Follow vs Following: Instagram Meaning (2024)

Ever scrolled through your Instagram feed and wondered about the difference between "Follow" and "Following"? Understanding how these two terms work is key to navigating the platform and engaging effectively with the online world. Instagram, a social media giant owned by Meta, allows users to connect with each other through these simple yet powerful actions. Influencers like Kim Kardashian often leverage their high follower counts to amplify their messages and brand reach. If you’re new to the platform, or just need a refresher, let’s clear up the confusion and explain what does follow and following mean on Instagram, so you can get the most out of your social media experience.

Decoding Instagram: Your Guide to Follows and Followers

Instagram. It’s more than just pretty pictures and fleeting stories, isn’t it?

It’s a visual universe connecting billions.

But how do you navigate this ever-evolving landscape?

It starts with grasping the core concepts: follows and followers.

Let’s break it down.

The Building Blocks: Follows and Followers Defined

Think of Instagram as a bustling city.

You, the user, are a resident trying to make connections.

Follows are your way of subscribing to content from other residents, like subscribing to their newspaper or tuning into their daily broadcast.

Followers are the residents who are interested in your content and have subscribed to your updates.

In essence, it’s about who you’re watching and who’s watching you.

Setting the Stage: Why Understanding Matters

Why bother understanding these seemingly simple concepts?

Because these interactions are the key to mastering Instagram.

Understanding who to follow strategically can elevate your feed and provide valuable insights.

Knowing how to attract and retain followers can unlock opportunities for personal and professional growth.

Whether you’re an influencer, a business, or simply a casual user, understanding this dynamic is crucial.

Mastering these Instagram dynamics will set you apart from the noise and allow you to connect with others in a meaningful way.

The Basics: Follow, Following, and Followers Defined

Now that we’ve set the stage, let’s dive into the nuts and bolts of Instagram relationships.

Think of it as learning the vocabulary before you try to write a novel.

What exactly is a follow? What does it mean to be following someone? And who are these mysterious followers we’re all chasing?

Let’s demystify these terms.

Decoding "Follow": The Gateway to Content

At its core, to "follow" someone on Instagram is to subscribe to their digital life.

It’s like raising your hand and saying, "Hey, I’m interested in what you have to say (or show)!"

When you hit that "Follow" button, you’re essentially giving that user permission to share their posts, stories, and Reels directly into your personal feed.

You’re opening the door to their content.

Unpacking "Following": Your Curated Universe

"Following" is the flip side of the coin.

It’s the list of accounts that you are subscribed to.

It’s your personalized collection of inspiration, entertainment, and information.

This is who you’ve chosen to let into your digital world.

It’s a reflection of your interests, your aspirations, and your connections.

Your "Following" list is your curated universe.

It showcases who captures your attention.

Defining "Follower": Your Audience Awaits

"Followers" are the individuals who have subscribed to your content.

They are the people who have said, "I want to see what you’re up to."

These are the people who have chosen to include your content in their daily scroll.

Followers are more than just numbers.

They are your audience.

They are the potential champions of your brand, your art, or your everyday life.

How They Interact: The Instagram Ecosystem

So, how do these three elements – follow, following, and followers – work together?

Imagine a Venn diagram.

You are at the center.

"Following" is one circle representing the accounts you’re interested in.

"Followers" are another circle representing the people interested in you.

Where those circles overlap, you find mutual connections – people who follow you, and you follow them back.

The beauty of Instagram lies in this interconnectedness.

It’s a constant exchange of content and attention, shaping the experience for everyone involved.

Understanding this dynamic is the first step to navigating the platform effectively.

Your Profile: The Hub of Your Instagram Presence

Now that we understand the language of follows, following, and followers, let’s zoom in on your Instagram profile.

Think of your profile as your digital storefront.
It’s the first impression you make on potential followers.

It’s the central command for your entire Instagram presence.

Is it welcoming? Does it accurately reflect who you are or what your brand stands for?

Let’s see how to make sure it does.

Why a Well-Maintained Profile Matters

A strong Instagram profile is crucial for several reasons.

First, it’s about credibility.

A complete and visually appealing profile signals that you’re serious about your presence on the platform.

It shows you care about the image you project.

Second, it’s about discoverability.

A well-optimized profile, complete with a clear bio and relevant keywords, helps you get found by people searching for content like yours.

Think of it as your SEO for Instagram.

Finally, it’s about making a great first impression.

In the split second someone lands on your profile, you want to capture their attention and entice them to hit that follow button.

