How does instagram following list work
Instagram Following List Order Algorithm Explained [2023]
If you’re confused about the Instagram following list order, the first three sections of this guide will show you how the list order algorithm works.
This guide also covers proven strategies for managing and re-ordering your client’s followers and following lists.
Everything can be done using only the free mobile app—no need to invest in premium Instagram marketing tools!
Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
- How the Instagram followers list is sorted in 2023
- How the Instagram following list is sorted in 2023
- How the followers/following list Instagram algorithm works
- The order of followers on Instagram: Why should you care?
- How to order your following list on Instagram
- Instagram following list order: Frequently Asked Questions
- Build a healthy follower base with Vista Social
How the Instagram followers list is sorted in 2023
Instagram organizes the follower’s list based on a handful of factors.
The followers list of new accounts, specifically those with less than 200 followers, is usually alphabetically ordered. This uses the registered full names of Instagram users—not their usernames or “handles,” which are needed for logging in.
Image Source: InstagramInstagram automatically sorts an account’s followers list once enough data has been gathered on three aspects: recent interactions, relationships, and follower relevance. Each aspect is influenced by multiple factors, which will be analyzed by Instagram’s algorithm before sorting the follower’s list.
The faster a new account builds connections, generates engagement, and garners interactions, the quicker Instagram will be able to sort its list of followers.
That’s why most old and active accounts have a followers list (even those with less than 200 followers) that appear randomly-sorted.
If your client’s followers list isn’t in alphabetical order anymore, you’ll find that user accounts at the top are the ones who interact with your client more frequently.
They may give your client more likes, write frequent comments on their posts, answers most of their Instagram poll questions, and so on.
Do stalkers appear first on the Instagram followers list?
No, being a social media “stalker” doesn’t propel your client’s Instagram account to the top of someone else’s followers list.
A social media stalker is someone who routinely checks your client’s Instagram profile and views their content, including stories, reels, and feed posts.
While these interactions are clear user engagement signals, Instagram orders your client’s followers list based on their online relationship. That includes your client’s interactions with the Instagram account (the stalker) in question.
How the Instagram following list is sorted in 2023
Contrary to the followers list, the Instagram following list order is more straightforward.
The order of your client’s Instagram following list is sorted according to mutual interactions with other users.
This is Instagram’s “Default” method of organizing the following list, which is meant to help users find their closest connections.
It’s worth noting that your client’s following list may look different when viewed through other accounts.
The exact, default order of your client’s following list is only visible to you, your client, and anyone else that possesses their Instagram credentials.
For other users, your client’s following list will be sorted according to mutual connections. This is designed to help Instagram users find relevant contacts they frequently interact with—in the same circle.
How the followers/following list Instagram algorithm works
Instagram never publicly released the details of their followers/following list algorithms.
However, widespread evidence and the independent studies conducted by the social media community—including Instagram influencers—reveal the following to be the biggest factors affecting the order of the followers/following list:
1.
Mutual followersWhen viewing another person’s followers or following list, mutual followers will appear at or near the top of the list.
Mutual followers are Instagram accounts that follow your client as well as the account you’re viewing.
Your client doesn’t have to follow these users back for them to appear. This is intended by Instagram to help users identify people they may know based on their association with the account being inspected.
2. Mutual followings
When checking someone else’s following list, Instagram may bump up the position of profiles your client also follows.
Mutual Instagram followings help users identify shared interests between them and another user.
For example, your client and another brand may follow the same group of food influencers. When viewing the followers list of one of those influencers, your client and the other brand may find each other near the top.
3. Mutual interaction data
Interactions on Instagram include likes, comments, saves, and shares.
The more your client interacts with another Instagram account, the higher their positions will be in each other’s followers/following lists.
Users that your client doesn’t follow may still appear at the top of the list if they frequently engage your client’s account. However, they will be overtaken by users who are followed by your client AND often interact with your client’s Instagram content.
Instagram interactions that indicate a personal relationship, such as tags and Direct Messages (DMs), also heavily influence the followers and following lists. For Instagram, these interactions mean that the relationship between two users goes beyond the social media app.
