What Are Fake Followers and Why Do I Have Them?
If you spent any time on Instagram, you’ve probably viewed accounts with thousands, if not millions, of followers, setting the bar high for upcoming and prospective influencers. Many users try to beat the system by buying followers from sites claiming to offer cheap followers to boost their accounts quickly. The problem is that many of these sites create fake accounts and profiles that don’t belong to real people, only offering the illusion of popularity without the true interactions real people offer.
While some users purposely buy fake followers, others inadvertently attract bots through their Instagram usage. For example, if you are engaging in spamming-type activity like randomly commenting on a bunch of posts or using irrelevant hashtags, you’re setting your account up as a target for fake accounts.
How To Spot Fake Instagram Followers
If you’re unsure which accounts are real, and which are fake, you can follow a few parameters to spot the bots. Fake followers will generally have:
Check out How to Spot Fake Instagram Accounts to learn more!
How To Remove Fake Followers on Instagram? (5 Steps)
If you’re ready to clear out your fake followers, help increase engagement, and please Instagram’s algorithm ranking, follow the simple steps below.
To Remove Fake Followers One at a Time on Instagram:
Step #1: Open the Instagram app
Step #2: Tap Followers
Step #3: Select the follower you want to remove
Step #4: Select Remove Follower
Step #5: That’s it!
To Bulk Remove Fake Followers on Instagram:
Knowing which accounts are fake can be a challenge if you have a considerable number of followers. While smaller accounts can manually select which followers they want to remove, larger ones will need the help of third-party apps to identify and remove unwanted followers since Instagram requires you to remove users one at a time. Some of the most popular apps include:
For Small and Medium-Sized Accounts:
- Follow Manager
- iMetric
- Instaplus.pro
- Followers Tracker
- Followers & Unfollowers
For Large Accounts:
- Instaplus
- SocialKit
- SpamGuard
- InstaHero
Once you’ve removed your fake followers, it can be disheartening if your follower count is significantly lower. While it will take time, growing your account the right way is the best method for long-lasting success and grabbing the attention of future followers and brands who are excited to work with you.
Why Should You Avoid Fake Instagram Followers?
While tempting, buying or allowing fake followers on your Instagram account can have long-term negative effects, which can stand in the way of achieving your growth goals. Let’s take a look at some of the main reasons your want to avoid having fake followers on your Instagram account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instagram Cleaning Fake Followers 2023?
Instagram's terms and conditions do not allow users to buy fake followers, and they are constantly looking for accounts that participate in these practices. While gaining fake followers without your knowledge won't get you banned, if the platform believes you are participating in these activities, they may suspend you.
Will Instagram Remove My Account If I Have Fake Followers?
If your account is flagged for spam or abnormally high numbers of fake accounts, Instagram may remove it from the platform.
Does Removing Fake Followers Help?
While it may take a while to remove all the fake followers on your account, doing so will help your content perform better, increase visibility and engagement, and ensure you rank higher with the app's algorithm.
Conclusion
If you have fake followers on Instagram, they may be causing more harm than good to your account. For smaller accounts, removing them individually works well, but larger accounts may need the help of a third-party removal app. Growing your account organically is always the best way to catch the eye of brands and other users, ensuring your role as an influencer is authentic and well-deserved.
