Why Instagram Won't Let Me Post & How to Fix it in 2023

Instagram is a go-to social media platform for posting photos and videos of special moments, occasions and whatnot. However, sometimes while we are excited to share something on our Instagram account, Instagram starts to behave differently. You might see a popup saying, Cannot Publish Post, No Network etc. Basically, Instagram not letting you post anything.

There are 2 Billion+ active users on Instagram and handling such a massive amount of traffic is definitely not an easy job to do. Thanks to Reels which makes it even more addictive and users are spending more and more time scrolling the screen, increasing the server load and traffic. To provide a smooth, hassle-free user experience, the developers behind the app are working all day long but there could be reasons that prevent users from posting anything on Instagram.

If Instagram is not letting you post anything, here we have discussed and provided the solution to fix that.

Why Instagram Won’t Let me Post Photos or Videos?

Here are some reasons why Instagram not letting you post anything:

1. Duplicate Content: Instagram wants everyone to post photos and videos but that must be the original content. If you are posting someone’s photo or video without their permission, Instagram won’t let you post that. One can easily download Instagram reels and videos and reupload them on their Instagram account which is something Instagram won’t allow.

2. Poor or No Network: The network connection can be an issue. If you are trying to upload a high-quality video on a poor connection, Instagram may take time to upload it. Connect a high-speed wifi connection and try again.

3. Account Flagged: If someone reports your account for spam or hateful comments, Instagram can suspend your activity for a couple of hours to some days or even to a few weeks. In that case, Instagram won’t let you post in that blocked timeframe.

4. Buying Followers/Likes: Many Instagram users are trying to become influencers using shortcuts. If you are buying followers, likes, and comments on your Instagram account, Instagram can restrict the activity from your account. Sooner or later, your Instagram account will be suspended permanently.

5. Server Outages: It is not a common occurrence but they are not rare either. Due to server maintenance, security upgrades, or server overload, the Instagram servers go down. At that moment, Instagram won’t let you post anything or do any other activity like posting a story, liking other posts etc. When the server goes down, everything goes down.

6. Outdated App Version: This is a common reason why Instagram not letting you post. Using an outdated version of the Instagram app can also be an issue. Make sure you are using the latest Instagram app.

Why Instagram Won’t Let Me Post a Comment or Like?

Sometimes, you double-tap on someone’s Instagram Post and the heart does not turn Red. You try again but no luck. Even, while commenting, you don’t see your comment below the post. If you are also facing this issue, here might be the reasons.

1. The user has deleted the Instagram Post. If you are trying to like a post that its user has deleted, you will not see the like or comment.

2. Server Outage also works here. If you are trying to like a photo and the server goes down at that exact moment, your like will not be registered on Instagram Server.

3. Bulk like and comment is not acceptable on Instagram. If you have purchased some package or Fiverr gig for Likes and comments in bulk, that is not going to work on Instagram.

4. There is a possibility that the user has blocked you and in that case, you will not be able to like or comment.

5. Inactive, limited or poor network connection can also make you deprived of Liking or post comments on Instagram.

6. If you are using cuss words or the user has added particular words to be removed from the comment section, you will not be able to comment with those words. Go to Settings > Privacy > Hidden Words > Manage List to add words you don’t want to see in your comment section.

Why Instagram Won’t Let Me Post Music on Stories or Reels?

Instagram Music is a game-changing feature. Music makes Instagram Posts, Stories, and Reels engaging and meaningful. If Instagram is not letting you add music, there must be some good reasons.

1. That particular music has been removed from Instagram. Sometimes, due to copyright claims or geographical location, a particular song or music gets removed from Instagram and that’s why you are not able to add that music to your reel or story.

2. Minor bugs can lead to issues. Simply close the app and restart it again. After that, try to add music again, it might work again.

3. Poor network connection can also be the reason why Instagram won’t let you post music. Use the fastest possible internet and try again.

How to Fix Instagram Won’t Let Me Post?

If Instagram won’t letting you post or you are facing any kind of issue mentioned above while posting on Instagram, below are some of the easy fixes. Apply these solutions one by one and by the end of this article, you can post on Instagram.

1. Clean Instagram Cache Memory

This is the first thing you should do if Instagram won’t let you post. Over time, cache memory accumulates in the background, restricting the app from doing even the basic functions. Just by cleaning the cache memory, it resets the app’s working and you will be able to post photos and videos on Instagram.

To clean the cache memory of Instagram, Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Storage > Clean Cache. Once you clean the cache, open Instagram and try to post the photo or video.

2. Restart the Device

Restarting the device can solve almost every software-related problem. Simply restart the device and open the Instagram app once again. Simply press and hold the power button of your smartphone and you will see some options on the screen.

Press on ‘Restart’ and your smartphone will restart automatically. Once restarted, open the Instagram app and try again.

