How to stop ads on Instagram in 2024
If you’ve been using Instagram for some time, you might have noticed an insane rise in the frequency of advertising on the platform. I use Instagram on a daily basis, and going through 1-2 ads after every second IG story is already driving me nuts. On top of that, scrolling through your feed just to hunt for the content you’re actually following sometimes feels like a game of hide-and-seek.
The advertising revenue of Instagram Stories in 2021 already surpassed $11.43 billion and is expected to reach $20.03 billion by the end of 2023. It’s safe to say we’ll see an even bigger peak in advertising, especially with the projected platform growth of 60 million more new users by 2025. However, lowering the amount of disruptive ads on Instagram is no mission impossible if you arm yourself with a powerful ad blocker.
In this guide, we’ll give a selection of solutions and ad blockers to clean up your Instagram feed. Read on to find our step-by-step instructions on how to get rid of Instagram ads for good.
How to remove ads on Instagram in 5 steps
- Get an ad blocker that disables Instagram ads. Our best choice is Total Adblock, now 80% off
- Head to your browser’s extension store (e.g., Chrome Web Store)
- Search for an ad blocker extension and add it to the browser
- Follow the instructions of your ad block provider
- Enjoy ad-free Instagram!
Why you might want to turn off ads on Instagram?
As time goes by, Meta manages to squeeze advertisements seemingly anywhere these days. Although eliminating pesky Instagram ads completely is not that easy, you can certainly reduce the volume of these posts with a “Sponsored” tag under their name. And there are quite a few reasons why you may want to include a top-class ad blocker into your Instagram daily fix:
- Cluttered stories. Sifting through stories takes almost double the time when you have to play endless clickathon through ads in between every second story post. The more stories you watch, the more ads you’ll be served.
- Disjointed “For you” page. While the new algorithm introduced in 2016 made Instagram homepage more engaging, it opened the floodgates to future chaos. Today, you can miss a lot of new content from the profiles you follow just to be bombarded with more sponsored ad posts instead.
- Misleading Reels. Since the 2021 introduction of ads in IG Reels, advertisers now cleverly disguise their promo reels as legit content. I personally find these regularly, with a button prompting a download or purchase appearing only a few seconds later.
- Nosy trackers. Like any free service, Instagram runs an immense data collection machine through trackers and cookies. Fortunately, I found that popular ad blockers, like Total AdBlock, eat those for breakfast.
Is Meta going to charge Instagram users for ad-free subscriptions?
Earlier teased by world-renowned news sources, such as The Guardian, Reuters, Financial Times, and The Verge, Meta has finally come forward with their official announcement. In short, Meta is introducing a paid, ad-free Instagram subscription. This move to charge up to $14 per month instead of the free Instagram experience signals a major shift from the classic model.
Currently, you can still use Instagram free of charge, but this way you pay with your data for targeted ads. On the other hand, the new Instagram subscription will give users the actual choice between seeing ads or paying a monthly fee for a premium experience. The idea for a paid Instagram version is directly linked to the European Union’s GDPR regulations like the Digital Markets Act, which restricts personalized ads without consent.
Offering an ad-free option essentially helps Instagram comply with these new rules when they fully take effect in 2024. However, charging for Instagram marks a turning point after years of equal free access, creating a precedent for possibly more paid features going forward. But to be fair, the $11-14 monthly subscription fee looks like a paid solution to a user frustration problem that Meta created themselves.
If more people opt for paid, ad-free Instagram, it could also impact the advertising landscape there. Advertisers might need to rethink their strategies and may prompt Instagram to intensify their advertising efforts if fewer users are viewing ads overall.
How to get rid of Instagram ads with ad blocker: detailed guide
While ad blockers can't completely wipe out all sponsored content, they are guaranteed to minimize the frequency of various ads. Ready to reduce distractions you encounter while using Instagram? Follow this short step-by-step guide:
- Choose a prime ad blocker. Even though not all ad blockers are equally effective on Instagram, after some testing Total Adblock worked the best for me.
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Visit your browser's extension store, such as the Chrome Web Store, search for the ad blocker of your choice, and look for the installation prompt.
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Install the ad blocker extension and follow any provided instructions to start blocking ads on Instagram.
- Enjoy an ad-free Instagram experience!
Clean up Instagram with Total Adblock
The best thing about opting for a dedicated ad blocker is that you can block ads on a whole range of online services. In contrast, shelling out $14 to Meta only removes ads from a single service, which doesn’t offer good overall value. If you’re looking for a tested comprehensive solution for all ad-blocking needs, Total Adblock is our best recommendation.
How to choose an ad blocker to block Instagram ads
Finding the best ad blocker for Instagram might feel like a challenge once you get into the nitty-gritty. Even then, not all ad blockers are advanced enough to get rid of Instagram ads. We did the homework for you, and here are some key factors to look into for your new ad blocker:
- Instagram Ad Blocking. Look for an ad blocker that tackles Instagram's ad formats, including Post ads, Story ads, Reels ads, and Explore ads. If it can deal with those, it will surely perform well on other platforms, like Twitch or YouTube.
