How to Remove Followers on Instagram: A Definitive Guide

So, you’re looking to curate your Instagram follower list? Excellent! Removing followers on Instagram is a straightforward process, and you have two main avenues to pursue it: individually removing followers or blocking accounts. Let’s break down each method.

Method 1: Removing Followers Individually

This option is ideal when you want to prune your follower list without completely cutting ties. The person won’t be notified that you removed them, and they can still find your profile, but they will have to re-follow you if they wish to see your content again.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Go to your profile: Open the Instagram app and tap your profile picture in the bottom right corner.
2. Access your followers list: Tap on the “Followers” count at the top of your profile.
3. Identify the follower: Scroll through the list or use the search bar to find the specific follower you want to remove.
4. Remove the follower: Tap the “Remove” button next to their name.
5. Confirm removal: A pop-up window will appear asking, “Remove this follower?”. Tap “Remove” to confirm.

Method 2: Blocking Accounts

Blocking an account is a more drastic measure. When you block someone, they can no longer see your profile, posts, stories, or reels. They also can’t message you, and you won’t see their content either. This is best used for dealing with unwanted attention, spam accounts, or individuals you want to completely disconnect from.

Here’s how to block someone:

1. Go to the person’s profile: Search for their username or find them through your direct messages or following/followers list.
2. Access the options menu: Tap the three dots (ellipsis) in the top right corner of their profile.
3. Select “Block”: Choose the “Block” option from the menu.
4. Confirm your choice: Instagram will likely ask if you want to just block the account, or block the account and any new accounts they may create. Select the option best suited to your situation.

Understanding the Nuances of Follower Removal

It’s important to understand the implications of each method. Removing a follower is relatively discreet, while blocking is more definitive. Consider your reasons for wanting to remove someone before choosing the appropriate action. Are you simply trying to streamline your feed, or are you dealing with harassment? Your answer will guide your decision.

Why Remove Followers?

There are many valid reasons to curate your follower list:

• Improved Engagement: Having a smaller, more engaged audience can lead to better interaction on your posts.
• Privacy: You might want to restrict who sees your content, especially if you share personal information.
• Removing Bots and Fake Accounts: Getting rid of these accounts improves your analytics and overall experience.
• Aesthetic Consistency: Some users want a specific “look” for their followers, which means only genuine accounts with similar interests.
• Dealing with Negativity: Removing followers who are consistently negative or critical can improve your mental well-being.

The Impact on Your Account

Removing followers might seem like a superficial act, but it can subtly impact your account. A smaller follower count might initially appear negative, but a more engaged audience can lead to higher engagement rates, which is often viewed favorably by the Instagram algorithm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some commonly asked questions about removing followers on Instagram:

FAQ 1: Will the person know if I remove them as a follower?

No, Instagram does not notify users when they are removed as a follower. They will only realize they are no longer following you if they visit your profile and see the “Follow” button instead of the “Following” button.

FAQ 2: Can I remove multiple followers at once?

Unfortunately, Instagram does not offer a native feature to remove multiple followers simultaneously. You have to remove them individually, or use a third-party app (use these with caution).

FAQ 3: Are there any third-party apps that can remove followers in bulk?

Yes, there are some third-party apps that claim to offer this functionality. However, exercise extreme caution when using such apps. They often require you to provide your Instagram login credentials, which could compromise your account security. Furthermore, Instagram’s terms of service generally prohibit the use of unauthorized third-party apps. Using them can result in account suspension or permanent ban.

FAQ 4: Is it better to remove or block a follower?

It depends on your goal. Removing a follower is less drastic and suitable when you simply want to curate your audience without completely severing ties. Blocking is a more definitive action, best used for dealing with harassment, spam, or unwanted attention.

FAQ 5: Can I remove someone who doesn’t follow me?

No, you can only remove people who are currently following you. If someone isn’t following you, they’re already not seeing your content unless they actively seek it out.

FAQ 6: If I remove a follower, can they still see my public posts?

Yes, if your account is public, anyone (including someone you’ve removed as a follower) can still view your posts by visiting your profile. Removing them simply means they won’t automatically see your content in their feed.

FAQ 7: If I block someone, can they create a new account to follow me?

While blocking someone prevents them from accessing your profile with their current account, they could theoretically create a new account. However, Instagram is constantly working on methods to prevent this, and blocking someone will at least make it more difficult for them to interact with you. You can also block multiple suspected accounts linked to the same person.

FAQ 8: Does removing followers affect my engagement rate?

Yes, it can. While your overall follower count might decrease, removing inactive or uninterested followers can improve your engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) because your content is being shown to a more receptive audience. This can be a positive impact in the long run.

FAQ 9: Will removing a follower affect my relationship with them in real life?

Potentially. While Instagram doesn’t notify users when they are removed, they might notice and be offended. Consider the potential real-life consequences before removing someone you know personally. If you have a close relationship, it might be worth having a conversation with them first.

FAQ 10: Can I undo removing a follower?

No, you cannot undo removing a follower. If you want them to follow you again, they will have to re-follow you manually.

FAQ 11: Is there a limit to how many followers I can remove in a day?

Instagram doesn’t publicly disclose specific limits, but removing a large number of followers in a short period could be flagged as suspicious activity. It’s best to remove followers gradually over time to avoid triggering any automated filters.

FAQ 12: What should I do if I’m being harassed on Instagram?

If you’re being harassed, blocking the offending account is a good first step. You should also report the account to Instagram. They have dedicated tools and teams to handle harassment and abuse. Document the harassment by taking screenshots, and consider contacting law enforcement if the situation escalates to threats or stalking.