4. Recent followers
On your client’s follower list, users who recently followed may get listed near the top—just below relevant users who interact with your client frequently.
A recent follower may not have interacted with your brand before. But if they’re active on Instagram, published a lot of posts, and have a decent number of followers, they could make their way to the top of the list.
5. Popular followers/following
Lastly, popular Instagram users may easily find their way to the top half of anyone’s followers and following lists.
Interestingly, several users and publications report that verified accounts (blue check mark) appear near the bottom. However, they can be pushed up your client’s following or followers list through frequent interactions.
The order of followers on Instagram: Why should you care?
The order of the followers and following lists may not seem like a big deal. But if you know how to use them, they can be used to further social media marketing goals.
1. Show off the most influential followers
Having popular and verified Instagram accounts at the top of the list lets you build authority by association.
Following relevant influencers, thought leaders, and experts shows that your client is in-tune with the community surrounding their niche. If popular users follow your client, showing them at the top of the followers list elevates the brand’s image and credibility.
2. Keep Instagram content inspirations close
Borrowing inspiration from popular Instagram creators ensures you never run out of content ideas for client campaigns.
With talented users at the top of your client’s following or followers list, it’s easier to plan your next Instagram post. Just look at their profiles and analyze their top-performing posts to plan your own content pillars for Instagram.
Instagram implemented a feature for finding creators and businesses called “Categories.” You’ll find it at the top of your client’s following list.
Image Source: InstagramWhile handy, this feature doesn’t include Instagram accounts below a specific popularity threshold. This can be problematic if you regularly obtain content ideas from smaller Instagram profiles.
3. Screenshot purposes
Social media marketing agencies, “gurus,” and bloggers may need to take screenshots of the Instagram app for specific content topics.
Rather than a list of different accounts, you may want to use screenshots that show popular Instagram profiles.
Maneuvering Instagram’s algorithm and switching up your followers and following lists will get this done.
Instagram screenshots can be embedded in blog posts, compiled into reels, shared as stories, and more.
Must-read: How to Make a Reel with Photos
4. Identify your hottest prospects
The algorithm-based followers and following lists make it easy for businesses to identify their most active connections.
This can lead to high-value leads that expressed strong purchase intent through multiple social media interactions.
If your client’s top followers are influencers or accounts with a sizeable following, you can seize the opportunity to work on a collaborative project. This will help your client win their target audience’s trust, raise brand awareness, get more followers, and generate more conversions.
5. Gauge performance of recent content
Publishing Instagram content pieces may lead to a boost in followers. However, it’s only beneficial if you draw the attention of the right kind of audience.
Looking at your client’s followers list and analyzing recent followers help you gauge the effectiveness of your content strategy in generating high-quality leads.
If you only attract users who don’t fit your client’s ideal customer profile, you may need to rethink your Instagram content strategy.
Don’t forget that you can also evaluate your strategy by checking if your client is gaining or losing followers on Instagram. Again, a quick look at the followers list from their Instagram page will point you in the right direction.
How to order your following or followers list on Instagram
Manage the order of your client’s following and followers list on Instagram with the tactics below.
1. Interact with your top profiles
Frequently interact and engage the Instagram profiles you want to appear at the top of your client’s lists.
Remember, the only way to influence the default order of your client’s following or followers list is to do it naturally.
Once you identify your target accounts, develop an ongoing relationship-building strategy that consists of regular interactions, like:
- Writing constructive comments on their Instagram posts.
- Exchanging regular DMs.
- Consistently liking and sharing their content.
Streamline your relationship-building efforts with a social media management platform like Vista Social.
With the consolidated “Inbox” feature, stay on top of social media conversations across all linked accounts.
2. Arrange your following list chronologically
Arrange your client’s following list in chronological order using the Instagram app—no need for third-party IG tools.
On the app, head to your client’s profile page, and tap ‘Following.’
Switch from the default order by tapping the ‘Sort by’ icon right above the list of followed accounts.
Image Source: InstagramOn the pop-up bottom menu, tap the order you prefer to refresh your following list.
