Instagram copyright removals and strikes: how to appeal and protect your account

How copyright removals work on Instagram

Most copyright removals start with a report from a rights owner, such as a record label, a photographer, a film studio or a brand. Instagram's help page on IP removals says that when it removes something because of a report submitted through its online form, you'll get a notification that may include the name and email address of the rights owner who made the report and other details.

Meta's Intellectual Property report explains that beyond removing reported content, it disables the accounts of repeat infringers “in appropriate circumstances”, and that its repeat infringer policy covers copyright, trademark and counterfeit violations. Other restrictions can include being blocked from posting for a set period.

The repeat infringer policy

Instagram's repeat infringer policy says that if you repeatedly post content that infringes someone else's intellectual property rights, your account may be disabled, your ability to post photos or videos may be limited, and you could lose access to certain features. Meta does not publish an exact number of removals that triggers each step.

One detail matters a lot: the same page says that if something you posted is restored because of an appeal, or because the rights owner withdrew the report, Instagram takes that restoration into account under the policy. In other words, a successful appeal can help you, not just the single post.

First, check what was removed

1. Open the notification or email about the removal and screenshot it, including the rights owner's details if shown.
2. Go to Settings › Account Status. Instagram's Account Status page lists content removed from your account and features you can no longer use.
3. Count how many IP removals you have had recently. If there are several, treat the account as at risk and act carefully from here on.

Your options after a removal

1. Talk to the rights owner

Instagram's help page suggests that if you think the content should not have been removed, you can follow up with the rights owner directly. If you had a licence or permission, or the report was a mistake, the rights owner can withdraw it. A withdrawn report is the cleanest outcome.

2. Appeal the removal

Instagram's copyright appeal page says that if your content was removed because of a copyright report, you can submit an appeal using the instructions in the message Instagram sent you. It also says appeals can often be resolved quickly when you respond promptly to requests for more information, when the content is not infringing, or when the original report was a mistake.

3. File a DMCA counter-notification

If the removal was made under the US Digital Millennium Copyright Act, the notice may offer a counter-notification instead of an ordinary appeal. A counter-notification is a legal statement. Only file one if you genuinely believe the removal was a mistake or misidentification, for example because you own the material or have a licence. If you are unsure, get legal advice first.

Trademark removals

Trademark reports are handled separately. Instagram's help says that if content was removed because of a trademark report, you can appeal using the instructions in the notification you received.

If your account was disabled for IP

If the account itself is disabled, the appeal page says you can submit an appeal by logging into your account and following the on-screen instructions. Before you write anything, gather what supports you: licences, invoices for music or stock footage, emails giving permission, and proof that you created the original work.

Mistakes that make it worse

• Reposting the removed content. Each new removal can count again.
• Filing counter-notifications you cannot back up. They can have legal consequences.
• Assuming a credit line is a licence. “No copyright intended” or tagging the creator does not give you permission.
• Using copyrighted music in Reels from outside Instagram's library, especially for business accounts, where music licensing is stricter.

How to prevent future removals

• Use your own photos, video and music, or properly licensed stock and music.
• For Reels, use audio available in Instagram's own library for your account type.
• Keep a simple folder of licences and permissions so you can prove them quickly.
• If you run a repost or meme page, get written permission or do not post it.
• Read the Account Status screen once a month so you see a pattern before it becomes a disable.

When to get help

If your account was disabled after several IP reports, or you think some of the reports were abusive, it can help to have someone look at the whole history before you appeal. Unbanz is an independent service, not affiliated with Meta, and we are not a law firm. Our free case check for Instagram account recovery tells you honestly whether we can help and what it would cost before any work starts. Accepted cases typically take an estimated 3–14 days. Recovery is guaranteed once we accept your case. We review every account first and only take cases we can win. We never ask for your password or login codes.