Instagram is a popular social media platform that allows users to share photos and videos with their followers. One common issue that users face is the fluctuation of their following count. It can be confusing and frustrating to see your follower count change without any apparent reason. In this article, we will explore the various reasons why your following count on Instagram keeps changing and what you can do about it.
Reasons for the Fluctuation in Your Following Count
1. Instagram eliminates bots and users that violate the community guidelines
Instagram takes the issue of spam and fake accounts seriously. To maintain a safe and authentic community, the platform regularly eliminates bots and accounts that violate its community guidelines. Instagram identifies accounts that engage in wrong behavior, such as using third-party applications to automate follows and interactions, and promptly deletes them. If someone you follow consistently violates Instagram’s community norms, their account may be terminated, resulting in a change in your following count.
2. Users follow and unfollow you
People’s interests and preferences change over time, and this can reflect in their decision to follow or unfollow certain accounts on Instagram. When someone follows you, your follower count increases, and when they unfollow you, your follower count decreases. This is a natural occurrence on social media platforms, and it’s important not to take it personally. Remember that quality engagement is more valuable than a high follower count.
3. Deactivated or inactive Instagram accounts are reactivated
Sometimes, users may deactivate their Instagram accounts temporarily or become inactive for a period of time. This can happen for various reasons, such as taking a break from social media or addressing personal issues. When an account is deactivated or inactive, it is temporarily removed from your following list. However, if the user decides to reactivate their account, they will be added back to your following list, causing a change in your follower count.
4. Instagram bugs
Like any other app or platform, Instagram is not immune to technical issues and bugs. These bugs can affect the functionality of the app, including the accuracy of your follower count. If you notice sudden changes in your following count, it could be due to an Instagram bug. Typically, these issues are resolved by Instagram’s technical team, and your follower count should return to normal after some time.
5. Instagram’s servers are down
Occasionally, Instagram’s servers may experience downtime or maintenance, resulting in temporary disruptions to various features and services. During these periods, you may notice discrepancies in your follower count. Instagram’s follower count relies on its servers, so when they are down or experiencing issues, your follower count may not be accurately displayed. Once Instagram’s servers are operational again, your follower count should be back to normal.
6. People are deleting their Instagram accounts
Sometimes, users decide to permanently delete their Instagram accounts for personal reasons. This could be due to privacy concerns, a desire to disconnect from social media, or other factors. When someone deletes their account, they are automatically removed from your following list. If you notice an Instagram user tag instead of their name, it indicates that they have deleted their account. You can search for their usernames to check if their accounts are still active.
7. Instagram users are blocking you
If someone decides to block you on Instagram, you will no longer be able to see their profile or interact with them on the platform. This can happen for various reasons, such as conflicts, disagreements, or privacy concerns. When someone blocks you, they are effectively removing themselves from your following list, resulting in a change in your follower count. If you suspect that someone has blocked you, try searching for their profile or sending them a direct message to confirm.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why your following count on Instagram may keep changing. It could be due to Instagram’s efforts to eliminate bots and accounts that violate their community guidelines, users following and unfollowing you based on their interests, deactivated or reactivated accounts, Instagram bugs, server downtime, account deletions, or being blocked by other users. It’s important to remember that follower count fluctuations are normal and not to be overly concerned about them. Focus on creating engaging content and building genuine connections with your followers.