The Numbers Game: Follow and Following Counts

Right below your profile information, you’ll see two key numbers:

the number of accounts you are following, and the number of followers you have.

These numbers are prominently displayed and readily visible to anyone who visits your profile.

But what do they really mean, and how are they perceived?

Interpreting Follow and Following Ratios

The ratio between your follower count and the number of accounts you’re following can speak volumes.

A high follower-to-following ratio often indicates popularity, influence, or authority in a particular niche.

It suggests that more people are interested in your content than the content you’re consuming.

On the other hand, a low follower-to-following ratio might suggest that you’re actively seeking out content and engaging with others.

Or, depending on the numbers, you are using a “follow-unfollow” strategy.

There’s no magic number, but be mindful of the message your ratio sends.

Public vs. Private: Controlling Your Instagram Experience

Instagram offers two key profile settings that significantly impact your follower dynamics: Public and Private.

Understanding the differences is essential for managing your online presence.

Public Account: Open to the World

A public Instagram account is exactly what it sounds like.

Anyone on Instagram can view your posts, stories, Reels, and profile information, even if they don’t follow you.

Essentially, you’re opening the door to anyone and everyone.

The advantage of a public account is its increased reach and discoverability.

You can attract followers more easily, as people can readily access and share your content.

This is generally recommended for businesses, brands, influencers, and anyone looking to grow their audience.

With that said, there is less control over who sees and interacts with your content.

Private Account: Gated Community

With a private account, you have control over who gets to see your content.

When someone wants to follow you, they must send you a follow request.

You then have the option to approve or deny the request.

Only approved followers can see your posts, stories, and Reels.

This is a great option for individuals who value privacy and want to share content primarily with friends and family.

However, it can limit your reach and make it more challenging to grow your audience.

Consider, once approved to follow, your followers may share your content to non-approved accounts with a screenshot.

Choosing the Right Setting

The decision between a public and private account depends on your goals and comfort level.

Do you want to reach a wide audience and grow your brand?

A public account is likely the best choice.

Do you prioritize privacy and control over who sees your content?

A private account might be a better fit.

Remember, you can always switch between public and private settings as your needs evolve.

Follows and Content Visibility: How They’re Connected

Alright, we’ve got our profiles set up, and we understand the basics of follows and followers.

But now comes the real question: how do these connections actually affect what you see and what others see of you?

It’s time to dive into the nitty-gritty of how follows dictate the flow of content on Instagram.

Your Feed: Curated by Your Follows

Let’s start with the most basic concept: your Instagram feed.

The content you see when you open the app is directly determined by the accounts you follow.

Think of it as a personalized magazine, carefully curated by your choices.

When you follow someone, you’re essentially telling Instagram, “Hey, I’m interested in what this person has to say!”

As a result, their posts, stories, and Reels have a higher chance of appearing in your feed.

It’s important to note that the algorithm doesn’t guarantee you’ll see everything from the accounts you follow.

But your follows are the foundation upon which your entire Instagram experience is built.

Reels Visibility: Does Following Matter?

Reels have taken Instagram by storm, and visibility is the name of the game.

Does who you follow impact the Reels you see?

The answer is yes, but indirectly.

While Instagram’s algorithm primarily shows you Reels based on your past interactions and interests, your follows play a crucial role.

Following accounts that create Reels within your niche or areas of interest increases the chances of similar content appearing in your “Reels” feed and on the Explore page.

Instagram learns from your follows to better understand your preferences and recommend relevant Reels.

Story Views and Engagement: The Follower Effect

Stories are a great way to connect with your audience on a more personal level.

But how does your follower count impact the number of views and the level of engagement you receive?

In general, a higher follower count tends to correlate with more story views.

More followers mean more eyes on your content, right?

However, it’s not just about the numbers.

The quality of your followers is also important.

A smaller, highly engaged audience might be more valuable than a large audience of inactive or uninterested followers.

Engagement metrics, like replies and reactions to your Stories, are great for gauging your follower’s genuine interest in the content.

Boosting Post Visibility: The Power of Numbers

Let’s talk about regular posts.

Does having more followers actually help your posts get seen by more people?

Absolutely.

A higher follower count acts as a social signal to Instagram’s algorithm.

It tells the algorithm that your content is valuable and worth showing to a wider audience.

Additionally, when you have a larger following, you’re more likely to receive likes, comments, and shares on your posts.

These engagement signals further boost your visibility, helping your content reach even more people.

So, while quality content is essential, a healthy follower count can definitely give your posts a significant advantage in the visibility game.

