Instagram has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms, with over 1 billion active users as of 2021. It’s a great way to connect with friends and family, share your memories and experiences, and even build a brand or business. However, you may have encountered an issue where you are unable to follow someone on Instagram.
This can be frustrating and may leave you wondering why it’s happening. In this article, we will discuss some common reasons why you might not be able to follow someone on Instagram.
All about Instagram followers for readers
Instagram followers are essentially users who have chosen to follow your account and see your content on their feed. Followers can like, comment, and share your posts, making them an integral part of building engagement on the platform. Having a large number of followers is often seen as a measure of popularity and success on Instagram.
There are several ways to gain followers on Instagram, such as creating high-quality content, using hashtags and geotags, engaging with other users, and promoting your account through collaborations or sponsored posts. However, there may be times when you encounter difficulties in following someone on the platform, despite having a good number of followers yourself.
Your Account is Private
One of the most common reasons for being unable to follow someone on Instagram is that their account is set to private. When an account is private, only approved followers can see their posts and content. If you try to follow someone with a private account, they will receive a notification asking them to approve or deny your request. If they do not approve your request, you will not be able to follow them.
The Person Has Blocked You
Another reason why you might not be able to follow someone on Instagram is that they have blocked you. When someone blocks your account, it means they do not want you to see their content or interact with them on the platform. This could be due to various reasons, such as past conflicts or disagreements. If you suspect someone has blocked you, try searching for their profile through a mutual friend’s account or with a different account.
You Have Reached the Following Limit
Instagram has set a limit for the number of accounts you can follow, which is currently 7,500. If you have reached this limit, you will not be able to follow anyone else until you unfollow some accounts. This could be a reason why you are unable to follow someone on Instagram.
The Person Has Restricted Their Account
Instagram also offers a feature called “Restrict,” which allows users to limit interactions with certain accounts. When an account restricts you, you will not be able to see when they are online or if they have read your messages. They can also choose whether or not your comments appear on their posts. If someone has restricted you, you will not be able to follow them unless they remove the restriction.
Technical Glitches
In some cases, technical glitches could be the reason why you cannot follow someone on Instagram. These can include issues with your internet connection or the app itself. If you are experiencing difficulties following someone, try refreshing the app or restarting your device to see if that solves the issue.
Your Account Has Been Disabled
If you have been violating Instagram’s community guidelines, your account may have been disabled. This means that you will not be able to follow anyone on the platform until your account is reinstated. Some common reasons for accounts being disabled include posting inappropriate content, spamming, or using fake information.
The Person Has Been Reported and Banned
Similarly, if someone you are trying to follow has been reported and banned from Instagram, you will not be able to follow them. This can happen if they have violated the community guidelines or terms of service multiple times. In this case, it is best to respect Instagram’s decision and refrain from trying to follow the person again.
The Person Has Deleted Their Account
Lastly, the reason why you are unable to follow someone on Instagram could simply be because they have deleted their account. This means that all of their content and profile information will no longer be available on the platform, and you will not be able to follow them.
Way forward
Now that you are aware of some of the reasons why you might not be able to follow someone on Instagram, let’s discuss ways to improve your following and engagement on the platform.
Firstly, make sure your account is set to public if you want to gain more followers. This way, anyone can see and follow your content without needing approval. Additionally, try to connect with other users by engaging with their posts and using relevant hashtags to reach a wider audience.
You can also consider collaborating with other influencers or brands in your niche to gain exposure and attract new followers. Another effective way is to use Instagram advertisements, which can help you reach a specific target audience and promote your account.
However, remember that gaining followers should not be the only goal on Instagram. It is important to focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your followers and building genuine connections with them. This will not only help you maintain a loyal following but also attract new followers through word-of-mouth.
Additionally, try to analyze your Instagram insights regularly to understand which posts perform well and what type of content your followers engage with the most. This can give you valuable insights and help you tailor your content to better suit your target audience.
Lastly, remember to use Instagram responsibly and positively. Avoid using bots or buying followers, as this can harm your credibility and reputation on the platform. Instead, focus on building genuine connections and creating meaningful content that adds value to your followers’ lives.