Are you trying to like posts but Instagram is preventing you to?
If that’s the case, you might have got an error message that says, “Action blocked”.
This error message is very frustrating as you won’t be able to like or comment on any posts.
The vast majority of Instagram users have faced this error at least once before, so you’re not alone.
In this article, you’ll learn why Instagram is blocking you from liking posts, how you can prevent it, and more.
By the end of the article, you should know how to deal with the error message.
Why won’t Instagram let me like posts?
You’re most likely frustrated right now as Instagram won’t let you like any posts.
Maybe your friend posted something, but you’re unable to like it because of the action block.
Or maybe you’ve always been liking every post on your feed, but you’re not able to keep up with it now due to the block.
Either way, you need to understand why this is happening and the next steps you can take.
I have been action blocked multiple times on Instagram and assisted others on how to fix and prevent it.
But before I get into the solution, you need to understand why you’re blocked from liking posts. Once you’re able to understand why the error is happening, I’ll get into the intricacies.
Without further ado, here are five reasons why won’t Instagram let you like posts.
1. You exceeded the like limit
Firstly, Instagram won’t let you like posts because may have exceeded the like limit.
Once you exceeded the like limit, Instagram will temporarily block you from liking.
If you exceeded the like limit on Instagram or you’re liking posts too fast, Instagram may block you from liking.
There isn’t a specific like limit on Instagram, but as a general rule, you should try to like no more than 350 posts per hour.
Instagram is trying to reduce spam on their platform, so the action block is one of their anti-spam measures.
In addition, liking posts too fast may result in an action block as well.
If you like a ton of posts in quick succession, Instagram might think that you are a bot. Liking a lot of posts at one go poses a risk of getting action blocked.
In order to prevent this, you need to like posts slower (e.g. from liking one post every 1-3 seconds to every 3-5 seconds).
This will prove to Instagram that you’re human and not a bot.
2. Following/unfollow too much
Secondly, Instagram won’t let you like posts because you’re following or unfollowing too much.
Following/unfollowing people incessantly is a quick way you can get action blocked.
If you do get action blocked, you won’t be able to like posts as well.
The action block is a global block. This means that if you’ve been action blocked from following too many people at one go, you may not be able to unfollow, like, or comment, etc., as well.
Do note that the action block is a global block.
This means that if you’re blocked from following too much, you may not be able to unfollow, like, or comment as well.
This is Instagram’s way of punishing spam activities. Other than the action block, Instagram might also disable your following list if you unfollow too much.
In order to prevent this, make sure to follow/unfollow others in longer intervals.
For example, if you’ve been following 10 people in a minute or less, try to limit that to 1 person a minute.
Likewise, if you’ve been unfollowing 10 people in a minute or less, try to limit that to 1 person a minute.
It’s important that you limit your actions (e.g. following, unfollowing) so that you won’t get action blocked in the future.
3. You sent too many direct messages at one go
Thirdly, you’ll be action blocked if you sent too many direct messages at one go.
Over the years, I have direct messaged over 3,000 users on Instagram—here’s what I learned:
1. If you send direct messages to 3 or more people in quick succession, you will be action blocked.
2. Copy-pasting and sending the same direct messages will also result in an action block.
3. If you’re blocked from direct messaging, you still can message others who you have messaged in the past. Additionally, you can still reply to someone who direct messaged you first.
There are two different direct message blocks on Instagram—the action block, and the “couldn’t create thread” error (link here).
If you get the action block, you’re not only prevented from direct messaging, but you won’t be able to like, comment, etc. as well.
However, if you get the “couldn’t create thread” error, you’re only blocked from direct messaging new people.
Either way, both of these blocks are temporary, and they should be lifted within 24 hours.
The action block and the “couldn’t create thread” error are temporary blocks.
There are a few ways you can use to prevent getting action blocked due to direct messaging.
To begin with, you should never direct message others repetitively.
Instead of sending 3 direct messages every minute, only send 1 direct message every 5 to 10 minutes.
I tried many different intervals of sending direct messages and sending 1 message every 10 minutes seem to mitigate the action block entirely.
In addition, whenever you’re sending direct messages, use different variations of it instead of copy-pasting.
For example, instead of just sending one direct message (e.g. “Hey, nice to meet you!”), try creating different variations of it.
Minimally, you should create 3 variations of a sentence to reduce the risk of the action block.
Let’s go with the example sentence, “Hey, nice to meet you!”.
You can create three other variations of it like, “Hi, nice to meet you!”, “Hello, nice to meet you!”, and “Pleasure to meet you!”.
