on the platform and what could get your account flagged.
• Follow industry news: Changes in Instagram’s algorithm and policies are usually discussed in digital marketing and social media forums. Keeping an eye on these discussions can provide early warnings about changes that might affect your automation tools.
• Test and adapt: When Instagram updates its algorithm, the effectiveness of your current automation strategies might change. Be prepared to test different approaches and adapt your strategy to align with the new rules.
• Engage with the community: Active participation in social media marketing communities can provide insights into how changes are affecting others and what tactics are being used to adapt.

4 Best Practices for Instagram Account Management

If you want to manage your account in a way that will reduce the number of errors you get in general and particularly the Instagram “feedback_required” error, we suggest you follow these best practices:

• Warm up new accounts: Begin with manual interactions, then gradually introduce automation to gain Instagram’s trust.
• Avoid quick fixes: Avoid cheap proxies or aggressive automation settings that lead to long-term issues.
• Invest in quality proxies: Use residential proxies to manage multiple accounts. Residential proxies use IP addresses that appear to be typical home users, which is less likely to raise red flags compared to data center proxies.
• Educate yourself on Instagram’s limits: Know the rate limits for actions like follows, unfollows, likes, and comments to keep your automation within safe parameters.

Regularly Audit Your Approach

Instagram’s detection algorithms are constantly evolving. This means the automation tools and settings that worked seamlessly last month may now be flagged, leading to reduced effectiveness or penalties.

Tips for Reviewing Your Automation Strategies

As we already explained, it’s crucial to periodically review your automation strategies to stay in line with Instagram’s latest algorithmic updates. By following these tips, you’ll significantly reduce the chances of encountering the “feedback_required” error on Instagram.

• Keep your tools updated: Automation tools frequently update to comply with Instagram’s changes. Always use the most recent versions.
• Observe account activity: Watch for changes in engagement or follower count, and take note of any alerts from Instagram. These could signal that your automation settings need adjustments.
• Fine-tune automation settings: If your bot’s activities become less effective, modify the settings. For instance, if it’s liking or following too aggressively based on Instagram’s current standards, scale back to more conservative actions.
• Learn from the community: Engage with forums and social media marketing communities. If others are experiencing issues with certain tools, you probably will too.

The Role of Proxies in Avoiding the “Feedback_Required” Instagram Error

Proxies serve as intermediaries between your device and the internet. When you use a proxy, your internet connection is routed through a different IP address. They are particularly useful on platforms like Instagram to prevent too much activity from a single IP address, which can trigger security measures like the “feedback_required” error.

Benefits of Using Proxies

• IP diversity: Proxies allow you to use multiple IP addresses, which can make your activity on Instagram appear more human and less like a bot.
• Location targeting: With proxies, you can choose IP addresses from specific locations, which is beneficial if you manage accounts that target different geographical areas.
• Anonymity: Proxies provide anonymity, which can protect your main IP address from being flagged by Instagram’s security algorithms.

Nimble’s Residential Proxies

Nimble’s residential proxies offer a reliable solution to the “feedback_required” error on Instagram. They provide a buffer that can absorb much of the activity that would otherwise directly impact your IP address and potentially flag your account.

They are fast, secure, and offer a vast pool of IP addresses to ensure uninterrupted and undetected Instagram activity.

Conclusion

The “feedback_required” error on Instagram can disrupt your social media strategy, but it’s not unbeatable. By understanding the triggers and implementing smart practices like using proxies, you can minimize the risk of this error. Nimble’s proxy services offer a robust solution with their speed, reliability, and range of IP addresses, allowing you to navigate Instagram safely and maintain your content flow. With the added benefit of professional support and location targeting, proxies are an investment in your social media presence’s stability and growth.