3. Reboot Wi-Fi router/Reset Network Connection

If you haven’t rebooted your wifi router for a long time, you should definitely give it a shot. It is a common occurrence when a Wi-Fi router doesn’t respond to its natural habitat when used continuously without any break.

If you are using a Wi-Fi router for accessing the internet, simply switch off the button, remove the plug and put it back after 5 seconds, switch on the button and connect to wifi again. If that was a wifi issue, you will be able to post photos on Instagram. If you like, you can check some funny wifi names for your router to prank your neighbors and guests.

Those who are using Mobile data for accessing the internet can use Flight Mode to reset the network connection. To do that, simply swipe down the Notification tray from the menu bar and Turn On the Flight Mode. After a few seconds, Turn Off the Flight mode and turn on the Mobile Data. Alternatively, go to Settings > Connections > Flight Mode.

Once you are done with that, open the Instagram app and try to upload the photo or video.

4. Check Instagram Account Status

A lot of users don’t know about that but if you ever violated any Instagram Policy, you can see that violation status in your account. Instagram gives you a proper report on the violation and the consequences you will face if you go against their policy. Instagram has also mentioned that, If you seem a risk to the Instagram community, your account will be taken down without any prior warning.

If you have ever commented or published anything that violates the Instagram community guidelines or policies, Instagram won’t let you post for a particular timeframe. So if it’s been a few weeks or months and Instagram is not letting you post anything, check your account status.

To check the Instagram Account Status, Open the Instagram app and go to Settings > Account > Account Status. If you have violated Instagram Policy, you will see the violation here in the account status.

5. Check Instagram Server

Although it is a rare occurrence but it can happen. Sometimes, due to server overload, server security updates or server maintenance, Instagram or say whole Meta Platform (including Facebook) can go down for a few minutes to hours (rarest). If you are trying to post on Instagram at that particular time, Instagram won’t let you post.

To check Instagram downtime, there are a lot of online tools. Simply search for Is Instagram Down and open the results on Google Search Page. Otherwise, go to isitdownrightnow.com and enter instagram.com to check if Instagram is down or working.

6. Cross Check the Permissions

This is a long shot but it is totally worth the try. On the first run, Instagram asks to allow certain permissions. If any of those permissions are not allowed by you, you might face the issue and Instagram won’t let you post. By allowing those permissions, why can’t I post on Instagram issue will be fixed.

To check the permissions, Go to Settings > Apps > Instagram > Permission. Tap on Storage and make sure it is on ‘Allow’. Also, check the Camera permission. Make sure it is allowed as well.

Denying Storage permission will not allow Instagram to access the photos on your smartphone and that will create problems for you while posting pictures or videos on Instagram.

7. Check Photo Size and Aspect Ratio

There are certain sizes and resolutions which is supported by Instagram. Anything beyond that will create problems for you. If you are trying to upload a high-resolution video or unsupported video format, Instagram won’t let you post.

Recommended Instagram Photo Size & Resolution

For Square 1:1 photos, the resolution should be 1080px x 1080px.
If you are trying to upload a landscape-oriented photo, it should be 1080px x 566px, with an aspect ratio of 1.91:1.
For vertical images, it should be 1080px x 1350px with a 4:5 aspect ratio.

See Also: How to Spy Someone’s Snapchat

8. Update the Instagram App Version

Are you using the latest Instagram app? Maybe not. Go to Play Store or App Store and update Instagram to its latest version. Using an outdated version of Instagram not only deprives you of using the latest features but also risks security. Just update the app to the latest version and try to upload photos or videos on Instagram.

9. Change Instagram Data Settings

If you are using Mobile Data to access the internet on your smartphone, you might have turned on the Data Saver on Instagram. That might be the reason Instagram prevents you from uploading photos or videos. A lot of downloading and uploading features get limited when you are using Mobile Data and Data Saver.

You should try to turn off the Data saver on Instagram. To do that, simply go to Instagram Settings > Account > Cellular Data Use > Turn off Data Saver.

Once you have done that, try to post a photo or video and it will work like a charm.

10. Reinstall Instagram App

If you are still asking “why can’t I post on Instagram” you should uninstall the Instagram app, restart the device, and reinstall the Instagram app from the App Store or Play Store. There might be some bugs in the Instagram app files in your smartphone and reinstalling the app can fix that. Once you reinstall the app, log in to your account and start posting on Instagram.

11. Contact Instagram Support

By now, Instagram won’t let me post issues that should be fixed but if not, Instagram support might help you out. There is no dedicated helpline number to contact on Instagram and if someone is giving you a number, beware, you are about to get scammed.

But there are dedicated contact page on Instagram that solves a lot of issues of yours.

Why Instagram Won’t Let Me Post & How to Fix it