‘Date followed: latest’ will prioritize the accounts you recently followed. ‘Date followed: earliest,’ on the other hand, starts the list with the accounts you followed first.
Image Source: Instagram3. Use social media interaction posts
Publish content pieces that encourage other users to interact with your posts.
This strategy is perfect if you want your client’s followers list to reveal high-quality prospects.
Some of the best social media interaction post ideas for Instagram are:
- Instagram Stories. Use interactive stickers like polls, questions, and the “Add yours” sticker to stir up interactions. These interactive assets are also helpful in extracting feedback from followers and acquiring user-generated content.
- Hashtag contests. Obtain truckloads of comments on Instagram posts by running a hashtag contest. Other than user engagement, hashtag contests also maximize your client’s reach and discoverability on social media.
- Reel response videos. Use the remix feature to publish response videos to Instagram Reels followed by someone else.
If you have a list of priority accounts to bump up in your followers or following list, be sure they see your content first. You can share it with them via DM or mention your content in a comment.
4. Build mutual connections
Lastly, aim to build a similar following and followers list to increase the position of your target accounts on Instagram.
Head to their profile and tap ‘Following’ for a list of potential mutual connections. From there, simply tap the blue ‘Follow’ button to the right of each account—working your way from top to bottom.
Image Source: InstagramInstagram following list order: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Instagram following list in order of interaction?
The order of Instagram’s following list is largely based on frequent social media interactions.
Profiles you usually engage with through likes, comments, DMs, and shares are likely to appear at the top.
Is Instagram following in chronological order 2023?
Instagram uses an interaction-based algorithm to sort the following list by default. The app also lets you organize the following list chronologically.
Can you see what someone likes on Instagram?
Instagram used to include a feature that lets you find content other users recently interacted with. Today, this information is private and can’t be unveiled by other users.
Build a healthy follower base with Vista Social
Managing conversations isn’t the only way to use Vista Social to manage your followers or following lists.
Vista Social also lets you schedule Instagram content according to optimal posting times.
The platform also offers free hashtag suggestions, user engagement analytics, and social media listening to help you manage your client’s followers and following lists.
Learn more by creating a free Vista Social account and using it yourself!
How the Instagram Followings and Followers List is Ordered (Sorted) in 2022
If you’ve taken a look at your Instagram Followings and Followers list, you may be wondering how it’s sorted. At first glance, it may be seemingly random, but there’s actually a lot more to it.
In past years, Instagram arranged your followers and following list in order based on who you followed recently. But now, you may be intrigued by seeing certain profiles appear at the top of the list, but others buried deep below. Although Instagram hasn’t officially announced how these lists are precisely ordered, it’s clear that there’s a complex algorithm behind it.
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You may have even “stalked” or closely examined a friend’s profile. By taking a quick glance at their followings and followers list, you may be curious to know why some profiles are at the top of the list while others are at the bottom.
Many Instagram users look at these lists to try and see who’s a recent follower. But you’ll soon realize that this isn’t a reliable method. In fact, there’s a wide variety of factors that determine the order and it’s sorted differently in each list. Let’s get right into it.
How the Instagram Following List is Ordered in 2022
Currently in 2022, for third-party accounts that you’re viewing, Instagram orders the Following list based on mutual interaction. For example, accounts that you often like or receive likes from are prioritized towards the top.
In addition, if you DM each other, comment, tag or frequently visit their profile, the account will appear towards the top of the list. This is true for other accounts you’re viewing, but what about your own?
If you look at your own profile’s Instagram Followings list, you’re now able to sort it. While you can’t do this with other accounts you’re viewing, you can do it with your own while you’re logged in.
Simply click on the Following number on your profile page, and there will be two arrows you can click. This will bring up the “Sort by” feature that will let you sort by the latest or earliest accounts you’ve followed, based on date.
How the Instagram Followers List is Ordered in 2022
There’s a bit more behind the scenes in regards to how the Instagram Followers list is ordered.
For many accounts with less than 200 followers, the Instagram Followers list will be alphabetically ordered by profile names. Not by actual usernames, but by the specific name that’s listed on their profile. If they haven’t entered any name and/or intentionally left it blank, their profile will appear at the very top of the followers list, followed by alphabetically ordered first names.
