How to Follow Someone on Amazon: The Ultimate Guide

Following someone on Amazon? You might be surprised to learn that Amazon doesn’t offer a direct “follow” feature in the way you might expect on social media platforms like Twitter or Instagram. There isn’t a button that says “Follow User.” However, there are clever workarounds and alternative methods to stay informed about the products and interests of specific individuals – whether they are friends, family, or influencers whose opinions you value. This article dives into these methods and provides a comprehensive guide to achieving the desired outcome.

Understanding Amazon’s Ecosystem and the “Follow” Concept

Amazon’s focus is primarily on product discovery and purchase, not on fostering a social network. Therefore, the “follow” mechanisms are indirect and product-centric rather than user-centric. We’re essentially leveraging existing features in innovative ways.

Method 1: Following Wish Lists

The closest thing to a direct “follow” on Amazon is tracking someone’s Wish Lists. Most people create Wish Lists for various occasions, like birthdays, holidays, or simply to save items they are interested in purchasing later.

1. Find the User’s Profile: The easiest way to do this is if they have publicly shared their Wish List with you, directly.
2. Access Their Wish List: Once you have the link to their Wish List, click on it.
3. “Add to Cart” or “Move to List”: While there’s no explicit “Follow” button, frequently checking their list gives you insight into their current interests and potential purchases. Consider adding items to your cart to track price changes, or moving them to your own Wish List for future reference. This allows you to monitor updates effectively.

This method provides insight into their product interests but requires manual checking for updates.

Method 2: Utilizing Amazon Lists (Beyond Wish Lists)

Amazon allows users to create various types of lists, not just Wish Lists. This can include “Gift Ideas,” “Reading Lists,” or even lists based on specific hobbies.

1. Discover Public Lists: Some users make their lists public and share them. If you know someone has shared a specific list related to a particular interest, this is a golden opportunity.
2. Monitor List Changes: Again, there’s no automatic notification. You’ll need to periodically visit the list to see what new items have been added. This requires proactive monitoring.

This approach offers a targeted view into specific areas of interest but relies on users actively sharing their lists.

Method 3: Leveraging Amazon Communities and Reviews

While not a direct “follow,” you can indirectly “follow” someone by monitoring their product reviews and contributions to Amazon communities.

1. Find Their Reviews: If you know the person’s name, you can sometimes search for their reviews on specific products. Alternatively, if you see a review you find insightful, you can click on the reviewer’s profile.
2. Explore Their Review History: This gives you a sense of their taste and buying habits. You can’t “follow” their reviews directly for notifications, but you can periodically check their profile to see what they’ve been reviewing lately.
3. Engage with their Reviews: You can mark their reviews as “helpful,” which might encourage them to write more reviews in the future, providing you with ongoing insights.

This method offers insights into their opinions and experiences with products but requires active searching and engagement.

Method 4: Exploring “Customers Who Bought This Item Also Bought”

This is a more passive method, but it can be surprisingly effective. If you know someone has purchased a specific item, you can look at the “Customers who bought this item also bought” section on the product page.

1. Identify a Key Purchase: Find an item you know the person recently purchased.
2. Analyze Related Purchases: Explore the “Customers who bought this item also bought” section. This can give you clues about their related interests and future purchase intentions.
3. Look for Patterns: Are there recurring themes or categories in the related purchases? This can provide insights into their evolving tastes and needs.

This technique offers indirect insights into buying patterns based on shared purchases.

Method 5: Using Third-Party Tools (Use with Caution)

While not officially sanctioned by Amazon, some third-party browser extensions or websites claim to offer “follow” functionality or enhanced product tracking.

1. Research Thoroughly: If you choose to explore these tools, exercise extreme caution. Read reviews carefully, and ensure the tool is reputable and doesn’t compromise your privacy or security.
2. Understand the Risks: Many of these tools require access to your Amazon account data, which could pose a security risk.
3. Focus on Privacy: Prioritize tools that have clear privacy policies and data protection measures.

This option offers potential benefits but comes with significant security and privacy risks. It is not recommended unless you have thoroughly vetted the third-party tool.

Amazon “Following” – Managing Expectations

It’s crucial to understand the limitations. Amazon is not designed to be a social platform. The methods described above are workarounds, not official features. Expect manual effort and limited automation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I get notified when someone adds an item to their Wish List?

Unfortunately, no. Amazon doesn’t provide direct notifications for Wish List updates. You need to manually check the list periodically.

2. Is there a way to see all the products someone has purchased on Amazon?

No. Amazon prioritizes user privacy. You cannot see a comprehensive list of someone’s purchase history without their direct consent (e.g., via a shared list).

3. Can I create a shared Wish List with a friend?

Yes. Amazon allows you to create shared Wish Lists that multiple people can contribute to. This is a great way to collaboratively track products of interest.

4. How do I make my Amazon Wish List private?

Go to your Wish List settings and set the privacy to “Private.” Only you will be able to see the list.

5. Are there any Amazon Chrome extensions that allow me to follow users?

There are some extensions that claim to offer this functionality, but exercise extreme caution. Research the extension thoroughly and ensure it’s reputable before installing it. Many of these extensions request access to your Amazon data and could be malicious.

6. Can I “follow” a brand or seller on Amazon?

Yes. You can “Follow” brands on Amazon by clicking the “Follow” button on their brand page. This will allow you to receive updates on new products and deals from that brand.

7. What’s the difference between a Wish List and a Registry on Amazon?

A Wish List is a general list of items you desire. A Registry (like a Wedding Registry or Baby Registry) is typically used for specific life events and allows for more advanced features, such as tracking who has purchased which items.

8. How do I find someone’s Amazon profile page?

Finding a specific user’s profile page can be tricky. It’s usually easiest if they’ve shared a link to their Wish List or if you find one of their product reviews.

9. Can I see if someone has viewed my Wish List?

No. Amazon doesn’t provide information about who has viewed your Wish List.

10. Is it legal to use third-party tools to track someone’s Amazon activity?

It depends on the specific tool and how it’s used. Generally, using tools to access private information without consent could be illegal. Always prioritize ethical and legal considerations.

11. How can I recommend products to someone on Amazon?

You can directly share a product link with them via email, text message, or other messaging platforms.

12. Why doesn’t Amazon have a direct “follow” feature like other social media platforms?

Amazon’s primary focus is on e-commerce, not social networking. A direct “follow” feature might distract from the core shopping experience. They also prioritize user privacy, which might limit the scope of such a feature.