Stop Instagram from Automatically Following Accounts—this phrase might sound familiar to many Instagram users. It’s a common issue that has left numerous users puzzled and frustrated. But why does this happen? And more importantly, how can you stop it?
Instagram, a platform that thrives on the connections we make, has a feature that suggests accounts you might be interested in. However, sometimes, it might seem like Instagram is automatically following accounts on your behalf. This can lead to a cluttered feed, filled with content that you may not be interested in.
This article aims to guide you through the process of regaining control over your Instagram account. We’ll delve into the mechanisms of Instagram’s following system, provide a step-by-step guide on how to stop Instagram from automatically following accounts, and share tips on managing your following list effectively.
By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of how to curate your Instagram experience according to your preferences. So, let’s embark on this journey to reclaim your Instagram feed and stop unwanted accounts from popping up in your following list. Stay tuned!
Understanding Instagram’s Following Mechanism
Instagram, one of the most popular social media platforms, has a complex algorithm that determines the content you see and the accounts it suggests for you to follow. This algorithm is not a single entity but a collection of algorithms, each designed for different sections of Instagram such as the Feed, Stories, Reels, and the Explore Page.
The Instagram algorithm analyzes various ‘signals’ or information about the post, the person who posted it, and the user. These signals include your activity (likes, comments, shares, and saves), information about the post (is it a photo or a video? when was it posted? how many likes does it have?), and information about the poster (how interesting are they to you? are they your friend? how often do people engage with their content?).
For instance, when you’re browsing through Stories, the algorithm prioritizes content from accounts you interact with frequently. On the other hand, when you’re on the Explore Page, the algorithm aims to show you new and popular content that aligns with your interests.
As of 2022, Instagram users can choose between three different kinds of Feeds: Chronological (the “Following” Feed), where you see content in order of recency, and Algorithmic (the “Home” Feed), which is based more heavily on the Feed algorithm. The Following Feed won’t show any suggested posts from accounts you do not follow.
However, sometimes, it might seem like Instagram is automatically following accounts on your behalf. This could be due to Instagram’s algorithm analyzing your activity and interactions, and predicting what content you might find interesting. But rest assured, Instagram does not automatically follow accounts without your consent.
Now, we will delve into the steps you can take to stop Instagram from automatically following accounts. Stay tuned!
Steps to Stop Instagram from Automatically Following Accounts
Instagram’s automatic following of accounts can be a nuisance, but there are steps you can take to regain control of your account.
1. Revoke Access to Third-Party Apps
The first step is to revoke access to any third-party apps or websites that are linked to your Instagram account. These apps often have access to your account and may follow specific accounts in the background. Here’s how to do it:
- Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon.
- Tap the three-line menu at the top-right corner and select ‘Settings’.
- Open ‘Security’ and select ‘Apps and websites’.
- You’ll see a list of apps and websites connected to your Instagram account. Remove any apps or websites that you don’t recognize or trust.
2. Change Your Password
Changing your password is another effective way to secure your account. If you suspect that someone has gained access to your account, it’s crucial to change your password immediately. Here’s how:
- Go to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Security’.
- Select ‘Password’ and enter your current password.
- Now, enter your new password and confirm it.
3. Enable Two-Factor Authentication
Two-factor authentication adds an extra layer of security to your account. When you log in to Instagram from a new device, you’ll be asked to enter a special login code or confirm your login attempt. Here’s how to enable it:
- Go to ‘Settings’ and then ‘Security’.
- Select ‘Two-Factor Authentication’.
- Choose the authentication method you prefer and follow the on-screen instructions.
4. Check Your Instagram Login Activity
Instagram remembers your account info whenever you use a new phone or web browser to log into your account. If you’ve used a device that isn’t yours to check your Instagram account, it’s a good idea to remove your remembered account from those devices. Here’s how:
- Open the Instagram app and tap on your profile icon.
- Tap the three-line menu at the top-right corner and select ‘Settings’.
- Open ‘Security’ and select ‘Login activity’.
- Instagram will show you your recent login activity. If you see any unfamiliar devices or locations, tap on it and then tap ‘Log out’.
By following these steps, you can stop Instagram from automatically following accounts and ensure that your account is secure.
How to Manage Your Following List on Instagram
Managing your following list on Instagram is an essential part of maintaining a clean and personalized feed. Here are some steps you can take to manage your following list effectively:
1. Organize Who You Follow
Instagram has a feature that allows you to organize the accounts you follow based on different categories. You can access this feature from your profile. Once you’re there, you’ll notice that you can sort the accounts you’re following into two categories: “Most Shown In Feed” and “Least Interacted With”. This way, you can get a clear idea of who you’re following and decide if you’re invested enough to keep following them.