This will make your direct message activities seem human to Instagram, and you are less likely to get blocked.
4. You’re commenting too fast
Forthly, you may be commenting on other’s posts too fast.
If you’re a really fast typer, you might have the habit of commenting on other’s posts too fast.
There are lots of Instagram automation on the web where people use to automate their actions (e.g. comments).
These bots will carry out actions for you, and they can do them at a faster rate.
So, if you’re commenting too fast, Instagram might think that you are a bot and block you from commenting.
Although you’re not a bot, Instagram will detect you as one if you’re commenting too fast.
To prevent this, you need to comment on posts in longer intervals.
For example, if you’re commenting on 3 posts per minute, try to limit it to 1 every 5 minutes. This will ensure that you won’t get action blocked from commenting in the future.
Do note that if you’re action blocked from commenting, you won’t be able to like posts as well.
This explains why you’re not able to like posts on Instagram.
5. Use of a third-party app or automation
Lastly, Instagram won’t let you like posts if you’re using a third-party app or automation.
On the third bullet point of Instagram’s Community Guidelines, they highlighted that repeated commenting and messaging is not allowed.
Instagram automation tools allow you to carry out more actions, and faster ones.
For instance, if you were to manually like others’ posts, you’ll be able to like 10 to 30 posts per minute.
However, if you’re using an automation tool, you’re able to like hundreds of posts per minute if you ramp up its settings.
Instagram will know that you’re using automation and block you from carrying out more actions.
When you share your Instagram password with a service, you may receive a notification saying that your account was compromised.
As using a third-party app or automation violates Instagram’s Guidelines, your account will receive constant blocks, and it may be permanently suspended.
Instagram’s AI is constantly updating, so automation might be incompetent in the near future.
Ultimately, if you’re using automation to grow your Instagram, you should consider stopping it as soon as possible.
Otherwise, your Instagram account is at risk.
What does it mean when you are blocked from liking posts on Instagram?
When you’re blocked from liking posts on Instagram, you’ve either exceeded the like limit, or you’re liking too fast.
Consequently, you’ll be temporarily restricted from liking or commenting on posts.
If you’re blocked from liking posts on Instagram, you might have exceeded the like limit, or liked too many posts at one go.
On occasions, Instagram might falsely block you from liking posts even though you didn’t do anything spammy.
The block is one of Instagram’s measures to mitigate spam on their platform. Bots and automation are still prevalent on Instagram.
Although you’re not a bot, Instagram will detect you as one if you’re repeatedly carrying out the same action (e.g. liking, commenting).
At times, Instagram might falsely block you from liking, and there’s nothing you can do about it except wait.
How long will Instagram block me from liking?
When you’re blocked from liking, it typically lasts for up to several hours, 24 hours, or more.
There are two main types of action blocks, one with an expiration date, and one without.
Typically, the action block has an expiration date which tells you the date/time of which it’ll be lifted.
In some cases, the action block does not include an expiration date. If that’s the case, you’ll have to wait for up to 24 hours for it to be lifted.
If you happen the get the action block with an expiration date, you’re fortunate as it indicates when the block will be lifted.
However, if you get the action block without an expiration date, you won’t be able to know when it’ll be lifted.
But don’t worry, the action block is not permanent, and it will eventually be lifted.
What to do if Instagram blocks you from liking posts?
When Instagram blocks you from liking posts, you’ll have to wait it out. The block can last for several hours, 24 hours, or even more.
There is a ton of misinformation on the internet telling you to reinstall Instagram, switch to mobile data, or link your Facebook account, but none of it will work.
Unfortunately, you’ll have to be patient and wait until the block ends.
Don’t try to beat the system as it is a waste of time.
Conclusion
In this article, you’ve learned why Instagram won’t let you like posts, how to get rid of it, and more.
Now that you know why it happens, you’ll have to ensure that you take the necessary measures to mitigate it from ever happening again.
Here are the main prevention measures:
- Don’t carry out repetitive actions (e.g. following, unfollowing, direct messaging)
- Stop using third-party tools or automation.
Remember, Instagram is trying to reduce spam on their platform, so you’ll have to act like a human (despite how crazy it sounds) to prevent getting blocked.
Further Reading
> ? Couldn’t Load Users on Instagram (How to Fix)
> Instagram Couldn’t Create Thread (How to Fix)
> 7 Effective Ways to Clean Up Your Instagram Account
Author: Lim How Wei is the founder of Followchain. Feel free to follow him on Instagram.
