Simply put, Instagram's algorithm lists accounts at the top of the followers list that you're most likely to interact with, based on profiles you most commonly view, message, or DM. If you haven't necessarily interacted with any of them, Instagram may base the order on shared interests.
Instagram automatically sorts an account's followers list once enough data has been gathered on three aspects: recent interactions, relationships, and follower relevance. Each aspect is influenced by multiple factors, which will be analyzed by Instagram's algorithm before sorting the follower's list.
The algorithm evaluates this by looking at the following: Your activity. Signals like which Reels you've liked, commented on and engaged with all help Instagram understand what kind of content could be the most relevant to you. Your history of interacting with the person who posted.
The Instagram algorithm dictates the order of the posts users see when they're scrolling through their feed. Based on specific signals, it prioritizes the best posts, pushing the most relevant ones toward the top and giving them the most visibility, while other content ends up being placed further down.
We recommend posting at least once daily — whether a carousel, a Reel, or a Story. Head of Instagram, Adam Mosseri, recommends posting two feed posts per week and two stories per day.
In a nutshell, there are three reasons contributing to the issue: Your followers have deleted their accounts. Instagram periodically removes bots, fake accounts, or inactive users. If a significant number of such accounts are removed, it may lead to a decrease in your follower count.
You're not posting at the right times
The timing of your posts is crucial in order to reach the maximum number of people. Research when your target audience is most active on Instagram and try to post during those times.
If you notice a change to the number of likes, follows or comments on your account, it may be because some came from accounts generating inauthentic activity. Sometimes, non-Instagram apps create automated likes, comments and follows to make an account appear more popular than it is.
Simply put, Instagram's algorithm lists accounts at the top of the followers list that you're most likely to interact with, based on profiles you most commonly view, message, or DM. If you haven't necessarily interacted with any of them, Instagram may base the order on shared interests.
Instagram accounts with 1,000 followers make $1,420/month on average and up to $100 per sponsored post. However, Instagram does not pay influencers directly, so you can begin making money whenever you land your first sponsorship deal or join an affiliate program, even if you don't have 1,000 followers yet.
The list of your Instagram followers is chronological. At the top of the list, you'll find your most recent followers. What is this? The very bottom of your followers list you can find your first followers (if they still follow you).
Average number of Instagram followers
Globally, more than 26.43% of Instagram followers have less than 1,000 followers. The largest segment are users that have between 1,000 - 10,000 followers with 49.94% and together the two segments make up the majority of Instagram users with 76.37%.
Use a combination of popular and generic hashtags and niche hashtags for optimized audience reach and content relevance. Maximize the use of Instagram's tagging feature. Tag relevant locations and/or other users in your posts. Encourage your followers to tag your social media accounts, as well.
No one knows who you are yet. You've still got to prove yourself as a successful brand and influencer. But that doesn't mean it's not possible. If you follow this guide on how to get followers on Instagram, you could hit 10,000 Instagram followers in as little as six months.
Consistency is vital for Instagram success. If you don't have a regular posting schedule or take a break from posting you may notice a drop in likes. That's because Instagram rewards creators who are active and post regularly. Solution: You should be posting consistently as much as possible.
Here are a few of the negatives of removing like counts: Fewer metrics – By removing like counts on posts, Instagram and Facebook take away one of the main indicators of engagement. Brands and marketers may lose out because users could be less motivated to like a post just because everyone else is doing it.
It appears the sudden drop in follower count was actually due to an Instagram glitch. Last November, Instagram announced it would start removing inauthentic likes, follows and comments from accounts that use third-party apps to generate popularity on the platform.
Wait: Sometimes, Instagram's servers can take a few minutes or hours to update the follower count. Give it some time and check back later. Refresh the page: Sometimes, a simple refresh of your profile page will resolve the issue. Try this a few times before trying anything else.