The Algorithm’s Perspective: Follows and Engagement

Okay, we’ve covered the basics and how your follows affect your feed. But what about the silent puppet master behind it all? Instagram’s algorithm!

Understanding how the algorithm thinks about follows and engagement is key to unlocking next-level Instagram success.

Let’s pull back the curtain and see what the bots are really looking for.

Follows as Signals: Decoding the Algorithm’s Logic

The Instagram algorithm is a complex beast, constantly evolving and adapting.

But one thing remains constant: it’s always trying to serve users the content they’ll find most engaging.

And that’s where follows come into play.

When you follow an account, you’re sending a signal to the algorithm.

You’re telling it: “Hey, I’m interested in this stuff!”

The more follows an account has, the stronger the signal it sends.

The algorithm interprets this as a sign that the content is valuable, interesting, or entertaining.

This, in turn, can lead to increased visibility, as the algorithm is more likely to show the content to a wider audience.

However, it’s not just about the number of followers.

The algorithm also considers the quality of those follows.

Are they real people who are genuinely interested in the content, or are they bots or fake accounts?

Engagement is the key determiner of the quality of follows.

Hashtags: Your Secret Weapon for Attracting Followers

Hashtags are more than just trendy words or phrases.

They are powerful tools for expanding your reach and attracting new followers.

When you use relevant hashtags on your posts, you’re making your content discoverable to users who are searching for those specific topics.

Think of hashtags as keywords that help the algorithm categorize and understand your content.

By using a mix of broad and niche hashtags, you can reach a wider audience while also targeting users who are specifically interested in what you have to offer.

Be strategic with your hashtag usage.

Research popular hashtags in your niche and use them thoughtfully.

Don’t just stuff your posts with irrelevant hashtags, as this can actually hurt your visibility.

Instagram may view this as spammy behavior.

Pro-tip: Check the number of posts with a hashtag before using it.

Too few posts mean no one uses that term, while too many mean your content will get lost.

Explore Page: A Launchpad for Follower Growth

The Explore page is where Instagram users go to discover new content and accounts.

Appearing on the Explore page can be a game-changer for your follower growth.

When your content is featured on the Explore page, it’s exposed to a massive audience of potential followers who may have never encountered your account before.

So, how do you get your content on the Explore page?

The algorithm looks at several factors, including engagement rate, content quality, and relevance to the user’s interests.

Create high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.

Use relevant hashtags and captions, and encourage engagement through calls to action.

The more engaging your content is, the more likely it is to be featured on the Explore page.

Getting featured on the Explore page can lead to a significant boost in followers, likes, comments, and overall engagement.

Engagement Rate: The True Measure of Success

Follower count is important, but it’s not the only metric that matters.

In fact, engagement rate is arguably even more important.

Engagement rate is the percentage of your followers who actually interact with your content.

It’s calculated by dividing the total number of likes, comments, and shares by your follower count.

A high engagement rate signals to the algorithm that your content is valuable and relevant to your audience.

This can lead to increased visibility and reach, as the algorithm is more likely to show your content to a wider audience.

Conversely, a low engagement rate can signal that your content is not resonating with your followers, which can hurt your visibility.

Focus on creating content that sparks conversations, encourages interaction, and provides value to your audience.

Respond to comments, ask questions, and run contests or giveaways to boost engagement.

Ultimately, a healthy engagement rate is a sign of a thriving and engaged community, which is the key to long-term success on Instagram.

Strategies for Organic Follower Growth

Okay, so you want real followers, the kind who actually care about what you’re posting? Forget the quick-fix schemes; we’re talking long-term, sustainable growth. It’s about building a community, not just racking up numbers.

Let’s dive into some strategies that actually work.

Actionable Tips and Tricks for Attracting Genuine Followers

First things first, ditch the generic content. Ask yourself:

What value am I offering?

Is it entertainment, education, inspiration?

Whatever it is, make it amazing.

1. Niche Down and Own It:

Don’t try to be everything to everyone.

Find your niche—the more specific, the better.

Are you a vegan baker, a miniature painter, or a travel blogger focusing solely on sustainable eco-tourism in Southeast Asia?

Own that space!

2. Content is King (and Queen!):

High-quality visuals are non-negotiable. Invest in good lighting, learn basic editing, and develop a consistent aesthetic.

Think about your brand and how you want to be perceived.

Then, plan your content ahead to maintain a theme.

It can be as simple as utilizing the same color palette for all of your photos.