But this isn’t always the case, even with some accounts that have less than 200 followers. In fact, this is mostly true for older accounts that were created several years ago. Now, if you examine a followers list and you notice it’s seemingly random, Instagram’s algorithm is to blame.
Recently, this is actually what we’re seeing happen more often than not.
In 2022, Instagram uses artificial intelligence (AI) and a complex algorithm to determine the order of the followers list. Three important factors are taken into consideration. These include your relationship, relevance and recent interactions.
Simply put, Instagram’s algorithm lists accounts at the top of the followers list that you’re most likely to interact with, based on profiles you most commonly view, message, or DM. If you haven’t necessarily interacted with any of them, Instagram may base the order on shared interests.
How the Instagram Followers List Algorithm Works
While Instagram doesn’t directly communicate specific details on how the followers list is ordered, we’ve spent countless hours researching and analyzing a wide range of accounts and their followers lists. Ultimately, we’ve discovered quite a few factors that determine the order:
1.
People You FollowIf you’re looking at a third-party account such as your friend’s Instagram followers list, you’re most likely to see people you follow appear first. Accounts that you, yourself follow through your own account will be at the top. Instagram shows mutual followers as the most relevant at the top of the list. Simply put, if you follow the same people that your friend follows, you’ll see them first.
2. Interactions
Another important factor that will display certain accounts at the top of the list is based on interaction. An interaction can be a DM, like or comment. For example, if you and another account often likes or comments on the same posts, you’re most likely going to find them at the top of the followers list. Regardless of if you’re following them or not, Instagram will compare your interaction habits and position these accounts first.
3. Mutual Followers
If accounts that follow you and also the person of the followers list that you’re viewing, they will appear towards the top.
Even if you don’t follow them back, accounts that follow you and the account you’re spying on will be prioritized.
This is true when the person is being followed by an account that you also happen to follow. When Instagram sees that you’re mutually following the same accounts, it’s a clear indication that you share a similar interest.
4. Accounts that Follow You
Another important factor that Instagram’s algorithm takes into account is the accounts that follow you. If you’re browsing a followers lists, you’ll likely notice accounts that are already following you.
If this is the case, it’s because Instagram assumes you may already be familiar with them. Therefore, they’ll make the accounts that follow you appear towards the top of the list so you have a better chance of viewing their profile and possibly following them shortly thereafter.
5. Accounts that Stalk You
On an account’s followers list, you may assume that other profiles that commonly view yours will appear towards the top.
This isn’t true if they simply often view your profile without liking or commenting. However, if they don’t follow you, but sometimes comment or like your posts, they’ll most likely be prioritized towards the top of the followers list.
Simply put, viewing a profile isn’t a sole-indicator that they should appear at the top. But if they interact with you in any other way, it’s an indication to the Instagram algorithm to position them higher than would otherwise be.
6. Accounts That Have Recently Followed You
Instagram accounts that have recently followed your own account is another factor that the algorithm looks at. When you’re viewing a followers list, people that have recently followed you will be prioritized next. Instagram sees this as a clear indicator that they have a connection to you.
Even if you don’t follow the account back, it’s an important variable that shows a connection. Ultimately, this may even lead you to follow them back, which will then tell the algorithm that they should prioritize the account even more.
7. Geo-Location
The actual geo-location of other accounts is another factor that Instagram looks at with their followers list algorithm. An account that shares the same location with your own is given priority. If you check a followers list and there are no other traits you share, the physical location is taken into consideration.
For example, if you’re located in the USA, but the account you’re viewing is UK-based, USA users will appear towards the top of the followers list. However, this is only apparent when the geo-location is somewhat close by; typically by city, state, province or country. Truthfully, geo-location isn’t that big of factor, but it’s still a factor, albeit a small one.
8. Lots of Posts
Accounts with a lot of posts tend to appear towards the top. Even if you don’t have a close connection to them, an account that has a lot of posts shows Instagram that these accounts are very active. Therefore, they will tend to prioritize them above accounts that aren’t used as often.