- Device compatibility. Ensure that your chosen ad blocker covers both browser extensions for your PC and the Android or iOS devices for the Instagram mobile app. You need it to work harmoniously across your entire Instagram experience.
- Added extras. The perfect ad blocker should go beyond ad removal. It should excel at tracker and cookie blocking, essential for your online privacy and keeping you off advertisers' radar.
- Value. While shiny price tags may catch your eye, remember that the most expensive option isn't always the best. Be sure to try the services out first, if they offer money-back guarantees.
Other methods of turning off ads on Instagram
Although the most effective combo is using Instagram and an ad blocker on your browser, you can try other ways to achieve similar results. While these can't eliminate ads completely, some small steps to decrease their frequency and volume can make scrolling less cluttered.
1. Hide ad
Sick of seeing the same annoying sponsored posts over and over? You can hide repetitive ads from your feed by taking these quick steps:
- Tap the three-dot menu in the top right corner of the ad
- Select the "Hide Ad" option
- Choose the reason from the list. This will tell Instagram you're the wrong audience, making the ad less likely to appear again
Hiding ads hints Instagram you want less of specific content. It's an easy way to remove irritating or repetitive promotions from your feed. However, if you think the Instagram ad breaches community standards or falls into false advertising, opt for the next method.
2. Report ad
The reporting process flags concerning promotions on Instagram. Use it to call out ads with genuine issues, not ones you simply dislike. Reporting incorrectly can unfairly penalize businesses playing by the rules. If you are sure you’re on the right track, report inappropriate or deceptive sponsored posts by:
- Selecting the three-dot menu in the top-right of the ad
- Choosing "Report Ad" from the options
- Selecting why you're reporting it from the list like "It’s a scam or it’s misleading"
But mindful – only report ads that actually violate policies or misleads users.
3. Block brand account
As this approach only removes ads from a single account, you'll need to repeat these steps for each advertising account you want to avoid. It's particularly effective when you have a specific advertiser you want to steer clear of on Instagram. Here are the steps to follow:
- Click on the name of the company or brand at the top of the sponsored post. This will open their profile
- Select the three-dot menu situated in the top-right corner of the profile
- Choose the "Block" option and confirm your choice by clicking on the "Block" button
4. Turn off Personalized Ads
Instagram's personalized ads can be quite bothersome, as they rely on data points to make assumptions about your preferences. To put an end to inaccurately personalized ads on Instagram, follow these steps:
- Open your Instagram profile
- Find the three-bar menu located in the top-right corner of the screen, and select "Settings and Privacy"
- Navigate to "Accounts Center" and select "Ad Preferences," then click on "Ad Settings," followed by "Activity Information from Ad Partners," and choose "Review Setting"
- Select "No, don't make my ads more relevant by using this information"
Conclusion
Instagram ads in 2023 have increased in both frequency and intrusiveness, turning the platform into a quite frustrating experience. Additionally, the prospect of a pricey, ad-free Instagram subscription raises eyebrows as it threatens to become an expensive commodity in the near future. However, you can proactively reclaim control over your Instagram feed by going for a universal solution that doesn't break the bank.
The verified strategy to stop Instagram ads involves accessing the platform via a browser together with a powerful ad-blocking tool. My personal go-to choice, Total AdBlock, showed excellent results in removing the majority of ads during our tests. Going with a proven ad blocker not only cleans up your feed but also ensures a more pleasant and focused time exploring Instagram’s content.
Have you noticed the rise in Instagram advertising? What other tips and tricks do you use to get rid of Instagram ads? Let us know by leaving a comment!
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FAQ
How do I turn off ads on Instagram?
The most cost-effective way to stop Instagram ads is to access the platform on a browser using an ad blocker. Fortunately, this method is fairly easy, and setting up an Instagram ad blocker takes no more than a couple of minutes. We found that the best tool for the job is Total AdBlock.
Is there a way to block all ads on Instagram?
There is no way to block 100% of ads, but you can reduce the number dramatically by setting up an ad blocker. Using Instagram on either PC or mobile web browser together with Total Adblock showed the best results in stopping Instagram ads between Stories, on the home screen, or during the Reels.
Why there are so many ads on Instagram?
The increase in Instagram ads comes from Meta’s aggressive monetization tactics. With rising ad budgets, revenue, and a growing Instagram user base, this trend shows no signs of stopping. Luckily, you can reduce the number of ads you see by using a reliable Instagram ad blocker, such as Total AdBlock.
Does Meta charge for Instagram?
No, Meta doesn’t charge for access to Instagram but will allow users to pay for an ad-free Instagram subscription. Meta has already publicly announced the release of this version for 2024. It’s planned to roll out in Europe by mid-2024, with other regions possibly following later.
What will Instagram be charging for?
Ad-free Instagram subscription will charge around $14. However, this subscription only removes ads on a single social platform, while robust ad blocker solutions cost way less. What’s better – top ad blockers, like Total AdBlock, can clean up multiple different platforms and websites.
