Threat Monitoring - Instagram Post Takedown Guide
Use this guide to request removal of a specific Instagram post that misleads users, impersonates your brand, or infringes your IP. If the same profile repeatedly posts abusive content or pretends to be you, consider a profile takedown as well (see our separate Instagram profile takedown guide).
1) Gather Evidence (before you file)
- Direct post URL (open the post, copy the address bar link or use “Copy link”).
- Screenshots showing the problematic text, images, or links (include the handle and timestamp).
- Any off-platform link used in the post (expand short links) and why it’s deceptive or infringing.
- Your official references: company website, verified social pages, and support contacts.
- IP proof (if applicable): trademark registration details or copyright ownership of the misused material.
2) Report the Post in the Instagram App
- Open the offending post in the Instagram app.
- Tap ⋯ (iOS) or ⋮ (Android) → Report.
- Select the most accurate reason (e.g., Scam or fraud, It’s pretending to be someone else, or Intellectual property violation).
- In the text field, briefly explain the deception/infringement and paste links to your official site/accounts.
Reference: Instagram Help Center — reporting posts and abuse workflow.
3) File a Formal IP Complaint with Meta (if IP is involved)
- Trademark infringement: submit Meta’s trademark report (covers Instagram). Include registration numbers and confusion evidence.
Trademark Report Form - Copyright infringement: if your owned images/logo/text appear in the post, file a copyright report.
Copyright Report Form - Brand Rights Protection (program): for ongoing monitoring and streamlined removals across Instagram/Facebook.
Brand Rights Protection
4) What to Include in Your Submission
- A clear statement: “This Instagram post misleads users / impersonates our brand / infringes our IP.”
- The exact post URL and the @username that posted it.
- Official references: homepage URL and links to verified/official accounts.
- Screenshots with handle visible, date/time, and deceptive/infringing elements highlighted.
- Authorized contact details and any accuracy declarations required by the form.
5) After You Submit
- Save the confirmation/case ID from the in-app report or IP form.
- Respond promptly to Meta requests for clarification (provide side-by-side comparisons to your official channels if needed).
- If the post is part of a pattern, also pursue a profile takedown (see our profile guide) in parallel.
6) Escalation & Follow-Up
- Re-file with stronger confusion evidence (customer complaints, diverted traffic, look-alike domains).
- Enroll in Brand Rights Protection and set internal playbooks for repeat offenders.
- Coordinate with legal counsel to send a formal notice citing trademark/copyright and Meta policy references.
Sources & Official References
- Instagram Help Center — Reporting: help.instagram.com
- Meta — Trademark Report Form (covers Instagram): facebook.com/help/contact/1758255661104383
- Meta — Copyright Report Form (covers Instagram): facebook.com/help/contact/208282075858952
- Meta Business Help — Brand Rights Protection: facebook.com/business/help/brand-rights-protection