When a person has an account with hundreds or thousands of posts, it indicates users who spend a lot of time on Instagram.
9. Popular Accounts with More Followers and Following
When Instagram sees accounts that have a lot of followers or followings, the algorithm tends to trust them a bit more. Because of this, the most popular accounts, even if you don’t interact with them, are given a higher position than others that have a low follower or following count. In fact, the smallest sized accounts tend to be at the bottom of the followers list.
10. Verified Accounts
Although it’s somewhat hard to explain, we found that verified accounts tend to appear much lower on the followers list than others. You’d think it would be the other way around. However, we always notice verified accounts with lots of followers to appear at the bottom of the list.
While it’s unknown as to why they do this, it seems to always be the case. One possible theory is that Instagram tends to associate verified accounts with “brand” accounts.
Therefore, they may assume you don’t want to necessarily interact with brands in the same manner you’d interact with accounts for actual people.
Instagram’s Followings & Followers List Algorithm is Always Changing
The truth of the matter is, Instagram’s algorithm that determines the followings and followers list is always changing. Just last year, the algorithm was completely different than it is today in 2022. While it may seem complicated and a bit contrived, Instagram’s main goal is to keep interaction at an all time high.
Simply put, they want you to stay on the Instagram app as long as possible. It looks good for their advertisers and their overall statistics. That said, the order of the followings and followers list is seemingly based on who Instagram thinks you’ll browse or interact with more often than not. In the end, they want you to be deeply invested in the app for as long as possible.
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In what order are subscriptions on instagram?
Recent first - this list will sort your subscriptions in reverse order (the most recently subscribed profiles will appear first). First first - using this sorting, you can see which accounts you subscribed to first.
The most viewed friends are always on top. Those accounts that are not in your subscriptions, but saw by chance, will always be at the bottom. nine0003
Tap on the three dots in the upper right corner of the screen and select "Block". So you can view other people's subscriptions and who subscribed to whom in Instagram .
In Instagram now you can sort and group your « Following » In the section « Following » there are two lists that display lists of profiles with whom you interact most often and vice versa. … In addition, in Section Subscriptions » Sorting by date of subscription to a particular profile is available.
The category subscribers includes people who have subscribed to you. The second column is the people you subscribe to. If you run a personal page, you probably choose people carefully, because the photos they post form a list of updates in the feed.
How to view stories on Instagram
And at the top left - your stories . If you click on the circle, then stories on Instagram will start. To exit, swipe down from the top of the screen. The first highlighted are those stories that have been published recently.
If "someone" watches your stories on Instagram anonymously through a special service, you will not be able to find out who is doing it, so as this "someone" does not use his Instagram account and therefore cannot leave your footprints on your Instagram. nine0003
To find out actions of your followers, their marks, you need to go to the tab " Actions " - a page with all marks actions and users - "Subscriptions".
Here is a list of all actions of followers that you follow. To see who liked you, click on the photo / video from your profile.
After registration, go to the menu, select "My Accounts", then in additional services - "Instaspy". Specify the person's account, actions which you want to see on Instagram and run the whole thing for analysis. After 1-2 minutes, you can rejoice or gloat.
If you want to change the order of posts in the guide or delete one, click on the three dots next to any post and select the desired item. "Remove from guide" or "Reorder posts". When you change the order of posts , just hold down the desired publication and drag it to a new position in the list. nine0003
Help Center Instagram
or your photo in the lower right corner of the screen to go to your profile. Select Saved. Click on the desired collection . Tap (iPhone) or (Android) in the upper right corner of the screen, and then select Edit Collection .
Instagram added lists of "close friends" - now you can only share stories with them ... When creating a story in Instagram , the user can share it with all friends, or only with relatives from his list. If someone adds you to their list, you'll see a green badge when you view their stories. nine0003
Instagram allowed to limit the circle of subscribers who can see stories. This feature appeared in the social network from November 30th. … If you notice a green icon when viewing Instagram stories, means you have been added to the circle of “relatives”.
