Name: Poise - AI Dating Coach
Author: Poise

Your matches have suddenly stopped. Conversations aren't happening. You're swiping into the void. Something feels wrong, but there's no notification telling you what.

Welcome to the shadowban question—here's how to figure out what's happening and what to do.

What Is a Shadowban?

The Definition

A shadowban is when an app limits your visibility without telling you. Your account still works—you can log in, swipe, message—but other users rarely or never see your profile.

Why Apps Do This

Shadowbans typically happen when:

The app suspects rule violations
Reports have been made against your account
Automated systems flag your behavior
You've done something against terms of service

The Problem

Unlike a regular ban, you don't know it's happened. Everything looks normal from your side—except nothing is working.

Signs You Might Be Shadowbanned

Sudden Match Drought

The pattern:

You were getting matches, then suddenly stopped
Change happened abruptly, not gradually
Swiping produces zero results for days
No explanation or notification

Note: Match rates naturally fluctuate. A shadowban is more likely if the change was dramatic and sudden.

Messages Going Nowhere

Signs:

Existing matches stop responding all at once
New matches never message back
Conversations die simultaneously
Even high-interest matches ghost

Testing With Friends

How to check:

Have a friend on Feeld search for your profile
If they can't find you (and should be able to), that's a sign
Note: Feeld doesn't have direct search, so this requires them swiping in your area

Profile Views Disappeared

If you had profile views or other engagement metrics that went to zero suddenly, something may have changed with your visibility.

What Can Trigger a Shadowban

Reports From Other Users

Common report reasons:

Inappropriate first messages
Not being who you claim (catfishing suspicion)
Harassment or boundary violations
Spam-like behavior
Photos that violate guidelines

The threshold: Usually multiple reports, not just one, trigger action.

Terms of Service Violations

Things that violate Feeld's terms:

Being under 18
Soliciting prostitution
Selling services (pro domme, content creator promotion)
Hate speech or discrimination
Non-consensual content references

Algorithmic Flags

Automated triggers might include:

Swiping patterns that look bot-like (too fast, too uniform)
Copy-paste messages to many users
Account creation from flagged IP addresses
Rapid account cycling

Photo Issues

Photos that can cause problems:

Nudity in main photos (different from private photos)
Images that look like they're not you
Stock photos or obvious fakes
Photos with other people's faces uncropped

How to Confirm (Or Rule Out) a Shadowban

Step 1: Rule Out Normal Fluctuation

Ask yourself:

Has it been more than a week with zero matches?
Did the change happen suddenly?
Is this dramatically different from your normal rate?

If yes to all three, proceed.

Step 2: Check Your Account Health

Look for:

Any warning messages you might have missed
Ability to use all features normally
Whether your profile looks right to you
Any unusual restrictions

Step 3: Test Visibility

Options:

Ask a friend to look for you (have them swipe extensively in your area)
Create a new account to see if the experience is different (note: this can be against ToS)
Check if you appear in Feeld's discovery features

Step 4: Contact Support

Why this helps:

They can tell you if there's an issue with your account
You may get information about reports or flags
They can sometimes restore visibility

What to Do If You're Shadowbanned

Option 1: Wait It Out

Sometimes shadowbans are temporary:

Time-limited restrictions may lift automatically
Algorithm adjustments can take time
Your visibility might return without action

Downside: Could be waiting indefinitely with no guarantee.

Option 2: Contact Feeld Support

How to approach:

Be polite and non-accusatory
Ask if there are any issues with your account
Request information about any reports
Ask what you can do to improve your standing

Template:

"Hi, I've noticed a sudden and significant drop in matches and visibility on the app. I want to make sure my account is in good standing and understand if there's anything I should address. Can you let me know if there are any issues or flags on my account? Thank you."

Option 3: Review and Improve Your Profile

Make changes:

Update photos (remove anything borderline)
Revise bio (remove anything that could be misread)
Check all settings are appropriate
Ensure your profile is complete

Sometimes making significant profile changes can reset algorithmic assessments.

Option 4: Account Reset

As a last resort:

Delete your account completely
Wait at least two weeks
Create a new account with different photos
Use different email/phone

Warnings:

This may violate terms of service
Feeld may have device fingerprinting
New accounts sometimes have initial boosts that make them feel artificially better
The underlying issue may repeat if not addressed

Preventing Shadowbans

Messaging Behavior

Do:

Personalize messages
Respect non-responses
Match the energy you receive
Keep first messages appropriate

Don't:

Copy-paste the same opener
Send explicit content unrequested
Message repeatedly without response
Get aggressive when rejected

Profile Practices

Keep your profile:

Honest and accurate
Within photo guidelines
Free of commercial solicitation
Respectful and inclusive

Swiping Patterns

Natural swiping:

Take time to read profiles
Don't swipe right on everyone
Don't swipe for hours continuously
Be selective

Suspicious swiping:

Right-swiping everyone rapidly
Swiping hundreds of profiles in minutes
Uniform patterns that look automated

Reporting Others Appropriately

Ironically, making false reports against others can flag your own account. Only report genuine violations.

When It's Not a Shadowban

Normal Dry Spells

Things that cause legitimate match drops:

You've swiped through available local users
Seasonal changes (holidays, summer travel)
Algorithm rotation showing you to different people
Market saturation in your area

Profile Issues

Sometimes the problem is your profile:

Bad photos
Off-putting bio
Unclear about what you want
Misaligned desires settings

App Technical Issues

Non-shadowban problems:

Bugs in the app
Server issues
GPS not working properly
Outdated app version

FAQ

How long do Feeld shadowbans last? It varies. Some are permanent, some lift after weeks or months. Contact support for account-specific information.

Can I get unshadowbanned? Possibly. Contacting support, making profile changes, or waiting it out sometimes works. A fresh account (after proper deletion) is a more reliable reset but has its own risks.

Will Feeld tell me if I'm shadowbanned? Typically no. That's why they're called shadowbans. Support may give you limited information if you ask.

Does using a VPN cause shadowbans? It can contribute. VPNs can flag your account as suspicious, especially if your location seems to jump around.

Related Guides

When the App Isn't Working

Technical issues are frustrating, especially when the app won't tell you what's wrong. Poise can help you improve your messaging approach—so when your visibility returns, you're ready.

Am I Shadowbanned on Feeld? How to Tell and Fix (2026)