3. Engage, Engage, Engage:

Instagram is a social platform.

Don’t just post and disappear.

Respond to comments, ask questions in your captions, and participate in relevant conversations.

Engage with other accounts in your niche.

Support your community, and they’ll support you back!

4. Hashtag Like a Pro:

Hashtags are your gateway to discoverability.

Research relevant hashtags in your niche, and use a mix of broad and specific tags.

Don’t just copy and paste the same list every time.

Experiment and track which hashtags perform best for you.

You can also include hashtags in your Instagram stories!

5. Collaborate and Cross-Promote:

Partner with other accounts in your niche for shoutouts, collaborations, or contests.

This exposes you to a new audience and can drive significant follower growth.

Find brands that are aligned with your values to collaborate with.

6. Post Consistently:

Consistency is key to staying relevant in the algorithm.

Figure out a posting schedule that works for you and stick to it.

Even if it’s just a few times a week, consistent posting keeps your audience engaged and attracts new followers.

The Follow/Unfollow Method: Ethical Considerations

Ah, the infamous follow/unfollow method.

The premise is simple: you follow a bunch of accounts in your niche, hoping they’ll follow you back.

Then, after a few days, you unfollow the ones who didn’t reciprocate.

Does it work?

Sometimes.

Is it ethical?

That’s where it gets tricky.

While not technically against Instagram’s terms of service (when done in moderation), it can come across as spammy and disingenuous.

People can see through it, and it can damage your credibility.

Furthermore, Instagram has implemented measures to limit the number of accounts you can follow and unfollow within a certain timeframe. This makes the follow/unfollow method less effective than it once was.

A Better Approach

If you’re going to use this strategy, do it thoughtfully and strategically.

• Be Selective: Only follow accounts that are genuinely relevant to your niche and that you’re actually interested in.
• Engage First: Before you follow someone, interact with their content. Leave thoughtful comments, like their posts, and show that you’re a real person.
• Don’t Unfollow Immediately: Give people time to follow you back. Unfollowing too quickly can be seen as aggressive and off-putting.
• Focus on Quality: Ultimately, the best way to attract followers is to create amazing content and engage with your audience.

Audience Retention: Keeping Your Followers Engaged

Attracting followers is only half the battle.

The real challenge is keeping them engaged and coming back for more.

A high follower count is meaningless if no one is interacting with your content.

1. Know Your Audience:

Who are you trying to reach? What are their interests, needs, and pain points?

The better you understand your audience, the better you can create content that resonates with them.

2. Create Valuable Content:

Give your followers a reason to stick around. Offer them something they can’t get anywhere else.

Whether it’s educational content, entertaining videos, or inspiring stories, make sure your content is valuable and relevant to your audience.

3. Foster a Community:

Create a space where your followers feel like they belong.

Encourage interaction, respond to comments, and ask for feedback.

Run contests, host Q&A sessions, or create challenges to get your audience involved.

4. Stay Consistent:

Regular content keeps your audience engaged and reminds them why they followed you in the first place.

5. Analyze Your Data:

Pay attention to your analytics to see what’s working and what’s not.

Track your engagement rate, follower growth, and website traffic to see how your content is performing.

Use this data to inform your content strategy and optimize your approach.

By focusing on providing value, building a community, and staying consistent, you can turn your followers into loyal fans who will stick with you for the long haul.

Bonus Features: Leveling Up Your Instagram Game

Okay, so you’ve got the basics down, and you’re steadily growing your follower base.

Now it’s time to explore some of Instagram’s bonus features.

These can really help you build deeper connections and boost your credibility.

Let’s dive in!

The Coveted Verified Badge: More Than Just a Checkmark

That little blue checkmark next to a username – the verified badge – it’s more than just a status symbol.

It’s a signal to the world that Instagram has confirmed your authenticity.

In a world of fake accounts and impersonators, verification is key.

Why Verification Matters

Trust and Credibility: The verified badge instantly boosts your credibility.

It shows users that you are who you say you are, whether you’re a public figure, a celebrity, a brand, or an organization.

Search Visibility: Verified accounts often rank higher in search results within Instagram.

This means more people are likely to find you.

Protection Against Impersonation: It helps protect your brand or personal identity from copycats.

Instagram takes impersonation seriously, and verification is a crucial step in preventing it.

How to Get Verified

While there’s no guaranteed formula, here are the key requirements and tips for applying:

Authenticity: You must represent a real person, registered business, or entity.

Uniqueness: You must be the unique presence of the person or business you represent.