2. Unfollow Unwanted Accounts
If you no longer wish to keep following someone, you can tap the “Following” button to change it. This will remove their posts from your feed and help you curate a more personalized Instagram experience.
3. Mute Accounts
If you’re okay with continuing to follow someone, but would like to limit how much you see their posts, you can hit the three dots by the name of the account and click on “Manage Notifications” or “Mute”. This way, you’ll see fewer posts (or no posts) from that account while avoiding the harshness of an “Unfollow”.
4. Order Your Following List
Your following list is now organized by who you followed recently and who you followed last. To change this, go to the Following tab, tap “Sort By Default”, and choose either “Order Recently Followed Accounts” or “Order Recently Updated Accounts”.
By following these steps, you can effectively manage your following list on Instagram and ensure that your feed only contains content that you are interested in. Now, we’ll discuss preventive measures and best practices for maintaining a secure and personalized Instagram account. Stay tuned!
Preventive Measures and Best Practices
Maintaining a secure and personalized Instagram account requires a combination of preventive measures and best practices.
1. Set Clear Goals
Every great social media marketing strategy begins with a solid set of clear, measurable goals. Are you planning to use Instagram to build brand awareness? Drive product sales? Engage with your community? Maybe all of the above? What you want to get out of Instagram will determine what you should put into it.
2. Post at the Right Time
Hootsuite research shows that the best time to post photos on Instagram is 11 a.m. on Wednesdays. For Reels, it’s 9 a.m. and 12 p.m. Monday to Thursday. But to find the most effective time to post for your particular account, you’ll need to understand the Instagram habits of your particular audience.
3. Schedule Your Content in Advance
Once you know the best times to post, you can start planning and creating your content in advance, then scheduling it to post at the appropriate time. This allows you to create quality content in dedicated blocks of time, which maximizes your creative resources.
4. Stay on Top of Instagram Changes and Updates
Instagram is constantly evolving, which means brands have to always stay on top of the latest trends and features. This will give you the foresight to leverage these changes and updates ahead of your competitors.
5. Pay Attention to What Your Audience Wants
Even if they don’t explicitly express their thoughts, your audience’s behaviors and actions can tell you a lot about what they want to see. Use insights from your social media analytics to find out what kind of content they like to interact with.
By following these preventive measures and best practices, you can maintain a secure and personalized Instagram account.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Instagram
1. Why is my Instagram account automatically following people?
This usually happens when a third-party app or website has access to your Instagram account. To stop this, you should revoke access to these third-party apps, change your password, and enable two-factor authentication.
2. Why am I following accounts on Instagram that I never followed?
This could be due to a third-party app or website that has access to your Instagram account. It could also be because your account has been compromised or old, deactivated accounts you followed previously were reactivated.
3. How do I turn off following on Instagram?
Instagram does not have a feature to turn off following. However, you can manage your followers by revoking access to third-party apps, changing your password, and enabling two-factor authentication.
4. Why am I suddenly getting a lot of follow requests on Instagram?
This could be due to spammers gaining control of your account or through a third-party app you’ve approved. To prevent this, ensure that no one else can access your account but you.
5. How do I get rid of ghost following on Instagram?
Ghost followers are inactive or fake Instagram accounts. To remove them, you can use Instagram’s “Least Interacted With” feature. You can also manually check your followers and report or block suspicious accounts.
6. Does Instagram automatically accept follow requests?
No, Instagram does not automatically accept follow requests. If you have a private account, potential followers will have to request permission to access your photos and videos. However, if you switch your private account to public, any pending follower requests are automatically accepted.
7. How do I unfollow multiple Instagram accounts?
Unfortunately, Instagram does not allow you to unfollow multiple accounts at once due to its strict limits and spam detection. However, there are third-party apps available that can help you mass unfollow users on Instagram.
Conclusion: Taking Control of Your Instagram Experience
Instagram is a powerful social media platform that offers a plethora of features to its users. However, it’s essential to understand how these features work and how to use them effectively to maintain a secure and personalized Instagram experience.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can stop Instagram from automatically following accounts, manage your following list effectively, and implement preventive measures and best practices. Remember, the key to a great Instagram experience is in your hands. Take control, stay secure, and enjoy your personalized Instagram feed.
