via dopaliciousdistrict.files.wordpress.comArts+Culture / News#FreeTheEggplant: Instagram bans emoji from search functionYou can now search Insta hashtags by emoji – with one very notable purple exceptionShareLink copied ✔️April 28, 2015Arts+CultureNewsText Natalie Turco-Williams Instagram are now letting users hashtag and search by emoji as part of a new update, but guess what... They’ve banned the eggplant. The innocent purple fruit, often used to tag dick pics, has been totally blocked from the social media app’s new hashtag search engine. According to Instagram, this is because the eggplant’s association with dicks violates their community guideline of no graphic or harmful hashtags. But this doesn’t mean the penis-shaped fruit is completely banned from the app. Users are still able to use and tag the eggplant in their posts, but they just aren’t allowed to search for it. The block has upset many Instagrammers, especially as other emojis like the gun and cigarette, which could be considered harmful content, haven’t been banned. In light of this, some die-hard eggplant fans have taken their grief to social media and started the #FREETHEEGGPLANT, hoping to get Instagram to change their stance on the innocent fruit. I can't stand this kind of oppression anymore. We live in a world where we can search for #🍑 on Instagram but not #🍆#FREETHEEGGPLANT— pistol pat (@PatSison) April 27, 2015Instagram honestly, I don't want to hashtag emojis if I can't hashtag the eggplant. #FREETHEEGGPLANT 🍆— diane tomaszkowicz (@dtomaszkowicz) April 27, 2015 Instagram has always caused controversy with their arbitrary community guidelines. Even when trying to clear them up with more "transparent" rules, the app still ends up seeing ridiculous. So, with constantly frustrated users, it’s clear Instagram should be listening more and asking people what they want. Most important question being: will they ever #FREETHEEGGPLANT? Escape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.TrendingMet Gala 2026: Dazed editors pick who they want to see on the red carpetFrom Michaela Stark to Gabe Gordon – and a classic McQueen showpiece – the Dazed team are manifesting these looks on the Met stepsFashionFilm & TVWhat do sex workers actually think of Euphoria?Oakley FashionGoing ‘field mode’ with Roger ScottLife & Culture‘She was secretly the landlord’: Readers on their housemate horror stories PolaroidArt & PhotographyThree Dazed Clubbers on documenting a complete digital detoxBeautyNude awakening: Meet the young people embracing naturismLife & CultureThe internet made us archive our lives – now we want outLife & CultureWe’re Chinamaxxing our way through the death of the westArt & PhotographyIn pictures: Petra Collins’ dark, 00s popstar fantasyEscape the algorithm! Get The DropEmail address SIGN UP Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday. Privacy policy Thank you. You have been subscribed Privacy policy