Only one account per person or business can be verified, with exceptions for language-specific accounts.

Completeness: Your account must be public and have a complete profile.

This includes a bio, profile photo, and at least one post.

Notability: You must be "notable," meaning you’re well-known and highly searched for.

This is where press coverage, media mentions, and a strong online presence come into play.

During the verification process, Instagram will ask you to provide documentation to support your application.

This might include a government-issued ID, business licenses, or articles of incorporation.

Pro-Tip: Be patient and persistent!

Even if you’re denied the first time, you can reapply after 30 days.

Keep building your brand and increasing your online presence.

Close Friends: Sharing Your Life with Your Inner Circle

The Close Friends list is a fantastic feature for sharing more personal content with a smaller, more intimate audience.

Think of it as your VIP section on Instagram.

Why Use Close Friends?

Authenticity and Connection: It allows you to share more authentic, unfiltered content without worrying about reaching your entire follower base.

This can lead to deeper connections with your closest friends and family.

Privacy Control: You have complete control over who’s on your list.

This gives you peace of mind knowing that only your chosen circle will see your Close Friends stories.

Exclusive Content: You can share content that might not be relevant or appropriate for your wider audience.

This could include behind-the-scenes glimpses, personal updates, or silly moments.

How to Use Close Friends Effectively

Curate Your List Carefully: Think about who you truly want to share more personal content with.

It’s not about excluding people; it’s about creating a space for genuine connection.

Be Authentic: Don’t be afraid to be yourself!

The Close Friends list is a safe space to share your thoughts, feelings, and experiences without judgment.

Engage with Your List: Respond to messages and comments from your Close Friends.

Show them that you appreciate their support and that you value their connection with you.

Threads: A Dedicated Space for Close Connections (Brief Overview)

Threads was an Instagram-designed companion app built for closer, more intimate connections.

It focused on quick photo and video sharing with your Close Friends list.

While Instagram has since sunsetted the Threads app, its features have been rolled into the main Instagram app.

The app’s focus on close connections has shaped the platform’s direction.

What Happened to Threads?

In late 2023, Instagram officially discontinued the Threads app.

However, the features that made Threads unique – such as the focus on Close Friends and quick sharing – have been integrated into the main Instagram app.

This means you can still enjoy the benefits of those features within the familiar Instagram environment.

Key Takeaways

Even though the standalone Threads app is gone, its legacy lives on within Instagram.

The emphasis on close connections and intimate sharing remains a valuable aspect of the platform.

By understanding and utilizing features like verification and Close Friends, you can elevate your Instagram presence and build stronger relationships with your audience.

Pitfalls to Avoid: The Dangers of Fake Followers

So, you’re on the ‘gram, grinding away, trying to build a legit following.

It can be tempting to take shortcuts, right?

The siren song of instant gratification is loud, and the allure of thousands of followers overnight can be pretty strong.

But before you click that “buy followers” button, let’s talk about why that’s a really bad idea.

Trust me, the long-term consequences far outweigh the temporary ego boost.

The Cost of Counterfeit Clout: Why Buying Followers Backfires

Let’s be blunt: buying fake followers is like building a house on sand.

It might look impressive from the outside, but it’s ultimately unstable and unsustainable.

The Engagement Rate Debacle

Here’s the biggest problem with fake followers: they don’t engage.

They’re bots, inactive accounts, or, at best, people who were paid to follow you and have no genuine interest in your content.

This tanks your engagement rate (likes, comments, shares) which is a crucial metric for Instagram’s algorithm.

A high follower count with low engagement screams “fake!” to anyone who knows what they’re looking at.

And, more importantly, it tells the algorithm that your content isn’t worth showing to real people.

So, ironically, buying followers can actually hurt your organic reach.

The Credibility Crash

Think about it: would you trust an influencer with a million followers but only a handful of likes on their posts?

Probably not.

Buying followers erodes your credibility.

Brands and potential collaborators will see through the charade.

They’re looking for authentic engagement and a genuine connection with your audience, not inflated numbers.

It sends the message that you’re willing to deceive your audience to gain recognition.

Is that the reputation you want to build?

Breaking the Rules: Instagram’s Terms of Service

Beyond the practical downsides, buying fake followers is a direct violation of Instagram’s Terms of Service.

Instagram actively combats fake accounts and bot activity.

If they catch you, they can remove your fake followers (leaving you worse off than you started), shadowban your account (drastically limiting your reach), or even suspend or permanently ban your account.

Is that risk worth it for a fleeting moment of perceived popularity?

