Instagram deleting followers is a common issue that many users face. There are several potential reasons why Instagram may delete followers from an account. Understanding why this happens can help Instagram users identify solutions and prevent follower drops in the future.
Instagram Algorithm and Inactive Followers
One of the main reasons Instagram deletes followers is due to changes in their algorithm. Instagram frequently updates its algorithm to improve the user experience. One of the main goals is to remove inactive accounts and fake engagement from the platform.
So when Instagram algorithm detects inactive, fake or bot accounts following you, it will delete those accounts to clean up the platform. These types of accounts are often follows users obtained through follow/unfollow techniques or buying fake followers.
Instagram wants real engagement on the platform. If an account has not liked, commented on or interacted with your content after a certain time period, Instagram may delete them from your followers list. This helps ensure your follower count reflects active, real followers.
Blocking Spam Accounts and Bots
Another reason Instagram may suddenly delete followers is due to blocking spam accounts and bots. Instagram is constantly working to detect and remove spam accounts from the platform.
Sometimes bot accounts will follow legitimate users in an attempt to avoid detection by Instagram. Other times, spam accounts are created to send unwanted direct messages or comments.
When Instagram discovers these types of accounts, they quickly block them. This results in those accounts being deleted from any user that they were following.
Violating Instagram’s Terms of Service
Users who violate Instagram’s Terms of Service risk having their accounts deleted by Instagram. This includes accounts that are found to be abusive, send spam, or engage in any illegal or prohibited activity outlined in Instagram’s guidelines.
If you were following an account that broke Instagram’s rules, that account would be deleted or blocked, including removing them from your followers list. Ensure the accounts you follow adhere to Instagram’s Terms of Service to avoid this issue.
Sudden Drops in Followers
Some users notice a sudden, significant drop in their Instagram followers. One day they have a certain follower count, and the next day they are missing a chunk of followers.
These sudden decreases tend to occur when Instagram performs a purge of fake or inactive accounts on the platform. They aim to delete accounts violating their rules in batches rather than one-by-one.
So if you notice a sudden decrease in followers, it is likely due to Instagram removing a group of accounts that broke their rules or were identified as spam/bots.
Hacked Accounts
Unfortunately, some Instagram accounts get hacked by malicious actors. If a user gains access to an account, they may unfollow accounts in order to send that user’s followers spam content.
If you notice an account you follow has unfollowed you without explanation, it is possible their account was hacked. Reach out to the user to notify them so they can regain access to their account.
Accidentally Unfollowing an Account
Users may accidentally unfollow someone while scrolling and tapping through Instagram. This can happen by tapping on a following button by mistake. Or when quickly scrolling, a user could accidentally remove an account from their following list.
Before assuming you were purposely unfollowed, check whether it could have been an accidental tap. Notify the user so they can refollow your account if it was a mistake.
Changing Interests
As user interests change over time, they may review the accounts they follow and unfollow ones that no longer align with their taste or preferences.
For example, if a user originally followed an influencer for fitness tips but is no longer into fitness, they may unfollow that account to declutter their feed.
Don’t take it personally if someone unfollows you because their interests changed. Refocus on creating content your current followers will appreciate.
Over-Targeting a Niche
While it is good to have a specific niche and target audience on Instagram, accounts that over-target a niche may bore followers outside that niche. For example, a makeup account that only and excessively posts makeup tutorials may not engage a follower interested in other types of content as well.
Having a niche is great, but incorporate variety and diversify your content. This maintains the interest of followers who may get bored only seeing a single type of post continuously.
Influencer Selling Out
Followers appreciate influencers who stay true to themselves and their brand throughout their career. Some influencers gain followers quickly when they are perceived as authentic, everyday people.
However, if that same influencer later begins excessively promoting products solely for money, it comes across as inauthentic. Followers may unfollow them for “selling out” and losing what made them relatable in the first place.
Avoid drastically changing your brand or compromising your image. Followers appreciate consistency and authenticity from influencers.
Private Accounts
You may notice losing followers when you switch your Instagram account from public to private. Accounts that you previously followed likely will not see and can no longer access your private content.
Some followers delete private accounts because they want to continue seeing the content. Others may not realize they must request to follow private accounts again. Switching to private often results in cleaning out followers.
Offensive or Controversial Content
Posting offensive, insensitive or controversial content may cause followers to remove you from their following list. Even if the post was unintentional, followers may be quick to unfollow.
Controversy, politics, and social issues can be tricky to balance on Instagram. Thoroughly think through the content you post and how it could be interpreted by others. An offensive post could lead to a wave of unfollows.
Spamming Features
Avoid spamming Instagram features like Stories, Live, IGTV, Reels, and hashtags. Posting excessive content or overusing features can cause followers to mute, unfollow, or report your account for being spammy.
While you want to utilize Instagram’s features, find a balance tailored to your audience. For example, posting 20+ Stories in a row could be perceived as overkill. Stick to a reasonable amount to avoid driving followers away.
Following/Unfollowing Too Much
Aggressively following and then unfollowing accounts after a short time period is frowned upon on Instagram. The goal is to build real connections, not artificial follower numbers.
If you follow accounts only to unfollow them to boost your own follower count, those users will likely block and report you. This can lead to deleted accounts and followers. Engage authentically rather than artificially inflating your reach.
Buying Fake Followers
Do not buy fake Instagram followers from third-party websites or services. These are often bot accounts that will not engage with your brand. Instagram identifies and removes fake followers to keep the platform authentic.
Focus on content that organically attracts real followers. Buying followers will only result in losing followers once Instagram’s algorithm detects the inauthentic activity.
Shadowbanned by Instagram
Accounts that violate Instagram’s terms get shadowbanned from the platform. This means your content and profile are hidden from other users without you being notified.
During a shadowban, your engagement will plummet. Followers won’t see your content in their feed, so they may unfollow if they do not realize your account has been shadowbanned.
To get your account back in good standing, avoid activities that violate Instagram’s rules. Once your behavior aligns with their policies again, Instagram will lift the shadowban.
Conclusion
Losing Instagram followers can be discouraging, but is often out of the user’s direct control. By understanding how Instagram’s algorithm works and avoiding violations of their policies, users can minimize follower drops while growing an engaged audience that connects with their brand.
Focus on creating high-quality, relevant content rather than artificially inflating follower counts. Instagram will reward genuine accounts that bring value to the community.