By following a person or Page, you can see updates from them in your News Feed. If you "Like" a Page, you will automatically subscribe to it. Some Pages and profiles of well-known public figures with large followings have been verified by Facebook. nine0003
Instagram followers who should have been deleted yesterday - Social networks on vc.ru
“What are you talking about? Everyone understands that subscribers need to be recruited by all methods, and you are talking about deletion.
Alas, yes. You need to “clean” subscribers regularly.
13034 views
I'll make a reservation right away: if Instagram is run "just like that", "to be", then do not waste time reading. If it is interesting to delve into the algorithms, then everyone is glad.
As always: first a little theory, then move on to practice. nine0008
So, if someone thinks that the main thing on the Instagram business page is the number of followers, they wind them up by all possible methods and don’t care what kind of accounts they are, then I will disappoint you: the path to nowhere.
In social networks there is the concept of ER (Engagement Rate) - this is an indicator of engagement on a page or under a certain post. There are many of them, I will consider one.
How is ER calculated for a specific Instagram post?
ER = (likes + comments + saves) / number of followers * 100%
Now imagine you have 3000 subscribers.
7 people put likes on the post, did not comment, did not repost. 4 people saved the post. Calculate the percentage of engagement under the post.
ER = (7 + 0 + 4) / 3000 * 100% = 0.36%
When calculating the total ER for several posts or for a certain period:
ER = (all likes + all comments + all reposts + all saves) / number of subscribers (at the time of calculation) * 100%
Well, low ER (less than 1%), but what's the problem?
There seems to be a lot of subscribers, but there is no coverage and engagement.
Such accounts have 2 problems: content and audience quality.
- About the content another time. Here, without me, you know how to attract a subscriber. If you still want to discuss - write in the comments, I will prepare another article.
- Auditorium. What's wrong with her? Not active, you say. Why don't subscribers like and comment? Because they don't see posts.
And the fewer followers leave a reaction to your post, the fewer followers Instagram will show the publication. It turns out a vicious circle. nine0154
"Does not like" - read "and does not save", "does not comment", "does not share"
Because of this, the ER score is low. Why it's bad:
Firstly, 's blog does not inspire confidence, it does not look like an expert.
Secondly, when searching for keywords, the first places will be those accounts in which the total ER is higher. The number of subscribers in such blogs may be less than that of big competitors. On August 25, 2021, Instagram wrote about this in an article about algorithms. nine0003
Ok, but why delete subscribers?
We have come to the most interesting part.
Checking who is subscribed to the profile. How do you like subscribers who are subscribed to 2000 profiles, to 3000? For 5000? Everyone has seen these.
But if not, I will give examples:
This is what insta-parasites look like)
Now answer the question: will such subscribers see all the content?
If someone tries to prove otherwise, then look at the number of your subscriptions. Do you keep track of all the news? nine0003
But it's so important that subscribers see the posts and like them...
ER over 30% in business accounts is, of course, ironic!))) But you can get close to 7%.
What indicators should we aim for?
There is an opinion:
less than 1% is a bad indicator;
from 1% to 3.5% - average;
from 3.5% to 6% - above average;
over 6% is a high rate.
My practice shows that this happens in business accounts. If without cheats, giveaways, like-chats and other nonsense. Write in the comments if you have a different experience, preferably with examples. It will be interesting. nine0003
So, back to the idea that you need to get rid of insta-parasites.
They will pull accounts to the bottom every day. And profile owners puzzle over why the account has low activity, deplorable reach.
Well, you can't only have good subscribers, can you? Will they always be like this?
Yes. And that's okay. The percentage of low-quality audience should not exceed 10%. And the Instagram profile will take a deep breath.
But if the percentage of mass followers among subscribers has already approached 30%, we will not see blog activity, as well as reaching the top in hashtags and large coverage. nine0003
Mass Followers lead to the situation described in the pie chart above. They do not see the posts (of course, among thousands of subscriptions!), thereby killing the reach, ER and the blog as a whole.
You can spend money on content managers and copywriters, publish interesting posts, but the activity in your account will still hit the bottom every day.
How to calculate a similar audience?
Here are a couple of services: Instaparser, Instahero.
