How to See Following in Order on Instagram: A Deep Dive

Alright, let’s cut to the chase. You want to see your Instagram following list in chronological order, or perhaps by some other specific criteria. The bad news? Instagram doesn’t offer a native, built-in feature to sort your “Following” list chronologically (newest to oldest or vice versa) or by other parameters directly within the app. It’s a user experience decision they’ve made, prioritizing their algorithms and suggested content.

But don’t despair! While you can’t achieve perfect chronological order directly within the Instagram app anymore, there are some workarounds and alternative methods we can explore. We’ll delve into those, but first, let’s understand why this seemingly simple task is surprisingly complicated.

Understanding Instagram’s Algorithm and Why It Matters

Instagram’s primary goal is to keep you engaged on the platform for as long as possible. To achieve this, they use a complex algorithm that analyzes your behavior – what you like, who you interact with, how long you watch videos, and more. This data informs what content appears in your feed and, crucially, how your “Following” list is presented.

The order you see your “Following” list is not random, but it’s also not purely chronological. The algorithm factors in your interaction frequency, recency, and relationship strength with each account. The people you engage with most frequently are likely to appear higher on the list. While this is frustrating when you want to see a list of followed accounts in true order, the algorithm is designed to show you the accounts you are most likely to care about first.

The Historical Context: Remembering When It Was Easier

There was a time when Instagram allowed users to sort their following list chronologically. This feature was removed years ago, citing concerns about its impact on user experience and data management. While there are undoubtedly technical reasons for this decision, it ultimately boils down to Instagram wanting to control the user experience and prioritize engagement.

Workarounds and Alternative Methods

While a perfect solution remains elusive, let’s explore some potential workarounds, keeping in mind their limitations:

1. Manually Scrolling and Remembering

This is the most basic, and frankly, the most tedious method. If you’ve only recently followed a few accounts, you can scroll through your “Following” list and try to remember when you added them. This is obviously impractical for anyone following a large number of accounts.

2. Third-Party Apps (Use with Caution!)

There are third-party apps that claim to offer sorting and management features for your Instagram following list. However, be extremely cautious when using these apps! Many of them require you to grant them access to your Instagram account, which can compromise your security and privacy. Instagram’s terms of service also prohibit the use of unauthorized third-party apps, and using them could result in your account being suspended or banned.

If you choose to explore this option, thoroughly research the app’s reputation, read reviews, and understand its data privacy policy before granting any permissions. Look for apps with a proven track record of security and transparency. It’s generally best to avoid apps that ask for your Instagram password directly.

Disclaimer: I am not endorsing or recommending any specific third-party apps. Use them at your own risk!

3. Request Your Data from Instagram

Instagram allows you to download a copy of your data, including a list of the accounts you follow. This data is usually provided in a JSON file, which can be difficult to parse directly. However, you can use a script or tool to convert the JSON data into a more readable format, such as a CSV file.

The CSV file will contain information about each account you follow, including the date you started following them. You can then sort the CSV file by date to see your following list in chronological order.

Here’s how to request your data:

• Go to your Instagram profile on a desktop computer (this is the easiest way).
• Click on “Settings.”
• Click on “Privacy and Security.”
• Scroll down to “Data Download” and click “Request Download.”
• Choose the format (JSON is recommended) and click “Next.”
• Enter your password and click “Request.”

It can take a few days for Instagram to process your request and provide you with the data.

4. Utilize the Instagram API (For Developers)

If you have programming skills, you can use the Instagram API to access your following list and sort it programmatically. This requires creating an Instagram developer account and understanding how to use the API. This is definitely the most technical option, but it offers the most control over the data.

The Future of Sorting: Will Instagram Ever Bring Back the Feature?

It’s impossible to say for sure whether Instagram will ever reintroduce a chronological sorting feature for the “Following” list. User feedback is important, so expressing your desire for this feature directly to Instagram through their support channels could potentially influence their future development plans. In the meantime, the workarounds mentioned above are your best bet.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Why did Instagram remove the chronological sorting feature?

Instagram has never explicitly stated the exact reasons, but it’s widely believed that the decision was driven by a desire to improve user engagement and control the user experience. Their algorithm prioritizes content based on relevance and interaction, and a chronological feed might not align with this goal. They likely also had to take account of the amount of data that had to be managed to produce this view.

2. Is it safe to use third-party apps to sort my following list?

Using third-party apps carries risks. Many apps require access to your account, potentially compromising your security and privacy. Always research the app thoroughly before granting any permissions, and be wary of apps that ask for your password directly.

3. How long does it take to download my data from Instagram?

The processing time can vary, but it usually takes a few days for Instagram to prepare your data for download. You’ll receive an email notification when it’s ready.

4. What format is the downloaded data in, and how do I open it?

The data is usually provided in a JSON (JavaScript Object Notation) format. You can open JSON files with a text editor, but they can be difficult to read. Consider using a JSON viewer or converter to make the data more readable. The CSV option will make the data easier to work with.

5. Can I sort my “Followers” list instead of my “Following” list?

The same limitations apply to your “Followers” list. Instagram doesn’t offer a built-in feature to sort it chronologically. Third-party apps might offer this functionality, but proceed with caution. You can however see new followers easily, by navigating to Activity > Following

6. Will using a third-party app get my Instagram account banned?

Using unauthorized third-party apps can violate Instagram’s terms of service and could result in your account being suspended or banned. Use such apps at your own risk.

7. Are there any legitimate apps that are recommended for Instagram management?

There are legitimate apps for scheduling posts, analyzing your analytics, and creating engaging content. However, avoid apps that promise to automate actions or manipulate your following list. Those kinds of apps often violate Instagram’s terms and are dangerous.

8. Does Instagram ever listen to user feedback about feature requests?

Yes, Instagram does consider user feedback. You can submit feature requests through their support channels or by participating in beta testing programs.

9. What is the Instagram API, and how can I use it?

The Instagram API is a set of tools that allows developers to access and interact with Instagram data programmatically. It requires programming knowledge and the creation of an Instagram developer account.

10. Can I see a list of the accounts I’ve recently followed?

Instagram does not offer a direct way to see a list of the accounts you’ve recently followed outside of manually remembering or logging the followed accounts.

11. Is there a way to get notified when someone I follow starts following someone new?

Not natively within Instagram. Some third-party apps used to offer this feature, but their reliability is questionable, and they often violate Instagram’s terms of service. Avoid using such apps.

12. Are there any ethical concerns with using third-party apps to manage my Instagram account?

Yes, there are ethical concerns. Many third-party apps rely on deceptive tactics, such as buying fake followers or automating engagement, which can harm the integrity of the platform and mislead other users. Stick to organic growth and ethical practices.