I think not.

The Alternative: Build a Real, Engaged Community

The truth is, there are no shortcuts to success on Instagram.

Building a real, engaged community takes time, effort, and genuine connection.

Focus on creating high-quality content that resonates with your target audience.

Engage with your followers, respond to comments, and participate in relevant conversations.

Use relevant hashtags to reach new people.

Be patient, be authentic, and the right followers will come.

It’s a marathon, not a sprint.

And the rewards of building a genuine community are far greater than any temporary boost from fake followers.

Putting It All Together: Mastering the Follower Game

So, we’ve journeyed through the ins and outs of follows, following, and followers on Instagram.

Now, let’s see how all this knowledge translates into real-world success.

It’s time to pull back the curtain and examine some accounts that are absolutely crushing the follower game, and distill their strategies into actionable takeaways for you.

Ready to transform your Instagram presence?

Learning from the Best: Instagram Success Stories

Want to see how the pros do it?

Let’s dissect a few examples of Instagram accounts that have mastered the art of leveraging follows and followers to achieve their goals.

We’re not just talking about vanity metrics here; we’re talking about accounts that have built thriving communities and achieved tangible results.

Case Study: National Geographic

National Geographic (@natgeo) is a prime example of how to cultivate a massive, engaged following.

With millions of followers, they’ve achieved this by consistently posting stunning visuals and telling compelling stories about our world.

They don’t just post pretty pictures; they provide context, information, and inspire a sense of wonder.

Their success lies in their unwavering commitment to high-quality content that resonates deeply with their target audience.

Case Study: Nike

Nike (@nike) isn’t just selling shoes; they’re selling a lifestyle.

Their Instagram feed is a curated collection of aspirational imagery, featuring athletes, fitness enthusiasts, and everyday people pushing their limits.

They leverage user-generated content, run engaging contests, and use powerful storytelling to connect with their audience on an emotional level.

Notice how they foster a community of belonging, making their followers feel like they’re part of something bigger than themselves.

Case Study: Huda Beauty

Huda Kattan (@hudabeauty) built her empire from the ground up, starting with a blog and expanding to a global beauty brand.

Her Instagram account is a masterclass in engaging content, featuring makeup tutorials, product reviews, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her life.

She actively interacts with her followers, solicits feedback, and creates a sense of genuine connection.

This consistent engagement keeps her audience coming back for more and solidifies her position as a trusted authority in the beauty world.

Key Takeaways: Optimizing Your Instagram Presence

Alright, so we’ve seen some examples of accounts absolutely killing it.

Now, how do we take those lessons and apply them to your Instagram strategy?

Here’s a cheat sheet:

Content is King (and Queen!)

It’s an old adage, but it still rings true: high-quality, engaging content is the foundation of any successful Instagram account.

Know your target audience, create content that resonates with them, and consistently deliver value.

Experiment with different formats (photos, videos, Reels, Stories) to see what works best.

Engagement is Everything

Don’t just broadcast; engage.

Respond to comments, answer questions, participate in relevant conversations, and run polls/Q&A’s in your stories.

Show your followers that you’re listening and that you care about their opinions.

Consistency is Key

Post regularly to keep your audience engaged and to stay top-of-mind.

Develop a content calendar and stick to it as much as possible.

But remember, quality over quantity always wins in the long run.

Use Hashtags Strategically

Hashtags are your friends (when used correctly).

Research relevant hashtags and use a mix of broad and niche terms to reach a wider audience.

Don’t go overboard; a handful of well-chosen hashtags is more effective than a barrage of irrelevant ones.

Tell Stories

People connect with stories.

Share your journey, your struggles, and your successes.

Be authentic and vulnerable.

Let your personality shine through and create a deeper connection with your followers.

The Importance of Authentic Engagement: Numbers Aren’t Everything

Let’s be real: it’s tempting to get caught up in the numbers.

But remember, a massive follower count is meaningless if those followers aren’t engaged.

It’s far better to have a smaller, highly engaged audience that truly cares about your content than a huge following of bots and inactive accounts.

Focus on building genuine relationships with your followers.

Provide value, be authentic, and create a community where people feel like they belong.

In the long run, that’s what truly matters.

So, that’s the lowdown on follow vs following: Instagram meaning! Hopefully, you now know the difference and feel a little less confused navigating the ‘gram. "Follow" means you’ve tapped that button to see someone’s content, and "following" is a list of everyone whose posts are showing up in your feed. Now go forth and get your Instagram on!