Is Instagram blocking the #Democrat hashtag?

Well that's...odd.
By
Sam Haysom
 on 
The Instagram logo is shown on a smart phone. In the top left is a screenshot from the app showing a hidden search results page.
Credit: Mashable composite: Thomas Fuller / SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images / Instagram

Is Instagram hiding the #Democrat hashtag from its users?

The answer, at least at the time of writing, appears to be yes — but the reasons why are still unclear.

In the early hours of Tuesday morning, the day after Donald Trump's inauguration, reports began to spread online that the #Democrat hashtag was being blocked for users of Meta's Instagram app.

Mashable Light Speed
Want more out-of-this world tech, space and science stories?
Sign up for Mashable's weekly Light Speed newsletter.
By clicking Sign Me Up, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up!

Mashable attempted to access the hashtag via both mobile and desktop, but we were greeted by a message saying the results had been hidden as they "may contain sensitive content." A "learn more" link took us to Instagram's generic sensitive content help page.

A screenshot from Instagram shows the "may contain sensitive content" warning page when searching for "#democrat".
Credit: Instagram

A search for the #Republican hashtag, meanwhile, brought up a page of results as normal.

It's worth noting that as well as attending Trump's inauguration and donating $1 million to his fund, Meta boss Mark Zuckerberg has also made a number of changes to his platforms in the run-up to the new president being sworn in.

Mashable has reached out to Meta and we will update this story if we hear back.

Topics Instagram Meta

Mashable Image
Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.


Recommended For You
Roblox launches new parental controls, including Friend blocking and game insights
A hand holds a phone showing the Roblox homepage.

How to speed up an Instagram Reel
The Instagram logo with a person holding a phone in their hand is seen in Knurow, Poland, on December 26, 2024.

Instagram tests new 'Blend' feature to share Reels with friends
The Instagram logo is being displayed on a laptop screen.


Instagram unveils Edits, a video editing app to rival CapCut
The Edits app icon on a purple and orange gradient background.

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 11, 2025
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 11, 2025
Wordle game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 11
A game being played on a smartphone.


NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for April 11, 2025
Close-up view of crossword puzzle.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!